Small Gas Engines
General applications for small gas engines include lawn mowers, edgers, lawn tractors, garden tillers, snow throwers, string trimmers, brush cutters, chainsaws, portable pumps, post hole drills, leaf blowers, and much more. There are also many applications for industrial use and recreational purposes.
This course will focus on the theory of operation, vocabulary of various parts, required systems, maintenance, and general engine repair. We will cover engine repair procedures that involve laboratory experiences along with good work habits, tool usage, and safety.
Text: Small Gas Engines by Alfred C. Roth
isbn – 13: 978-1-59070-183-6
isbn – 10: 1-59070-183-6
Objectives: To give the student specific instruction in the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of small gas engines.
Teaching Strategies: Students will be required to read related material from the textbook, participate in lecture/discussion, be active in laboratory exercises and work groups, complete workbook assignments, and take notes during video/PowerPoint presentations.
Student Evaluation: Students will be graded on quizzes, exams, workbook assignments, worksheets, and laboratory participation/projects. Absences and missed assignments will be available upon request from the instructor. Students must request the assignments upon their return, or make arrangements with the instructor to make up tests. Make-up tests or test retakes must be scheduled with the instructor for a time outside of regular class time. After five school days, make-up assignments or make-up tests may be discarded and a zero given for the grade. All students and parents have access to their student’s grades on Skyward Gradebook. Skyward Gradebook is updated on a weekly basis.
Chapters: Small Gas Engines
- Safety in the Small Gas Engine Shop
- Tools and Measuring Instruments
- Fasteners, Sealants, and Gaskets
- Engine Construction and Principles of Operation
- Two-Cycle and Four-Cycle Engines
- Measuring Engine Performance
- Fuel and Emission Control Systems
- Carburetion
- Ignition Systems
- Lubrication Systems
- Cooling Systems
- Preventative Maintenance and Troubleshooting
15. Engine Inspection, Disassembly, and Cylinder Reconditioning
16. Piston and Piston Ring Service
17. Rod, Bearing, Crankshaft, Valve, and Camshaft Service
Grading Scale: As used by Skyward Gradebook
Classroom Rules
- Students are reminded that all school rules and policies are in effect while in this class. If you are unsure of these, you should review them inside the school assignment/student handbook along with any other class handouts that are given. Other informative materials can be found on the bulletin board in the classroom.
- Students must be in the classroom before attendance is taken. Attendance will be taken immediately following the tardy bell. During shop activities, attendance may also be taken at the end of class.
- Do not sit on tables or desktops.
- All materials on, in, or behind the teacher desk is off limits. The telephone in the classroom is for teacher/business use only. There is to be no unauthorized use of this phone.
- Cell phones are to be turned off at all times. If the necessity occurs, phones are allowed with teacher permission only. Phones being used or displayed in class will result in a disciplinary steps being taken.
- Picture/video phones will not be used to photograph or video any portion of the class, or any individual in the class, without the written permission of the teacher or school district. Disciplinary actions will result and parents will be notified.
- Students are required to have pencil or pen, paper, safety glasses, and any other needed materials at each class period.
- There will be NO HORSEPLAY in the shop or classroom at any time. This includes any form of pushing, chasing, taunting, or other aggressive behavior.
- Safety glasses must be worn at all times when working, in the shop area, or when advised by the instructor.
- No sleeping or putting your head down during class time is allowed. Students, for your own safety, need to remain attentive when working in the lab. Safety is everyone’s responsibility.
- The instructor will use the disciplinary actions outlined in the Student/Parent Contract. Be sure to discuss this policy with your instructor.
- All students will respect the property and belongings of others in the class and/or outside projects being worked on by others. If it does not belong to you and you are not asked to help, do not touch.
- If you have not been instructed in the proper use and operation of an equipment item/tool, or if you have not asked to use the equipment, do not touch. It may affect your safety or that of others in the shop. This is also how most equipment items/tools become broken or damaged.
- Car stereos may be listened to while the car is in the shop, but only at a modest volume. If one has to raise their voice when speaking or has trouble hearing, the stereo will be turned off. No tapes, CDs, MP3 players, or iPods are allowed. Only public radio stations are allowed. Any music with vulgar language along with sexually suggestive lyrics is not acceptable at school. CDs, tapes, MP3 players, and iPods with objectionable content will cause a loss of privileges and possible disciplinary action.
- All flammable materials must be disposed of properly or must be stored in the proper container. Oil, gas, and other spills must be immediately covered with oil absorbent or an oil absorbent pad. The instructor must be notified if the spills are flammable in nature. Final cleanup must be performed at the end of the period. Do not use oil dry on the benches or table tops.
- No one is to leave at the end of the period until the shop is organized and the tools used are accounted for. If you use a tool, clean it and return it to its proper location. Be sure to get all tools out of the engine and passenger compartments before driving the car from the shop.
- Students are financially responsible for any damage beyond normal wear to the equipment and other facilities. If a tool becomes broken or damaged, notify the instructor.
- All major projects must receive prior approval from the instructor before the project and materials can be brought into the shop.
- Overall safety in the shop is everyone’s responsibility. Every person must be attentive. As cars are being moved or parked in the shop, all students must move away from the area and stay out of harm’s way.
Chad Suhre, Automotive Technology
Jacksonville High School
Department of Automotive Technology
Jacksonville High School
1211 N. Diamond St.
Jacksonville, IL 62650
(217)243-4384 Ext. 1700/1706
Instructor: Chad Suhre
Student/Parent Contract
I, (print student’s name), have read and understand the Classroom Rules and procedures that were provided to me at the beginning of this class.
- I agree to respect the property and belongings of others in this course.
- For safety reasons, I agree not to participate in physical “horseplay.” Physical “horseplay” is a danger to me and others in the class.
- I will always drive safely, observing every caution while bringing automobiles and projects to and from the class. Only one person at a time is allowed out of class for the purpose of bringing in or returning a vehicle to the parking lot.
- Under no circumstances am I allowed to leave school grounds during class. Violations of this rule will result in my being banned from bringing in projects as well as other disciplinary actions.
- My cell phone will remain powered off and out of sight during class unless advised otherwise by the instructor.
- I agree that safety in a lab setting is everyone’s responsibility. I will, at all times and to the best of my ability, remain out of the path of moving vehicles.
- The instructor will provide safety guidelines for proper shop behavior and vehicle lifting techniques through textbooks, videos, and quizzes. Failing safety quizzes and/or not following safety guidelines will result in loss of shop privileges. I will follow those guidelines at all times.
- I will ask for assistance when I do not understand the operational procedures for equipment located in the shop.
- Without first obtaining permission, I will not go into the hallways, other classrooms, or any other place outside the classroom while the instructor is assisting others with their projects.
- I agree to wear appropriate shoes, clothing, and eye protection while in the shop area or when working in individual projects.
- I will provide my own safety glasses and have access to them at all times. For my own protection, I will wear my safety glasses at all times while in the shop and/or when instructed by the teacher to wear them.
- I understand that violating any of the safety requirements or creating an unsafe working environment for me and others in the class may result in the instructor denying my access to the lab and not allowing me to participate in shop related activities and consequently resulting in receiving no participation points for the day.
- Rule violations may be handled as follows:
- First Offense/Warning: There are no immediate consequences. This is for the purpose of getting my attention in order to inform me that my actions are not acceptable and/or not conducive to the educational process. If I feel the warning is undeserved, I understand that the issue can be discussed with the teacher after class. Additionally, I understand that continuing to disrupt the educational process or failing to follow the instructions of the teacher is defiance of “teacher authority.”
- Second Offense: I realize that my continued unacceptable behavior or rule violation will result in a 15-30 minute detention at the end of the day. At this time, a discussion with the teacher will be held in an attempt to resolve the issue. I understand that the teacher will also contact my parent/guardian to discuss the issues/rule violations leading to the detention. Failure to correct the behavior or problem is in defiance of the teacher and disrespectful.
- Third and Subsequent Offenses: I understand I will be removed from the class and made to report to the attendance office where discipline referrals will be received and my parent/guardian will be contacted in an effort to correct the problems.
- Gross violations of conduct and safety may result in me being removed and sent to the office with the possibility of permanent removal from the class.
To Parents/Guardians: You are the primary educators of your child. It is my job to assist you in that important part of your child’s work in my class. I will do everything in my power to provide a positive and effective learning opportunity for your son/daughter. However, if your child’s grade drops below a C at any time during the semester, the following will occur:
- I will meet with your son/daughter and discuss with them the reason for the grade.
- We will come up with a plan that will assist your child in bringing their grade up.
- I will either call or email you (whichever you prefer) to discuss this issue with you, relate the plan we have for your child’s future success, and ask you to join with me as we implement this plan.
Student Signature:
Parent/Guardian Name (Print):
Parent/Guardian Signature:
Preferred Contact Method (Check One): phone call text email
Home Phone Number:
Cell Phone Number:
Email address: