Ah, small engines! Those marvels of engineering that power our lawnmowers, chainsaws, snowblowers, and go-karts. They’re the unsung heroes of our backyards and garages. Yet, when they sputter, cough, or just give up the ghost, many of us throw up our hands and call in the pros. But what if I told you that with a little knowledge, a few tools, and a dash of courage, you could become the master of these mighty mini-motors? Join me on a journey to demystify small engine repair, and along the way, we’ll sprinkle in some humor to keep things light. After all, if you can’t laugh while elbow-deep in engine grease, what can you laugh at?

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Why Bother? The Benefits of DIY Small Engine Repair

Before we dive into the nuts and bolts, let’s talk about why you should even consider this endeavor:

1. Save Money: Hiring a repairman can cost as much as a small engine itself. By doing it yourself, you save on labor costs and possibly even parts if you can refurbish them.
2. Self-Sufficiency: Knowing how to fix things on your own builds confidence and independence. Plus, you’ll never be at the mercy of a repair shop’s schedule.
3. Immediate Gratification: No waiting weeks for a repair appointment. Fix it now, use it now.
4. Hobby Potential: Many find small engine repair to be a satisfying hobby. There’s something zen-like about bringing an engine back to life. Old engines are interesting! Did you know Briggs & Stratton made kick start gas engines to power washing machines?
5. Bragging Rights: Imagine the look on your neighbor’s face when you casually mention you rebuilt your lawnmower engine over the weekend. Priceless.

Getting Started: Tools of the Trade

Before you can play doctor to your ailing engine, you’ll need the right tools. You don’t need a ton of tools to start repairing basic small engine issues. In fact, you may have some of these in your tool box already!

Here’s a basic list:

• Screwdrivers: Both flathead and Phillips. You’ll need these for obvious reasons. Various sizes and lengths are helpful for tight areas, or adjusting jets on carburetors.
  
• Socket Set: Engines are held together with bolts, and you’ll need a good set of sockets to take them apart. A good 1/4″ set will handle most small engine needs. I like the TEKTON 1/4″ set for its quality, warranty, and value.
  
• Wrenches: A variety of sizes, because one wrench does not fit all. Adjustable wrenches have their place, but they are not the best for small bolts and tight spaces.
  
• Pliers: For gripping, pulling, and occasionally, for bending things back into shape. Get at least one pair of groove joint pliers with teeth for gripping round pipe. SK Tools has a set that covers a lot of bases at an affordable price
  
• Spark Plug Wrench: A special tool for removing spark plugs. Depending on the engine, a regular wrench can be used. Your socket set may also include one.
  
• Feeler Gauge: For measuring gaps, especially useful when setting the gap on a spark plug. These are inexpensive and a must have for certain repairs. Gearwrench makes a nicely priced, USA made set that will cover all of your small engine needs.
  
• Oil Pan: To catch the old oil when you do an oil change. Otherwise, your driveway will become an oil slick. It doesn’t hurt to have a couple, they are great for putting under parts that need to be sprayed with carb or break cleaner.
  
• Carburetor Cleaner: This stuff is like magic in a can for cleaning out gunked-up carbs.
  
• Service Manual: A guide specific to your engine model can be a lifesaver. There are many free resources and communities online where you can find PDF versions. See the end of this post for some helpful links!
  
• Parts Organizers: Often overlooked, a few divided parts boxes will help keep you organized when dissembling your engine, and make things easy to find when putting it back together. There are many small parts to keep track of. I like boxes that have deeper removable bins like the Dewalt T-Stack organizers.

The Basics: How Small Engines Work

Let’s break it down Barney-style. A small engine operates on the same principles as your car’s engine, but on a smaller scale. Here are the basics:

1. Fuel: Gasoline mixes with air to create a combustible mixture.
2. Compression: The engine compresses this mixture.
3. Spark: A spark plug ignites the compressed fuel-air mixture, causing an explosion.
4. Exhaust: The explosion pushes the piston, creating power, and then the exhaust valve opens to release the spent gases.

Simple, right? Now let’s get into the meat and potatoes of common problems and how to fix them.

Common Issues and How to Fix Them

1. The Engine Won’t Start

This is the most common issue and can be caused by a variety of factors.

Check the Fuel: Is there gas in the tank? Don’t laugh. We’ve all been there. Make sure it’s fresh because old gas can go bad and lose its combustibility.

Spark Plug: Remove the spark plug and inspect it. If it’s dirty or fouled, clean it with a wire brush or replace it. Check the gap with a feeler gauge and adjust if necessary.

Air Filter: A clogged air filter can prevent the engine from getting the air it needs. Clean it or replace it if it’s really dirty.

Fuel Line and Carburetor: Make sure fuel is reaching the carburetor. If the fuel line is clogged or the carburetor is dirty, clean them out. Carburetor cleaner is your friend here.

2. The Engine Runs Rough

If your engine sounds like it’s auditioning for a part in a horror movie, it’s likely not running smoothly.

Spark Plug: Again, check the spark plug. A weak spark can cause rough running.

Fuel Issues: Ensure the fuel is clean and the carburetor is properly adjusted. A dirty carburetor can cause the engine to run lean (too much air) or rich (too much fuel).

Compression: If the engine has poor compression, it won’t run right. This could be due to worn piston rings or a bad gasket. If you’re feeling brave, you can dive into a compression test and possibly an engine rebuild.

3. The Engine Overheats

An overheating engine is a recipe for disaster.

Cooling Fins: Make sure the cooling fins are clean and free of debris. These fins help dissipate heat, and if they’re clogged, the engine can overheat. Engine shrouds should always be re-installed. On some engines they are critical for directing air to the cylinder heads. An air compressor with a blow gun is very handy for this, but not mandatory.

Oil Level: Check the oil level. Low oil can cause overheating and damage the engine. Always keep the oil at the recommended level. Change the oil and filter (if equipped) often!

Carburetor Adjustment: An improperly adjusted carburetor can cause the engine to run too hot. Make sure it’s set according to the manufacturer’s specifications. It can also cause backfiring out of the exhaust or carburetor.

Maintenance Tips: Keeping Your Engine Happy

Preventative maintenance is key to keeping your small engine running smoothly.

1. Regular Oil Changes: Just like your car, your small engine needs regular oil changes. Consult your manual for how often to change it. You may need to run specific oil weights based on temperature and engine age.
2. Clean Air Filter: Check and clean the air filter regularly. A dirty filter can reduce performance and efficiency. Some filters need to be reoiled periodically to filter properly.
3. Fuel Stabilizer: If you’re storing your equipment for an extended period, add fuel stabilizer to the tank. This prevents the gas from going bad. Seafoam and Stabil are popular choices
4. Spark Plug Replacement: Change the spark plug at least once a season. It’s a cheap part that makes a big difference. A bad spark plug can cause a lot of grief, have extras ready to go.
5. Keep it Clean: Regularly clean the exterior of the engine. Dirt and debris can cause overheating and other issues. If the engine is going into storage for winter, check for mouse nests in the spring. Mice like to hide behind the shrouds!

Conclusion: The Sweet Smell of Success

Learning to repair small engines isn’t just about fixing things; it’s about gaining a deeper understanding of how things work and achieving a sense of accomplishment. Plus, there’s a certain satisfaction in hearing that first sputter and roar of an engine you’ve nursed back to health.

So, roll up your sleeves, grab your tools, and dive into the world of small engine repair. Remember, every expert was once a beginner, and every repair job is a step closer to mastery. And when all else fails, you can always call a professional—after all, they need to eat too.

Happy tinkering, and may your engines run smoothly and your hands stay relatively grease-free!

Resources

Engine Parts and Information:
E Replacement Parts
Jacks Small Engines
Briggs & Stratton
I Save Tractors

Small Engine Communities with Reference Material/Manuals:
Garden Tractor Talk
Lawn Site
Reddit /rSmallEngines

You see, my workshop is in the garage. The door to our backyard is in the garage, and we have two puppies that love to play with whatever they can find, including my work gloves. Normally, my work gloves are stored on my welding cart. The problem with is that the welding cart is low to the ground and easily within our dog’s reach. Every time I turned around, my gloves and the dogs would be gone. One look into the backyard and it was easy to see where the dogs, and my gloves, went.

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My requirements for this work glove organizer were as follows:

• Easy to Construct
• Low Cost
• Wall Hanging
• Visible

I wanted this to be easy, very easy. It needed to be simple and quick to make. There was no need to over complicate and overengineer something that holds gloves. Cost was kept to a minimum, using only a scrap board, screws, and 2 inch binder clips that we already had on hand.

Due to limited space, this work glove organizer needed to hang on the wall above my wood and metal storage area. I wanted my gloves to be visible, both for easy access and to serve as a reminder to use them after some close calls.

Materials

• Scrap board 3/4″ thick – Sized to fit your area
• 1 1/4″ Screws – One Per pair of gloves
• 2″ Binder Clips – One per pair of gloves
• 2 1/2″ Screws – Two for mount the organizer to the wall

Tools

• Drill
• Drill Bits
• Tape Measure
• Square
• Saw
• Level
• Stud Finder (If necessary)

Construction

In order to construct this DIY work glove organizer, you need to find a scrap board that is a suitable size. Size will vary based on how many gloves you want to hang from it.

Allow 4″ between each screw, and 4″ from each end of the board. The board I used was a 1×6 that was already roughly 24″ long, so I didn’t need to cut mine. My recommendation is to use a board at least 3/4″ thick to allow enough wood for the screws to grab.

The binder clips will hang from the 1 1/4″ screws. To start, measure across your board in 4″ intervals and mark it. One screw will be placed every 4″. Using your square or tape measure, on the first line make a mark 1/2″ from the top of the board. On the next line, measure 1/2″ from the bottom of the board and make a mark. Repeat this process, alternating top and bottom, for the remainder of the board.

Once all of your marks are laid out on your board, pre drill holes for the screws on the marks you made in the previous step. Be sure to use a drill bit slightly smaller than the the screws you are using. You want to make sure the threads still have some wood to grab onto.

If you want to paint or stain your work glove organizer, this is a good time to do so. It will be much easier to do it before installing the screws and hanging it on the wall.

Now it is time to put the screws in. When installing the screws, make sure they are almost all the way through the board. You don’t want anything sticking out the back so that the work glove organizer will sit flat against the wall.

If you are using a 3/4″ thick board, you should have about 1/2″ of the screw sticking out the front. For boards of a different thickness, make sure there is enough of the screw in the wood to securely hold while also allowing enough stick out for the binder clips to hang on.

At this point, the glove holder is complete. All that is left to do is hang it on the wall.

Construction Video

Here is a video showing the construction of the work glove organizer

Installation

Congrats! You’ve finished your glove organizer. Now let’s get it hung on the wall.

Find a suitable spot to hang your organizer. If you have OSB or plywood on your walls, you don’t necessarily need to mount it to studs. The organizer with gloves won’t be too heavy.

If you are installing it over drywall, screwing into studs is recommended. While the gloves will be fairly light, it is better to be safe in the event that something falls or catches on the screws.

Once the studs are located, use a level to make sure your work glove organizer is….level on the wall, pre drill the holes for the mounting screws, and install the 2 1/2″ screws.

You are all set to put your brand new glove organizer into use. Using the 2″ binder clips, clip a pair of gloves together. Place the wire of the clip over one of the screws on the organizer. Your project is complete!

Final Thoughts

This work glove organizer is super simple and quick to make. It gives your gloves an organized and visible way to hang so you can pick just the right pair for the job. It will also keep them safe from any mischievous pets so they don’t turn into a play toy.

I have my welding gloves and hat hanging from it right now. They are easy to reach when I decide to work on some scrap metal art or need to clean and cut metal.

For next to nothing, using materials you may already have around the house, this is a project worth the small amount of time it takes to build.

Small welding projects are great for beginner welders, and pros alike.  They are a good way to hone your skills, give as gifts, and even spruce up your flower beds. Small welding projects can be simple and less time consuming projects, but that is not always the case.  Sometimes welding in tight areas and odd positions can be tricky.  And just because the projects are small doesn’t mean precise measurements aren’t needed.

In this post we are going to dive into 10 small welding projects you can try out.

Small Welding Projects

1. Welding Torch Holder

Our first small welding project is a practical one: A welding torch holder.  You know how it goes.  You are welding away on your project and have to stop and do some grinding or cutting and need a safe place to put your torch that isn’t a floor.  What better project than a torch holder for your welding table?

There are plenty of designs on the internet for torch holders, especially magnetic ones that will securely stick to your welding table.

I personally made a simple bent wire holder and welded a washer to it.  Using the existing fence screw on my welding table, I can now hang my tig torch and not worry about breaking the cup.

2. Welding Gas Bottle Hook

Next on our list of small welding projects is a welding gas bottle hook.  Like the previous example, this one is useful in the shop.  A bottle hook goes around the top of your shielding gas bottle and has several hooks on it.  These hooks are a good place to hang your welding hood, leather apron, and other items you need within easy reach.

When making a welding bottle hook there is some flexibility.  You can adjust the number and size of the hooks to best suit your needs.  The basic design is a ring made of steel rod that fits the tapered part of your gas bottle.  Hooks are welded on the ring at a slight angle to clear the sides of the bottle.  This is one of those small welding projects that can get tricky.  Forming a ring can take a little patience, and getting the angle of the hooks right and consistent can be a 

challenge for the beginner welder.

3. Silverware Bird

This is the first artistic piece on our list of small welding projects, and it makes a great gift.  It is a bird made of silverware.  All you need for this project are 2 forks for the wings, and 3 spoons to make up the head and body.  There is no shortage of silverware for projects at thrift stores.  Typically it is priced at 10 cents or less a piece.

If you want to get a bit more creative, you can build a base for your bird to sit on, or put it on a stake for your garden or flower bed. Check out this post for more scrap metal art projects

4. Desk Organizer

Show the office what you do in your spare time and make a desk organizer. Some round or square tubes cut to different lengths with different angles on the ends can make a great pen holder.  Weld 3 or 4 pieces together in an interesting way, add a base, and there you have it.  This can help beginners with layout and cutting angles, as well as welding tubing lengthwise.  Be sure to smooth any sharp edges!

Square Tube instructions here

5. Candle Holders

When it comes to small welding projects, candle holders make another great gift idea.  You can make candle holders out of almost any kind of metal.  Scrap metal candle holders lead to some interesting designs, and the material is almost free.  If you want to give bending some flat or round stock a try, a candle holder is a perfect way to practice making some scrolls or spirals.  You could even make one out of nuts and bolts.  The only real requirement here is that it holds a candle at the top, and has a heavy base so it won’t tip over.

6. Coat Hooks

Surely there is somewhere in your house or shop that could use some extra coat storage.  With this project you can make the hooks by bending and welding round stock, or make an entire coat rack out of metal.  Fabricated steel hooks painted black look great on a wood backing board.  You can stain the backing board to match your decor.  The hook design is up to you and your imagination.  One easy way is a piece of rebar welded to a plate with mounting holes drilled in it.

7. Chain Wine Bottle Holder

For this small welding project all you need is a piece of old chain.  Make a “U” out of the chain and weld it in place for the base.  Extend the rest of the chain upwards and weld it solid.  After that all that’s left is making a loop in the top slightly larger than the neck of a wine bottle.  This one makes another great gift.

Check It out Here

8. Wall Mounted Bike Repair Stand

Turn a locking sheet metal clamp into a bike repair stand.  All that is needed for this small welding project is an adjustable sheet metal clamp, a few scrap pieces of tube, and a scrap piece of plate.  Weld it on and drill some holes to mount it on your wall.  No more working on the ground!

View instructions here

9. Spark Plug Airplane

This one is a good conversation starter.  It is an airplane made from a spark plug and some scrap pieces of metal.  Don’t limit yourself to an airplane, people have made cars, motorcycles, tractors, and even boats out of engine parts and scrap metal.

Two different examples Jet Plane and Propeller Plane

10. Corner Jig

Our final small welding project is another practical one.  It’s a corner jig that can be used for metalworking and woodworking alike.  With a couple pieces of angle iron and some flat stock, you can make yourself a set of corner jigs to use on future projects.  Being made out of sturdy angle iron allow you to clamp directly to your jig and free up your hands.

View it on Instructables

Final Thoughts

We hope this list of small welding projects has inspired you to get into your shop and make something.  If you are interested in more projects, check out our post about scrap metal art.  The sky’s the limit when it comes to metalworking, no matter your skill level.  

Visit Instructables for plenty more project ideas. Visit our links page for more helpful info, and a list of equipment we use in our projects.