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Small Engine/Generator Course
Posted on 4/8/25 at 12:01 pm
Posted on 4/8/25 at 12:01 pm
I'm interested in learning about small engine repair, maintenance, troubleshooting, etc on small engines like lawn equipment and generators. I know YouTube is an option, but wouldn't mind a formal course.
I'm not looking to turn it into a career, just expand my knowledge of the machines in my garage. So not interested in a year long type program. Just some continuing education courses that I could sit through. I'm in the Lafayette area if that helps.
Any suggestions would be appreciated!
I'm not looking to turn it into a career, just expand my knowledge of the machines in my garage. So not interested in a year long type program. Just some continuing education courses that I could sit through. I'm in the Lafayette area if that helps.
Any suggestions would be appreciated!
7
Posted on 4/8/25 at 12:05 pm to bmela12
quote:
Any suggestions would be appreciated!
Just get a gas generator and take it all the way apart. Once you get it back together and functioning, that'll teach you just about everything you need to know.
Sounds ridiculous, but it really isnt. That's how I learned.
Posted on 4/8/25 at 5:54 pm to bmela12
This post was edited on 4/8/25 at 5:55 pm
Posted on 4/9/25 at 12:15 am to bmela12
Well, there’s not a whole lot to them. Maybe you could go down to the local lawnmower repair shop for some saturdays and tell them you will work for free just to learn. Most of what you will be doing is changing spark plugs and rebuilding/replacing carburetors.
90% of all problems with small engines are the result of someone leaving ethanol fuel in them during the off-season. Ethanol absorbs a hell of a lot of water when it sits.
90% of all problems with small engines are the result of someone leaving ethanol fuel in them during the off-season. Ethanol absorbs a hell of a lot of water when it sits.
Posted on 4/9/25 at 1:06 am to DownshiftAndFloorIt
quote:
Just get a gas generator and take it all the way apart. Once you get it back together and functioning, that'll teach you just about everything you need to know. Sounds ridiculous, but it really isnt. That's how I learned
And YouTube/internet is loaded with instructional videos on repair and parts’ specifics.
Posted on 4/9/25 at 3:58 am to DownshiftAndFloorIt
quote:
Just get a gas generator and take it all the way apart. Once you get it back together and functioning, that'll teach you just about everything you need to know.
Sounds ridiculous, but it really isnt. That's how I learned.
I learned the most about small engines when a roommate years back bought a gas golf cart that had thrown a rod. We spent a week breaking it down and putting it back together. It was awesome when we got it back running and took the governor off.
Posted on 4/9/25 at 7:29 am to bmela12
You might look at either junior colleges or local tech schools for adult education "casual" classes. They're probably going to be aimed at seniors looking for a hobby, so they'll be listed near the "learn the Internet" classes and the like. I do not in any way vouch for this online class that comes with a book and basic tools, but it's only $225, and there seem to be a lot of similar classes.
I think we used Honda two stroke engines to learn off of in Junior high, at least your experiment subjects will be cheap.
I think we used Honda two stroke engines to learn off of in Junior high, at least your experiment subjects will be cheap.
Posted on 4/9/25 at 6:10 pm to bmela12
Took a "Small Engine Repair" class in 9th grade back in 1979(?).
The whole semester could've been taught in an afternoon.
I think we spent a month on "The Four Strokes of an Engine" diagram.
They were old Briggs and Stratton lumps from lawn mowers and such.
Finally got to take them apart and put them back together the last week of class.
YouTube is your friend here.
Fiberglass and Plastics class was way more fun!
The whole semester could've been taught in an afternoon.
I think we spent a month on "The Four Strokes of an Engine" diagram.
They were old Briggs and Stratton lumps from lawn mowers and such.
Finally got to take them apart and put them back together the last week of class.
YouTube is your friend here.
Fiberglass and Plastics class was way more fun!
Posted on 4/10/25 at 8:10 am to bmela12
Can’t beat hands on learning imo.
While the mower shop for Saturday gig sounds like a good idea I know a few that own shops and could see them denying that as it would slow their workers down. Plus, it’s the busy season now.
What I would recommend to you would be to pick up free non running and or parked units. Watch fb marketplace etc. Try to self diagnose and use YouTube when needed. Heck, there’s a few guys on fb that run small engine repair channels you could follow and learn from here and there. Good luck.
While the mower shop for Saturday gig sounds like a good idea I know a few that own shops and could see them denying that as it would slow their workers down. Plus, it’s the busy season now.
What I would recommend to you would be to pick up free non running and or parked units. Watch fb marketplace etc. Try to self diagnose and use YouTube when needed. Heck, there’s a few guys on fb that run small engine repair channels you could follow and learn from here and there. Good luck.
Posted on 4/10/25 at 10:42 am to guzziguy
quote:
Finally got to take them apart and put them back together the last week of class
You got off easy. My 9th grad class also worked on B&S engines. For our test, we (in two man teams) were required to disassemble the engine completely (every thing that could be separated into separate parts had to be separated and laid out for inspection by the teacher) and then reassemble it - twice during a one hour class. If it cranked on the first pull both times, you got an A, twice a B and so on. If it didn't crank before the fifth pull, you failed the test.
Posted on 4/12/25 at 8:32 am to bmela12
I think YouTube and pay online video are the only options left for practical tech training. As kid I was in awe of a neighbor who did his own "home & garden" welding. A few years ago, I searched high and low for an evening or weekend welding class in Baton Rouge. BTR Tech offered great career-training, but nothing anywhere for a hobbyist. I suspect small-motor repair is similar.
Posted on 4/12/25 at 11:41 pm to Tree_Fall
Thanks yall. Some good feedback and I agree that it sounds like YouTube for a hobbyist is my friend.
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