Servicing the Cooling System

By Jeff Wilbanks

Fannin Co. High School

and Stan Mitchell

Oconee Co. High School

June 2002

Georgia Agriculture Education Curriculum Office

Edited by the CTAE Resource Network March 2011

Small Engines are used extensively in Horticulture.

• Mowers

• Pumps

• Trimmers

• Generators

• Blowers

• Pressure Washers

A Routine is Important!

• At each fueling you would check things like oil levels just like you do your vehicle.

• Daily you should perform some maintenance, like adjusting belts or adding trimmer string.

• Weekly you should perform some maintenance, like sharpening blades.

Servicing the Cooling System

• Done every 50 hours of operation or every 3 to 4 months.

• Involves removing the external parts of the engine.

• One of the most neglected services on a small engine.

• A clean cooling system is important to long engine life.

To get started…Use a screwdriver to remove

starter cover screws.

Remove the starter cover.

Remove fuel tank screws with 5/16 inch nutdriver.

Use needlenose pliers to slide fuel line clamp along line.

1 2

Before removing the fuel tank, drain the fuel or plug the line.

Remove the fuel tank.

Remove the shroud bolts using a 3/8 inch drive socket or wrench.

Remove the shroud.

Now you have a stripped engine block ready for service.

• Starter shroud

• Fuel tank

• Any other sheet metal parts.

The fins on the engine are used for cooling.

The fins on the flywheel act as a fan.

All these parts work together to cool the engine.

Cooling fins Flywheel fins

To service the cooling system.

• Clean the fins using air, a brush, or a screwdriver to scrape away dirt build-up.

• Kerosene or mineral spirits can be used to clean the engine.

• Safety glasses should be worn while working.

Summary

• The cooling system should be cleaned on a schedule of every 50 hours or every 3 to 4 months.

• The cooling system is vital to the long life of a small engine.

• Most small engines operate in a dirty environment, and the cooling system is one of most ignored systems on the engine.