Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Equipment for Rebuilding a Small Engine
Rebuilding a small engine can be more cost-effective than replacing it. To determine if the small engine is suitable for rebuilding, consider how serious the damage is, the amount of wear on the engine and what parts need to be replaced. Youll also need to make sure you have the right tools on hand to do the job.
Basic Tools
The basic tools and equipment needed to rebuild an engine include a set of hand tools, such as screwdrivers and wrenches; a torque wrench; feeler gauges; a ring compressor and a ring expander. You can also simplify the task of rebuilding a small engine by purchasing the parts you will need in an engine kit. A kit comes with bearings, pistons, rings, gear set, timing chain, gaskets, valve seals, camshaft, oil pump, lifters, and other necessary parts.
Crankshaft Bearings
Rebuilding a small engine will most likely require you to install new crankshaft bearings. As you detach the old bearings, determine if they are excessively damaged. If they have scoring, debris, dirt embedded on them, flaking or pitting, then you may need a new set.
Piston Rings
Oil burning and low compression are indications of worn rings. To restore the compression in the engine, this means you must replace the piston rings. Replacement rings are available in different sizes and materials. Most rings are made of cast iron, although there are engines that have steel rings. Rings can come plain-faced, with a molybdenum inlay, chrome-plated, or nitrated. When purchasing new rings, you should try to get them as close to the original rings as you can. Take the original rings with you when you buy new ones to make this task easier.
Camshaft
When replacing the camshaft, you can install either a performance camshaft or a stock replacement. Performance camshafts provide increased duration and lift for additional power. You should follow the recommendations of the camshaft supplier for the proper duration and lift.
