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Small Engine Repair - advice
Recently, I have found myself spending an inorindate amount of time
reading about small engines as the result of wanting to maintain/tune the ones that I have in the garage (snowblower, riding mower, weedeater, etc.). I've gone to the library, read online, bought a few DVDs and books, etc. As a result, my inquisitive daughter (8yo) has become very interested in small engines too...she's always interested in what projects my wife and I are involved with at any given time. Her interest has now extended to ask whether or not we could put flyers in the neighborhood offering to "fix/tune" small engines around the block. While I think that this would be a great way to her to learn about the different types of engines, there are obviously many variables to such a project. After thinking about it a bit, I wanted to ask for advice/opinions from those of you who might be more familiar with what is involved. What I've outlines so far is: - The scope is the immediate neighborhood, as I do not have a truck to haul equipment. Anything that we would work on would have to be transportable through the neighborhood without additional lifts, hitches, etc. We live in an area where we can extend 3 blocks east/west on side streets without needing to cross an avenue or major road. - Since this is not a business and she's 16yo, the only thing to charge would be actual part costs. No labor or additional expenses will be charged. Part replacements will be discussed with the owner prior to purchase. - The effort to fix is "best attempt," there are no warranties or guarantees, and I'm not taking out additional insurance. If the owner is concerned about their equipment that much, they simply do not respond to the ad and can take their machine to a formal engine repair business. Furthermore, if the job is considered too advanced (i.e., engine overhaul) or requires specialized (expensive) equipment, then we would simply decline to attempt such a project. I don't mind spending a little money on flywheel pullers and a few other odds/ends, but I'm not going to spend money on major equipment to diagnose the one odd-ball machine someone might own. - Her resources would include: internet sites, books, instructional videos and USENET (she's already able to surf and research information) - The project ends when she returns to school Is there anything else that we should consider (pros/cons)? I figured that even if we only received a few opportunities, or if someone donated an old machine or two that wasn't even worth selling in a garage sale, that it would be a good experience for her. I've been trying to explain to her the difference between "book knowledge" and the application of knowledge/actual experience. I guess that my primary concern is that we don't get into a bad situation with a local neighbor, but I think that if we outline the guidelines, we should be all right. TIA. |
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