Basics

This page aims to provide a list of both “Minimum Viable Tools” as well as potential os projects for “nice to have’s” etc for making a Maintenance/Restoration Shop for Small Engines (mainly ICE Driven Landscaping Equipment, but also Generators)

Troubleshooting Gear

Multimeter + Attacments / a Spark Detector (Small Engines)
- The latter is basically a neon bulb you put in between the magneto and the spark plug via adapters
  - WAY more dim than a LED to Multimeter or whatever, but rugged, largely foolproof, and cheap
Spark Plug Wrench and/or Scrench for removal of the sparkplug for inspection and/or replacement
- To an extent a thin File or sandpaper can be used to remove debris and/or oxidation from a spark plug
  - While this is no replacement for a PROPER new one LONG TERM, it can help in a pinch

Independent Fuel Tank + Extra Fuel Line + Hose Clamps (and a means to adjust them)
- Sidenote for “Design for Repair” etc, matching the hose clamp size for small engines to the 1/4in hex that the Milwaukee Fastback Multitool is VERY nice
- This allows you to (somewhat) quickly test if “bad fuel” is the issue (without a full drain+replace of the fuel)
  - Also may help determine if the Fuel Filter is the issue, as most use one at the end of the fuel intake like, rather than an Inline Fuel Filter

Aforementioned Spark Plug Wrench and/or Scrench
An Air Pressure Gauge and an adapter to attach it to where the spark plug goes
- To an extent Dial Gauge can be preferable, although low refresh rate but held max value may work for Digital Air Pressure Gauges

Another potential source of issues is Fouling in the Air Intake/Carburetor or in the Exhaust (Especially the Muffler / Catalytic Muffler and/or Spark Arrestor (Small Engines)
Most of these are hidden behind layers of plastic shells etc
- Main thing though is disassemble + look, and MAYBE spray some aerosol parts cleaner etc
An Inspection Camera would be a nice to have (especially since it could be dropped down the spark plug hole, which short of the annoying “boot” is NOT very “hidden” behind panels/shells etc

An “ Air Filter Tester “ that takes the filter off the “dumb” weedwacker/leafblower/genset etc and puts it in between a source of forced air, and a pressure sensor/airflow sensor (with one in front as well etc)
- Thus instead of “oh the filter looks a bit dirty, can’t hurt to throw it out+swap it” qualitatively guess-mess, you get a QUANTITATIVE Go/No Go of filter performance/condition
- This wouldn’t make sense for small scale, but Fleet Management / in a repair shop, it would be nice
A similar system for testing Fuel Filters
A system for Backwashing air/fuel filters
- May be overkill if spare parts are easily available, but may be nice if they aren’t
A “Start Cart” for small engines
- To an extent Ratcheting (to prevent kickback killing your wrist) Adapters on a Cordless Drill / Impact Driver / Impact Wrench work
  - This would prevent the need to constantly use the Recoil Start system
A “Small Engine Test Jig” that basically:
- Adds sensors/remote alternatives to sensors to the engine, to aid in troubleshooting
- Has the options for alternative fuel systems, and electric system in an easily used, ergonomic way, and has FDM 3D Printed, or 3D Milled mounts for various engines/small equipment such that they can be secured down to the device
- Potentially adding non-you holding down the throttle throttle control for Dyno Testing style ramps/if used in conjuction with the Start Cart “semi auto” testing would be VERY nice too

Aerosol Parts Cleaner / Aerosol Starting Fluid
- For VERY dirty parts etc, a Recirculating Fluid Parts Cleaner / Vapor Honing system would be VERY nice, and would probably save your lungs from a good bit of BTEX exposure etx
  - To an extent soapy water/aqueous degreaser in a bucket or tub etc could work too
An Ultrasonic Cleaner would also be a wise addition, mainly for Carburetors / Clogged Carburetor Jets