Small Engine Mechanics
Additional Information
Duties
Mechanics of small engines often perform the following tasks:
- With customers, discuss equipment problems, maintenance plans, and work done.
- Maintain the engine by lubricating and changing spark plugs, as well as checking the oil.
- Engines should be tested and inspected for malfunctions.
- The components should be adjusted to the specs.
- Repair or replace damaged, worn, or broken components.
- Afterwards, reassemble and reinstall the repaired components and engines.
Verify and document findings from checks and experiments as well as the job done, and the parts utilized.
Snowmobiles, chainsaws, and other types of power equipment are all serviced by small engine mechanics. Mechanics utilize a variety of methods to find out what's wrong with a piece of machinery. Diagnose and repair small engine problems, including electrical and fuel system malfunctions.
A mechanic's tasks might range in difficulty and complexity. As an example, small changes or the replacement of a single element are included in maintenance inspections and repairs. However, hand calibration, piston calibration, and spark plug replacement may necessitate dismantling the engine. Some racing motorbike and speedboat mechanics utilize electronic equipment to fine-tune their vehicles.
These hand tools, such as screwdrivers, wrenches, and pliers, are commonly used by mechanics in their work. Compression gauges, ammeters, and voltmeters may also be used by some mechanics to measure engine performance. Compressed air powers pneumatic tools and diagnostic equipment, which are typically used for more difficult tasks.
Mechanics may be obliged to use their own hand tools, even if their employers offer the more expensive tools and testing equipment needed for their jobs. There are mechanics who have invested tens of thousands of dollars in their tool sets.
These are some examples of small engine mechanics:
Mechanical and electrical components of a boat's engine are maintained and repaired by motorboat mechanics and service specialists. In most cases, they repair small outboard engines or large diesel-powered inboard motors at the docks or marina where the shop is located. Propellers, steering mechanisms, marine plumbing, and other boat equipment may also be repaired by motorboat mechanics.
Mechanics who work on motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, dirt bikes, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are known as motorcycle mechanics. Minor body repairs and engine service are among the various duties they perform. These technicians are employed by auto dealerships and are trained to work on only one single model.
In addition to lawnmowers, hedge trimmers, garden tractors, and portable generators, outdoor power equipment mechanics work on various small engines, including jet skis, snowmobiles, and other snowmobile-related machines. Snowblowers and snowmobiles may be serviced by some mechanics, but this work is seasonal and regional.
In the profile on automotive service technicians and mechanics, technicians and mechanics who work mostly with automobiles are mentioned.
There are detailed descriptions of diesel service professionals and mechanics working on large vehicles and buses in the profile.
In the profile on heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians, technicians and mechanics who operate mostly on farm equipment, construction vehicles, and rail cars are covered.
Education
Although some mechanics pursue higher education, the majority of mechanics in this field begin their careers with a high school diploma. Courses in small engine maintenance and vehicle mechanics in high school or vocational school are typically advantageous.
Employers prefer to hire motorcycle mechanics who have completed postsecondary education programs in motorcycle maintenance since they normally require less on-the-job training than other workers.
Training
In order to master the fundamentals of auto repair, students work closely with expert mechanics to do activities like changing spark plugs and disassembling engines. Trainees progress to more challenging jobs, such as advanced computerized diagnostics and engine overhauls, as they gain expertise. A mechanic's skills and specialization determine how long it takes to become proficient.
Motorcycle and watercraft mechanics who have not completed postsecondary education frequently require more on-the-job training than those who work with outdoor power equipment because of the higher complexity of their engines.
Motorcycle, motorboat, and outdoor power equipment dealerships and manufacturers routinely send mechanics to factory-sponsored training sessions for their technicians. The most recent methods and technologies are taught to mechanics in these programs. As a rule, these courses are required for warranty and manufacturer-specific services.
Registration, Licenses, and Certifications
Certification from the Equipment & Engine Training Council is the acknowledged industry credential for outdoor power equipment mechanics. Even if it is not compulsory, certification might serve as a sign of a mechanic's professionalism and, thus, increase their salary.
A driver's license with a motorcycle endorsement is typically required for motorcycle mechanics.
Qualities that are essential
Customer service. Problems and essential repairs are routinely discussed with consumers by small engine mechanics. Customer service representatives need to be kind and attentive, and they should constantly be prepared to address any queries that may arise.
Focused on the smallest details. Mechanical and electronic problems are typically caused by misalignments and other minor issues that are easy to overlook while inspecting or repairing small engines and components.
Dexterity. A steady hand and good hand–eye coordination is required for a variety of jobs, including removing engine parts, connecting or attaching components, and utilizing hand tools.
Skills in mechanics. It is essential for mechanics of small engines to have a working knowledge of engine components and systems and how they interact. For repairs, they must be able to disassemble and reassemble major components.
The ability to manage oneself. To promote worker safety and responsibility, small engine mechanics keep their work areas neat and orderly.
Skills in troubleshooting. Diagnose and repair engine systems and components with diagnostic tools used by small-engine mechanics electronic control systems and the instruments required to fix and maintain them must be familiar to them.
Pay
Mechanics of small engines made an average yearly salary of $39,000 in May 2020, according to PayScale. If half of the people in a profession make more than the median wage, and half earn less, we say that the median wage is too high or too low. The bottom 10% made less than $25,510, and the top 10% earned more than $61,910.
Job Projections
From 2020 to 2030, small engine mechanic employment is expected to rise at a rate of roughly 9%, on par with the overall average for all occupations.