How to Be Small Engine Mechanic - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Dec 5, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Small engine mechanics are responsible for the maintenance and repair of small engines, such as lawn mowers and snow blowers. They must have a thorough understanding of how engines work and operate in order to diagnose, adjust, and repair any issues. With the increase in demand for small engine mechanics, more and more people are entering the field and gaining the necessary skills to be successful.

The cause of this increase is the growing popularity of outdoor activities such as gardening, landscaping, and snow removal. As a result, small engine mechanics are in high demand, as they are needed to repair and maintain the engines used in these activities. In addition, small engine mechanics must also be familiar with tools, safety equipment, and regulations related to engine maintenance and repair.

Steps How to Become

Complete a High School Diploma or GED. Most employers require small engine mechanics to have a high school diploma or a GED. You can obtain a GED at most adult education centers.
Take Training Courses. Many small engine mechanics take training courses to gain knowledge of the mechanics of small engines and the tools used in their repair. Courses may be offered by vocational schools, colleges and universities, or professional organizations.
Obtain Certification. Obtaining certification is one way to demonstrate your knowledge and experience as a small engine mechanic. The Small Engine Technology Association offers certification for small engine mechanics.
Gain Experience. Experience is key to becoming a successful small engine mechanic. You may want to consider finding a job as an apprentice or helper in a repair shop to gain experience and learn from other experienced mechanics.
Join Professional Organizations. Joining professional organizations is a great way to stay up to date on the latest technologies and industry trends, network with other professionals, and learn about job opportunities.

To become a skilled and capable small engine mechanic, one must possess a combination of technical knowledge, mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity. A degree program in automotive technology, diesel technology or small engine technology is highly recommended. One must also stay up-to-date on the latest technological advances in small engine mechanics.

having a certification from organizations such as the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and the Small Engine Manufacturers Association (SEMA) can help to improve job prospects for small engine mechanics. To stay ahead of the competition, small engine mechanics should regularly attend training courses, seminars and workshops on the latest developments in the field. By following these steps, one can become a skilled and capable small engine mechanic.

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Job Description

Diagnose and repair small engines.
Inspect and test engine components.
Adjust and replace parts as needed.
Troubleshoot electrical and mechanical problems.
Provide preventative maintenance services.
Create detailed reports of repairs and services.
Maintain a clean and organized work area.
Adhere to safety standards and regulations.
Communicate effectively with customers to explain repairs and services.
Perform basic welding and soldering tasks.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of small engine systems.
Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose mechanical, electrical, and fuel system issues.
Knowledge of safety practices and procedures associated with small engine repair.
Ability to use hand tools and diagnostic equipment to service and repair small engines.
Knowledge of parts catalogs and schematics to identify parts and make repairs.
Ability to read technical manuals and instructions to complete repairs.
Ability to explain repairs to customers in a clear and concise manner.
Knowledge of general maintenance and preventive care for small engines.
Ability to work with customers in a professional and courteous manner.
Knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations pertaining to small engine repair.

Good small engine mechanics have a wide range of skills, but the most important skill is troubleshooting. It involves diagnosing problems, tracing their cause, and finding effective solutions. To do this, small engine mechanics must be knowledgeable in all aspects of the engine, including its components and systems.

They must be able to identify and understand how each part works and how it affects the performance of the engine. They must also have a thorough understanding of the engine's fuel, electrical, and mechanical systems. With this knowledge, they can trace any problems to their source and find ways to fix them.

small engine mechanics must be familiar with the tools and technology used in the repair and maintenance of engines. By having these skills, a small engine mechanic can not only fix engine issues but also prevent them from occurring in the first place.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have with small engine mechanics?
What is your knowledge of common small engine problems?
How do you troubleshoot and repair small engine systems?
Describe a complex small engine repair that you have completed.
What do you consider to be the most important safety considerations when working on small engines?
How would you handle a customer's complaint about a small engine being difficult to start?
What strategies do you use to diagnose and address small engine malfunctions?
How do you adjust and maintain small engines to ensure optimal performance?
How comfortable are you with providing customer service and explaining repairs to customers?
What do you consider to be the most challenging part of working as a small engine mechanic?

Common Tools in Industry

Spanner Wrench. Used to tighten and loosen nuts and bolts. (eg: to remove the spark plug from a lawn mower)
Socket Set. Used to attach and remove a variety of fasteners. (eg: to adjust the carburetor on a leaf blower)
Screwdriver Set. Used to drive and remove screws. (eg: to replace the blades on a string trimmer)
Hex Key Set. Used to tighten and loosen hex-head screws. (eg: to adjust the governor on a snowblower)
Pliers. Used to grip, twist, and turn objects. (eg: to replace an air filter in a chainsaw)
Hammer. Used to drive in nails and other fasteners. (eg: to install a new recoil starter on a generator)
Automotive Stethoscope. Used to listen for mechanical noises and vibrations in engines. (eg: to diagnose a misfiring spark plug in a riding mower)
Feeler Gauge. Used to measure the gap between two objects. (eg: to measure the gap between the points on an ignition system)
Compression Tester. Used to measure cylinder pressure in an engine. (eg: to determine if a piston is damaged in an ATV engine)
Vacuum Gauge. Used to measure the vacuum pressure in an engine. (eg: to check the fuel system for leaks in a weed trimmer)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Small Engine Manufacturers Association (SEMA)
International Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI)
National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA)
National Outdoor Power Equipment Trade Association (NOPETA)
American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC)
National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET)
International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA)

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Common Important Terms

Diesel Engine. A type of internal combustion engine that uses diesel fuel to create mechanical energy.
Spark Plug. A device used in internal combustion engines to ignite the fuel/air mixture.
Carburetor. A device that mixes air and fuel for an internal combustion engine.
Ignition System. A system used to ignite the fuel/air mixture in an internal combustion engine.
Fuel System. A system that stores, pumps, and supplies fuel to an internal combustion engine.
Exhaust System. A system used to remove exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine.
Lubrication System. A system that lubricates the moving parts of an internal combustion engine.
Cooling System. A system that removes heat from an internal combustion engine.
Electrical System. A system that supplies electrical power to an internal combustion engine.
Diagnostics. The process of testing and troubleshooting an engine to identify problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical salary range for a Small Engine Mechanic?

The typical salary range for a Small Engine Mechanic is between $27,000 and $52,000 per year.

What are the main duties of a Small Engine Mechanic?

The main duties of a Small Engine Mechanic include diagnosing mechanical problems on small engines, performing repairs and maintenance, and providing customer service.

What type of certifications are needed to become a Small Engine Mechanic?

Most employers require Small Engine Mechanics to have certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

What type of tools and equipment do Small Engine Mechanics use?

Small Engine Mechanics typically use hand tools, power tools, digital multimeters, and other diagnostic tools to diagnose and repair small engines.

What type of education or training is required to become a Small Engine Mechanic?

Most employers require Small Engine Mechanics to have technical school training or an associate degree in automotive technology.

Web Resources

Small Engine Mechanic - Training Certificate - Midlands Tech www.midlandstech.edu
How to Become a Small Engine Mechanic - Ultimate www.uti.edu
Small Engine Mechanic - Job Training cfcc.edu