Small-engine audio/visual DIY instruction

[Joel_BC]

Anybody who needs to get into the guts of small-engine maintenance and repair would be well advised to browse the list of videos at this link:
http://www.youtube.com/user/donyboy73?feature=g-user-u

The guy who uploads this accurate, helpful info is a pro. He teaches what he knows in a friendly way and at a relaxed pace.

Relevant to chainsaws, lawn mowers, snow blowers, quads, motorbikes, etc, etc.

 

[k15n1]

Although it does seem to be accurate, I found it somewhat beginner-oriented.

 

[Joel_BC]

Although it does seem to be accurate, I found it somewhat beginner-oriented.

Fair enough... though I think a lot of people can benefit from the info Donny does present.

Hey, why don't you do some more advanced vids for Youtube? There'd be people who could benefit from those, as well.

 

[k15n1]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pw7tlsEMn2c

 

[k15n1]

There's probably only one thing people need to know to keep their small engines running: don't leave gas in it!

But here's some more advanced instruction on the intertubes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSZ_gYUDUwA

 

[Joel_BC]

There's probably only one thing people need to know to keep their small engines running: don't leave gas in it!

But here's some more advanced instruction on the intertubes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSZ_gYUDUwA

I would say that fresh gas (hence, not leaving gas in the tank over winter or any other lengthy dormant period) is important. But even if you do that, your engine may not run (or may stop running very well).

But we can agree it's not the only aspect of maintenance. Spark plugs can accumulate carbon, or their gaps can need to be adjusted. Fuel filters can need changing. Air cleaners frequently need cleaning. Exhaust ports may clog up with carbon to the point where performance is seriously impeded. Main bearings and valve guides can wear - even if you change the crankcase oil (on 4-stroke engine) often enough.

And, for instance, I've got a rototiller that has a motor with overhead valves, and the valve-train gap needs to be adjusted roughly every year.

If you check this particular link, you'll see that Don (the maker of the instructional videos) has at this point put 617 vids on Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/user/donyboy73/videos
Far from being limited to beginner's stuff, a video like the one Don published on a topic like the complete teardown of a Briggs & Stratton 2-cycle engine is not aimed at beginners. However, many of the videos are on aspects quite approachable by novices.

 

[k15n1]

I watched more of his videos. You're right, he does pretty well. Quite a bit of commentary at the beginning of some of the videos, though.

 

[2dream]

Thanks Joel - You post the best links. Well at least the best for me. I know nothing about small engines and find myself in a position where I have to learn.

 

[Joel_BC]

Anybody who needs to get into the guts of small-engine maintenance and repair would be well advised to browse the list of videos at this link:
http://www.youtube.com/user/donyboy73?feature=g-user-u

The guy who uploads this accurate, helpful info is a pro. He teaches what he knows in a friendly way and at a relaxed pace.

Relevant to chainsaws, lawn mowers, snow blowers, quads, motorbikes, etc, etc.

Just wanted to add that the guy who puts up those videos at the link I gave also takes questions from people, about sm engine repair/maintenance, and answers them.

 

[Joel_BC]

Fuel filters are one of the routine things to check. With an engine that's hard to start or runs roughly or quits, it's a habit of many of us to see if the engine is getting spark (maybe we clean and gap the spark plug), and to see if fuel is getting to the carburetor. And maybe to try adjusting the carburetor jets (on carbs that have adjustments). Those are good things, but it's also good to remember that fuel delivery can be impeded by a dirty, clogged-up fuel filter. If so, change is needed...

Here's a Youtube vid about changing a chainsaw fuel filter (which is caintained in the fuel tank):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7A0v6UiFeg

Here's a Youtube vid about changing a 4-cycle engine fuel filter (which is often visible and between the fuel tank and the carburetor):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yxc3V6BBIeE&feature=related