Table of Contents

Preface

1. Basics
Four-cycle engines
Valve configuration
Lubrication
Two-cycle engines
Displacement
Compression ratio
Horsepower, torque, and RPM
Emissions
Stratified charging
Hybrids
Fuel injection
Catalytic converters
Fuel
Gas cans
Durability

2. Troubleshooting
Basics
No start
Crankshaft binds or freezes during cranking
Kickback during cranking
Loss of power and/or bogging under acceleration
Refusal to idle
Engine runs a few minutes and quits
Exhaust smoke
Excessive vibration

3. Ignition and related systems
Troubleshooting
Spark plugs
Flywheel
Breaker-point magnetos
Magnetron solid-state magnetos
Aftermarket upgrades
CDI systems
Smart Spark
Setting the E-gap
Battery and coil ignitions

4. Fuel systems
Tools and supplies
Fuel tank
Fuel filters
Fuel and pulse lines
Air filters
Diaphragm fuel pumps
Carburetors
Carburetor basics
Float carburetor operation
Float carburetor service
Diaphragm carburetors
Suction-lift carburetors
Suction-lift carburetor service
Carburetor adjustments
Governors
Electronic fuel injection

5. Rewind starters
Side pull
Troubleshooting
Overview of service procedures
Briggs & Stratton
Eaton
Fairbanks-Morse
Vertical pull
Briggs & Stratton
Tecumseh
Vertical pull, vertical engagement

6. Electrical system
Starting circuits
Charging circuits

7. Engine mechanical
Cylinder head
Valves
Breathers
Reed valves
Pistons and rings
Piston pins
Piston rings
Cylinder bores
Connecting rods
Crankshafts and cam timing
Camshafts
Main bearings
Thrust bearings
Seals
Governor
Lubrication systems

Appendix: Internet resources
Two- and four-stroke engines
Fuel systems
Ignition systems
Forums

Index

About the Author

Paul Dempsey is a master mechanic and the author of more than 30 technical books, including How to Repair Briggs & Stratton Engines and Troubleshooting and Repairing Diesel Engines, both published by McGraw-Hill Education.