horticulture cd unit 6-4: nursery, landscaping, and gardening

Horticulture CDHorticulture CD

Unit 6-4: Nursery, Unit 6-4: Nursery, Landscaping, and Landscaping, and

GardeningGardening

Problem Area 6: Using and Problem Area 6: Using and Maintaining Tools and EquipmentMaintaining Tools and Equipment

Lesson 4: Maintaining Small Lesson 4: Maintaining Small EnginesEngines

What Would You do if:What Would You do if:

Your lawn mower breaks down?Your lawn mower breaks down? Your weedeater won’t start?Your weedeater won’t start? The engine on your shredder starts The engine on your shredder starts

to smoke?to smoke?

Learning ObjectivesLearning Objectives

Describe equipment maintenance Describe equipment maintenance schedules.schedules.

Explain how to service intake/exhaust Explain how to service intake/exhaust and fuel systems.and fuel systems.

Discuss the maintenance of cooling and Discuss the maintenance of cooling and lubrication systems.lubrication systems.

Discuss the servicing of compression Discuss the servicing of compression and ignition systems.and ignition systems.

Describe how to prepare equipment for Describe how to prepare equipment for storage.storage.

TermsTerms

Compression Compression GaugeGauge

Dry-type Air Dry-type Air CleanerCleaner

DynamometerDynamometer

Fuel StrainerFuel Strainer HydrometerHydrometer Long-term Long-term

StorageStorage Maintenance Maintenance

IntervalInterval

Terms Cont.Terms Cont.

Multi Meter (Volt-Multi Meter (Volt-Ohm-Amp Meter)Ohm-Amp Meter)

Oil Bath Type Air Oil Bath Type Air CleanerCleaner

Oiled Foam Type Oiled Foam Type Air CleanerAir Cleaner

Preventative Preventative MaintenanceMaintenance

Sediment BowlSediment Bowl Short-term Short-term

StorageStorage Spark TesterSpark Tester Thumb MethodThumb Method

When Should Small Engine When Should Small Engine Maintenance Jobs be Maintenance Jobs be

Performed?Performed?

Describe equipment maintenance Describe equipment maintenance schedules.schedules.

Small Engine MaintenanceSmall Engine Maintenance

The two fundamentals for managing The two fundamentals for managing small engines are to operate the small engines are to operate the equipment as it was designed to be equipment as it was designed to be operated and follow recommended operated and follow recommended maintenance procedures.maintenance procedures.

Small Engine MaintenanceSmall Engine Maintenance

Preventative maintenance is Preventative maintenance is performing periodic practices to performing periodic practices to keep equipment in good working keep equipment in good working order.order.

By performing preventative By performing preventative maintenance the owner tries to maintenance the owner tries to prevent costly repairs and down-prevent costly repairs and down-time.time.

Preventive MaintenancePreventive Maintenance

Clean air, fuel, and oil are keys to Clean air, fuel, and oil are keys to maintenance.maintenance.

Changing fluids, cleaning components, Changing fluids, cleaning components, and replacing filters must be done on a and replacing filters must be done on a regular basis.regular basis.

Consult the engine operations manual or Consult the engine operations manual or service manual to develop a service manual to develop a maintenance schedule.maintenance schedule.

Keep a written record of maintenance. Keep a written record of maintenance.


Maintenance interval is the period Maintenance interval is the period between service jobs measured in between service jobs measured in either time (hours) or distance either time (hours) or distance (miles). (miles).

Cars use miles, but tractors and Cars use miles, but tractors and small engines use hours.small engines use hours.


Most manuals will divide maintenance Most manuals will divide maintenance into intervals of: into intervals of: Daily before starting the engine, after the Daily before starting the engine, after the

first 5 hours, every 25 hours, every 50 first 5 hours, every 25 hours, every 50 hours, every 100 hours, and every 500 hours, every 100 hours, and every 500 hours.hours.

These intervals are established for normal These intervals are established for normal operating conditions.operating conditions.

If conditions are extremely dusty and dirty, If conditions are extremely dusty and dirty, the intervals recommended in the manual the intervals recommended in the manual will be more often.will be more often.

Maintenance ScheduleMaintenance Schedule DailyDaily

Check oil level and add oil as needed.Check oil level and add oil as needed. Clean external surfaces of engine.Clean external surfaces of engine. Check for and tighten any loose bolts or Check for and tighten any loose bolts or

screwsscrews 25 Hours25 Hours

Change crankcase oil.Change crankcase oil. Service air cleaner.Service air cleaner.

100 Hours100 Hours Remove, clean, and re-gap the spark plug Remove, clean, and re-gap the spark plug

or replace with a new plug.or replace with a new plug.

How Can Clean Air and Fuel be How Can Clean Air and Fuel be Ensured for the Engine?Ensured for the Engine?

Explain how to service Explain how to service intake/exhaust and fuel intake/exhaust and fuel systems.systems.

Cleaning the Air and Fuel SystemsCleaning the Air and Fuel Systems

Fill the tank with clean fresh regular Fill the tank with clean fresh regular grade gasoline that has been stored and grade gasoline that has been stored and handled to properly.handled to properly. Fuel stored over 3 months deteriorates. Fuel stored over 3 months deteriorates. Carburetor cleaner must be used to re-Carburetor cleaner must be used to re-

move these deposits from a gas tank and move these deposits from a gas tank and carburetor.carburetor.

Any rubber or plastic parts must be Any rubber or plastic parts must be removed before carburetor cleaner is used.removed before carburetor cleaner is used.

Cleaning Air and Fuel SystemsCleaning Air and Fuel Systems

Engines equipped with a sediment Engines equipped with a sediment bowl or fuel strainer should be bowl or fuel strainer should be checked and cleaned according to checked and cleaned according to manufacturer’s recommendations.manufacturer’s recommendations. The sediment bowl is a glass or metal The sediment bowl is a glass or metal

bowl that allows particles (rust, metal, bowl that allows particles (rust, metal, etc.) and water to settle out of the fuel.etc.) and water to settle out of the fuel.

A fuel strainer is a screen that keeps A fuel strainer is a screen that keeps particles from entering the carburetor.particles from entering the carburetor.


Carburetor adjustments vary with Carburetor adjustments vary with the type of carburetor.the type of carburetor. Some small engines have factory Some small engines have factory

preset non-adjustable carburetors.preset non-adjustable carburetors.

Air CleanerAir Cleaner

To ensure clean air, the air cleaner To ensure clean air, the air cleaner should always be in place and properly should always be in place and properly serviced.serviced.

A dry-type air cleaner contains no oil A dry-type air cleaner contains no oil and is usually made of a paper type and is usually made of a paper type material.material.

Cleaning involves tapping the element Cleaning involves tapping the element against a solid surface.against a solid surface.

Elements that cannot be cleaned must Elements that cannot be cleaned must be replaced.be replaced.


The oiled foam type air cleaner uses The oiled foam type air cleaner uses a piece of foam with an oil film to a piece of foam with an oil film to attract dirt particles.attract dirt particles.

Servicing involves cleaning the foam Servicing involves cleaning the foam in solvent or detergent followed by in solvent or detergent followed by drying and re-adding an oil film.drying and re-adding an oil film.


The oil bath air cleaner uses a The oil bath air cleaner uses a fibrous element along with an oil fibrous element along with an oil level to trap dirt particles.level to trap dirt particles.

Servicing involves using solvent to Servicing involves using solvent to rinse the bowl and element and re-rinse the bowl and element and re-adding oil to the recommended adding oil to the recommended level.level.

Oiled Foam Air CleanerOiled Foam Air Cleaner

http://www.pecuniary.com/synthetics/airfilters.html

Fuel Filters and Air CleanersFuel Filters and Air Cleaners


Exhaust system maintenance Exhaust system maintenance involves replacing the muffler as involves replacing the muffler as needed.needed. The muffler not only muffles noise but The muffler not only muffles noise but

also helps carry heat away from the also helps carry heat away from the engine.engine.

Running an engine without a muffler is Running an engine without a muffler is not a good idea.not a good idea.

MufflerMuffler

http://members.tripod.com/~ks98/exhaust.htm

What Maintenance Does the What Maintenance Does the Cooling and Lubrication Cooling and Lubrication

System Need?System Need?

Discuss the maintenance of Discuss the maintenance of cooling and lubrication systems.cooling and lubrication systems.

Cooling and LubricationCooling and Lubrication

Cooling and lubrication are Cooling and lubrication are secondary functions.secondary functions.

Air-fuel mixture, compression, and Air-fuel mixture, compression, and ignition (spark) are needed for any ignition (spark) are needed for any engine to start and are called engine to start and are called primary functions.primary functions.

If the engine is to run for very long, If the engine is to run for very long, cooling and lubrication are essential.cooling and lubrication are essential.

CoolingCooling Small engines are either air or liquid Small engines are either air or liquid

cooled systems.cooled systems. The air system uses metal shrouds The air system uses metal shrouds

and plates to help direct the air from and plates to help direct the air from flywheel fins around the engine to flywheel fins around the engine to carry away the heat.carry away the heat.

Keeping the engine clean is the Keeping the engine clean is the most important service for this most important service for this cooling system. cooling system.

CoolingCooling Liquid cooled systems need to be Liquid cooled systems need to be

checked periodically for leaks and the checked periodically for leaks and the level needs to be monitored.level needs to be monitored.

A hydrometer is used to determine the A hydrometer is used to determine the freeze protection level of the coolant by freeze protection level of the coolant by measuring the specific gravity or density measuring the specific gravity or density of the coolant.of the coolant.

Generally the coolant should be Generally the coolant should be approximately 50 percent anti-freeze approximately 50 percent anti-freeze and 50 percent water.and 50 percent water.

LubricationLubrication The lubrication system also helps carry The lubrication system also helps carry

away heat and reduces friction, which away heat and reduces friction, which creates heat.creates heat.

If the lubrication system has an oil If the lubrication system has an oil pressure gauge, monitor the pressure.pressure gauge, monitor the pressure.

Check the oil level prior to starting the Check the oil level prior to starting the engine. engine.

Follow oil change interval Follow oil change interval recommendations.recommendations.

Use the oil recommended for the time of Use the oil recommended for the time of year and conditions of use.year and conditions of use.

What Maintenance Needs to be What Maintenance Needs to be Done With the Compression and Done With the Compression and

IgnitionIgnitionSystems?Systems?

Discuss the servicing of Discuss the servicing of compression and ignition compression and ignition systems.systems.

Compression SystemCompression System

The purpose of the compression The purpose of the compression system is to build up pressure in the system is to build up pressure in the cylinder so that when the air-fuel cylinder so that when the air-fuel mixture is ignited the gases will mixture is ignited the gases will expand and generate power to drive expand and generate power to drive the piston down.the piston down.

Compression SystemCompression System

A compression gauge will measure A compression gauge will measure the compression in pounds per the compression in pounds per square inch (PSI).square inch (PSI). The compression reading will give an The compression reading will give an

indication of the overall condition of indication of the overall condition of the engine.the engine.

Compression SystemsCompression Systems

The thumb method is a way of The thumb method is a way of testing compression by taking the testing compression by taking the spark plug out and holding your spark plug out and holding your thumb over the spark plug hole. thumb over the spark plug hole. When the engine is cranked over, the When the engine is cranked over, the

pressure should blow your thumb pressure should blow your thumb away from the spark plug hole.away from the spark plug hole.

Compression SystemsCompression Systems

A dynamometer can be used to test A dynamometer can be used to test engine horsepower.engine horsepower. As the compression of an engine As the compression of an engine

decreases with wear the horsepower decreases with wear the horsepower output of the engine goes down.output of the engine goes down.

After 500 hours of operation, it may After 500 hours of operation, it may be recommended by the be recommended by the manufacturer re-torque the cylinder manufacturer re-torque the cylinder head bolts.head bolts.

DynamometerDynamometer

http://www.dynomite.com/public/images/dyno/auto/engine/auto_engine_and_pro-2000_console_(600).jpg

Ignition SystemIgnition System

The purpose of the ignition system is to The purpose of the ignition system is to provide the spark for a spark ignition provide the spark for a spark ignition type internal combustion engine.type internal combustion engine.

Older style small engines still use a Older style small engines still use a mechanical type breaker point ignition mechanical type breaker point ignition system.system.

Breaker points and the condenser, along Breaker points and the condenser, along with the spark plug are replaced. with the spark plug are replaced.

Ignition SystemsIgnition Systems

Modern engines use a solid state or Modern engines use a solid state or electronic ignition system.electronic ignition system.

Solid-state ignition has greatly Solid-state ignition has greatly decreased the amount of decreased the amount of preventative maintenance needed in preventative maintenance needed in the ignition system.the ignition system.


A spark tester placed between the A spark tester placed between the spark plug and the spark plug wire spark plug and the spark plug wire will test the presence of a spark as will test the presence of a spark as well as the strength of the spark.well as the strength of the spark.


Keep the system clean.Keep the system clean. Check the condition of all wires and Check the condition of all wires and

connections.connections. A multi meter (volt-ohm-amp meter) A multi meter (volt-ohm-amp meter)

can be used to check circuit continuity, can be used to check circuit continuity, resistance, voltage, and amperage.resistance, voltage, and amperage.


For mechanical type ignition For mechanical type ignition systems, follow manufacturer’s systems, follow manufacturer’s recommendations for adjusting the recommendations for adjusting the point gap and replacing breaker point gap and replacing breaker points and the condenser.points and the condenser. In the solid-state systems, the control In the solid-state systems, the control

module is often trouble-free for years. module is often trouble-free for years. When the engine loses its spark, the When the engine loses its spark, the

module will need to be replaced.module will need to be replaced.


With either system, clean, re-gap, With either system, clean, re-gap, and re-install with a new gasket or and re-install with a new gasket or replace the spark plug at 100 hours replace the spark plug at 100 hours or once a year.or once a year.


If the engine has a battery ignition, If the engine has a battery ignition, monitor the battery.monitor the battery. Clean the surface by using baking soda to Clean the surface by using baking soda to

neutralize the acid, keep the liquid level to neutralize the acid, keep the liquid level to the line, and use a battery hydrometer to the line, and use a battery hydrometer to test the state of charge. test the state of charge.

When the battery charge is low, use a When the battery charge is low, use a battery charger.battery charger.

Hook red to positive and black to negative.Hook red to positive and black to negative.

What Should be Done to Prepare What Should be Done to Prepare an Engine for Storage?an Engine for Storage?

Describe how to prepare Describe how to prepare equipment for storage.equipment for storage.

StorageStorage

Storage can be short or long term.Storage can be short or long term. Short term storage is defined as Short term storage is defined as

thirty days thirty days Long term storage is classified as Long term storage is classified as

over thirty days.over thirty days.

Short Term StorageShort Term Storage

Engines in short term storage Engines in short term storage should be stored in a dry inside should be stored in a dry inside place or if outside covered with place or if outside covered with plastic.plastic.

Clean the engine, fill the fuel tank, Clean the engine, fill the fuel tank, and shut off the fuel line.and shut off the fuel line.

Service the air cleaner and change Service the air cleaner and change the crankcase oil if necessary.the crankcase oil if necessary.

Long Term StorageLong Term Storage

Engines in long term storage need to be Engines in long term storage need to be cleaned and run until the fuel is burned.cleaned and run until the fuel is burned.

All filters should be serviced, the oil All filters should be serviced, the oil changed, the spark plug serviced or changed, the spark plug serviced or replaced, and the cylinder coated with replaced, and the cylinder coated with oil.oil.

Coat exposed or unpainted surfaces Coat exposed or unpainted surfaces with paint, grease or oil.with paint, grease or oil.

Long Term StorageLong Term Storage

If the engine is on a rotary If the engine is on a rotary lawnmower, sharpen and balance lawnmower, sharpen and balance the blade.the blade.

Store the engine in a clean dry Store the engine in a clean dry place covered with a waterproof place covered with a waterproof material such as plastic.material such as plastic.

Review / SummaryReview / Summary

When should small engine maintenance jobs When should small engine maintenance jobs be performed?be performed?

How can clean air and fuel be ensured for the How can clean air and fuel be ensured for the engine?engine?

What maintenance does the cooling and What maintenance does the cooling and lubrication system need?lubrication system need?

What maintenance needs to be done with the What maintenance needs to be done with the compression and ignition systems?compression and ignition systems?

What should be done to prepare an engine What should be done to prepare an engine for storage?for storage?

horticulture cd unit 6-4: nursery, landscaping, and gardening

Documents

maintenance of cooling

small engine maintenance

gardening slide

written record of maintenance

service air cleaner

fuel systems engines

cleaning air

time hours