Post - The Fifth - Workshop

This is my current shop setup. It was a one car attached garage. As I tell my wife, "We don't have a garage, we have a workshop with a big door on one end."

Unfortunately, this space is not heated or insulated. It is just too cold to use in the winter months. I have a full basement with an inexpensive pool table. That pool table gets covered in multiple layers of protection and then it acts as my winter time workbench. I DO NOT start any of the engines in the basement. If I have to start an engine, I will suffer the cold long enough in the workshop for that purpose.

The center workbench actually started out as an out-feed table for the table saw. I like to do some woodworking from time to time. Since the small engine repair stuff began, it's been difficult to find the time for anything else in the shop.

Post - the Fourth - Small Engine Repair Manuals

Here is a collection of small engine repair manuals that I have. 

As I do more and more engine work, I refer to these manuals less and less regarding disassembly and reassembly work.

However, these books contain very important information about engine specs like clearances and torque specs.

Carburetor work, carburetor linkage and governor settings are always important and I rely on these books for that information as well.

I also have a lot of PDF files from the internet regarding small engine repair. Most of my Tecumseh engine information is in the form of a PDF file.

I have also included a picture of my Ariens ST724 book. This is service information that I got from the internet. I then printed the information and made my own three ring binder SERVICE MANUAL - complete with a picture of MY snow thrower on the cover.

Briggs and Stratton

Part #270962-1/92

Briggs and Stratton

Part #276781-4/02 

Briggs and Stratton

Part #272147-11/93 

Briggs and Stratton

Part #272147-2/08

These two Vanguard engine books are the same part # but the second book is more current and includes newer Vanguard engines. 

This is an older book that somebody gave to me.

Below I have included a link to a good source of Tecumseh operators manuals.

http://www.tecumsehpower.com/CustomerService/OperatorManuals/index.php

A Google search for Tecumseh engine repair often returns links to PDF files that can be saved to your computer. I have a number of those PDF files but cannot possibly remember where each of those files came from. Some websites charge money for those PDF files but I think it's worth searching around for the free downloads.

Post - the Third - More tools for the arsenal

Here are more tools to add to the list.

The new valve spring compressor just arrived via UPS today. I think that it might be easier to use than the previously pictured valve spring compressor. I'll let you know after I use it for the first time.

 Battery Load Tester

(just because a battery reads 12V, does not mean that it works well under load, this will help)

Valve Spring Compressor

(I just got it delivered today - looking forward to using it)

Cordless drill/driver 

(Dewalt 18V XRP)

Cordless impact driver

(Milwaukee M12 - 2450-22)

As an avid DIYer, the drill/driver and this impact driver come in handy for much more than small engine repair.

Flex-Hone

There are many different sizes available and they aren't cheap. I bought this one for a specific job - I hope that I get the chance to use this size again. 

Multi-meter

This is a must for any DIYer. I like the digital read out on this one. 

KEEP THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL THAT COMES WITH IT, YOU WILL PROBABLY NEED IT TO REMIND YOU HOW TO USE EACH FUNCTION!

Post - The Second - Tools for small engine repair

One of the many questions that I had when I started working with small engines was: "What kind of tools do I need?"

Some of the repair manuals that I obtained had some of the answers but some of that data was also outdated. I hope to help others with that question in this blog.

Here are some pictures of the various tools that I picked up along the way. This is in addition to basic wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers and pliers that all mechanical people should already have in the tool box.

 Allen/Hex Wrenches

(Metric and SAE)

Battery Charger 

(this one is a Craftsman / Sears)

Bolt Puller Set that I have not yet used

(inexpensive from Harbor Freight) 

Custom made Carb Jet Tool

(it's a ground down screwdriver) 

Punch and Cold chisel set

(inexpensive from Harbor Freight) 

Engine Stand for Vertical shaft engines

(2X6 scrap) 

Flywheel Knockoff Tool

(available at most hardware stores) 

Briggs and Stratton Flywheel Puller

Briggs and Stratton Flywheel Holder

(Used often)

Old style flywheel holder
(Works better than the newer ones, in my opinion)

Feeler Gauge Set

High Priority

Gasket Scraper

(used often - swiped it from my Dad's toolbox) 

Gear Puller

(worth every penny) 

Various Hammers

High Priority

HeliCoil Set - for repairing stripped threads

(this one is for 1/4-20 Threads)

Hook and Pick set

(good for carb work) 

Impact Screwdriver

(inexpensive from Harbor Freight)

Knipex Wire Cutter

(expensive but worth it)

Knipex Cobra Pliers Set

Magnetic Parts Tray 

Ring Compression Tools

High Priority for engine overhauls or ring jobs

Parts washer

(inexpensive from Harbor Freight) 

 NES Thread repair tool

(very expensive toy - not a necessity)

Micro Ruler

Piston Ring Tool 

High Priority for engine overhauls or ring jobs

Propane Torch Kit 

Spark Plug Gap Tool 

High Priority

Spark Tester

(not necessary but good to have) 

Tap and Die Set

 Briggs and Stratton Starter Clutch Tool

Split Ring Pliers 

Strap Wrench

Telescoping Gauge Set 

Torque Wrench

High Priority

 Treysit Sirometer (Tachometer)

(to check engine RPM)

Valve Lapping Tool and compound

High Priority

Small Wire Brushes 

Large Wire Brush 

Valve Spring Compression Tool 

Briggs and Stratton #19347

Valve removal tool

 Cylinder Leak Down Tester
(This one is an OTC 5609)

Compression Tester
(This one is an OTC 5605)