Small Engine Repair?

Gabi

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How hard of a course is small engine repair? I am thinking about maybe taking a night class in this that way I could learn to fix my own equipment rather than having to take it elsewhere to be fixed.
 

briggs

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its not to hard if you understand how it works ....Remember this phrase SUCK(intake stroke)SQUEEZE (compression stroke)BANG ( detonation IE spark)BLOW (exhaust stroke )...plus learning all the little tricks of the trade helps to and trust me there is lots ...I was an auto mechanic for 15 years and i am still learning everyday ...Small engines is fun i do it as a hobby and enjoy it and i am always looking to learn more
 

Gabi

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I have a little understanding of mechanics, I used to tinker with my dad as a kid, so it would not be a big stretch for me to tinker with small engines.
 

briggs

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i would take the course why not ....It will give you lots of great info and hands on exp ....
 

Gabi

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Yes, they have one locally a couple of days a week. It is in the evenings and it coincides with my schedule. I enjoy tinkering so hopefully it should be fun, I'll keep you updated.
 

briggs

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Yes, they have one locally a couple of days a week. It is in the evenings and it coincides with my schedule. I enjoy tinkering so hopefully it should be fun, I'll keep you updated.

right on you wont be sorry lol.....Go check out my public gall i posted a few pics in there ...And i have treat for the car fans out there as well if i can find where to post it lol
 

Duffys OPE

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As the owner of a small engine shop, your question is one that I hear every day. Now, before you blast me as being too expensive and you need to cut costs, hear me out. For other than simple maintenance, you should take it in and here is why.
1: All of my techs are required to participate in continuing factory training for every make we sell and service.
2: We have access to any and all updated repair and maintenance information.
3: We employee your neighbors and by keeping the money local, the local economy grows.
4: If you do the work yourself, your time is worth something and you should be getting paid for it, figure that cost into the repair. If you pay yourself to repair something instead of earning money, you are losing. Do the math.

Learning anything is always beneficial and can never be taken away from you. Just make sure you are doing it for the right reason.

Oh yeah, get to know your local shop owner. Chances are pretty good that you will learn more than you bargained for. :smile:
 

Mad Mackie

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In the 70s I was a power equipment/marine mechanic at a local dealer. I taught evening classes at a local tech school three nights a week. Power equipment maintenance, Small boat safety and operation and Costal navigation. In both courses I got into basic electricity with my students and they loved it.
The courses were not too long, and the boat people requested that I do a navigation course, so the school setup and offered it. In 1980 I went back into the military having already spent 8 years in the Navy on submarines in the 60s.
Mad Mackie in CT:laughing::biggrin::smile:
 

cashman

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You'll enjoy it for sure. A great way to maybe gain some knowledge and sharpen some skills.
 

Bison

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As the owner of a small engine shop, your question is one that I hear every day. Now, before you blast me as being too expensive and you need to cut costs, hear me out. For other than simple maintenance, you should take it in and here is why.
1: All of my techs are required to participate in continuing factory training for every make we sell and service.
2: We have access to any and all updated repair and maintenance information.
3: We employee your neighbors and by keeping the money local, the local economy grows.
4: If you do the work yourself, your time is worth something and you should be getting paid for it, figure that cost into the repair. If you pay yourself to repair something instead of earning money, you are losing. Do the math.

Learning anything is always beneficial and can never be taken away from you. Just make sure you are doing it for the right reason.

Oh yeah, get to know your local shop owner. Chances are pretty good that you will learn more than you bargained for. :smile:
Time is worth nothing if the alternative is sitting on the couch.
The money is made by using that spare time to get to understand what make machinery and engines tick and be able to fix/maintain one's own equipment.
And that goes from the tiniest engine in a weed eater to whatever equipment one has incl tractors and cars or trucks.
The only thing i farm out is a crank grind or a head resurface cause i don't have the dedicated equipment(to costly)
other than that everything else is Do It My Self.
 
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