Customer Reviews

Small Engine Repair Up to 20 Hp

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

This is by far the most complete and informational book on small engine repair I have ever read. when I went to the library to get books on small engine repair, I checked out 2 or 3 books, including this one. When they were due, I only needed to renew one book -- this one! It covers everything -- from carburetor cleaning and maintenence to a complete overhaul. Contains technical information and specs (clearances, tolerances, spark plug gaps, etc...) If you are looking to buy a small engine repair book, buy this one! Covers Briggs & Stratton, Tecumseh (2 & 4 stroke), Kohler, and more.

Don't buy this book unless you're absolutely sure it will help you. The other reviewer had it right, go to the library, match your engine with those covered. If you have an older small engine this book may be of use, if your engine is newer than 1994, good luck. Many of the diagrams are small and compact, a magnifying glass helped.

If you have some knowledge of small engines it is a good publication as you'll know what is being discussed. If you have little knowledge, phrases like "drain the fuel tank" will you leave you wondering HOW to drain the fuel tank. If your library can't help, hire a small engine mechanic.

I can't bring myself to be as harsh as the one star reviewers, but they more or less have it. If your engine is 10 years old or newer, you might be disappointed.

My other complaint is that the index is not very good. It is not comprehensive, and it is split up by manufacturer (the latter could be good or bad per search).

The book, "Small Engine Repairs" was from 1992 and earlier. When I ordered the book, there was no information on the book to tell me what years the book covered. I paid $19.95 for the book and shipping. When I returned the book I was re-imbursed under $8.00, half of what I paid for the book. I needed a repair manual from 1995 to current. I will tell everyone I know what a rip off amazon.com is! I could understand paying for return shippment, but half for a book I could'nt use? I am very dissatisfied with your services. Brenda

The "Product Details" Amazon lists for this book which states "Haynes Manuals, Inc.; 1 edition (September 25, 1998)" is WRONG. Haynes is a different publisher and their 1998 publication is a totally different book. This Chilton book is copyrighted 1994 and is, consequently, 13 years out of date as of this review (August 2007). I verified this by ISBN number to a copy I checked out from my local library. Further, 1994 is the current edition listed on Chilton's website. So, if your engine is newer than 1994, the data will not be current.

That said, this seems to be the most detailed and useful small engine repair book I have found. It may still be useful for some later models that may not have changed much. As previous reviewers have recommended, check your local library copy to see if the information might apply to your engine.

Small Engine Repair is a comprehensive guide to the maintenance and repair of small engines. Covering maintenance, troubleshooting and repair through a complete tear down of most popular small engines, this book provides an in depth analysis and detailed specifications needed to complete the tasks needed to fully repair and restore most small engines. It is published by Chilton and should be useful both to the professional mechanic and the weekend warrior.

My only concern is that the book was published in 1994 and consequently does not cover engines produced after that time. It is now somewhat dated.

I highly recommend this book.

Francis J. O'Reilly

This book is so out of date that I am going to send it back and get a refund. It is useless. Michael

This book has proven invaluable and has helped in the repair of atleast three lawn mowers. It's very well written and well illustrated. If you're a first timer at small engine repair, I recommend it.

This is a good book if you collect repair manuals but don't expect it to be your only reference. Much of it seems to be un-updated reprints from earlier editions - but this is just a guess. The section on Briggs abd Stratton small horsepower motors is very poor and excludes many variations. The overall quality of illustrations is very poor. I don't regret buying it and have found many useful tidbits in it BUT it is not a comprehensive repair guide for small engines less tha 20 horsepower as it is touted to be.

One star as the book is outdated and was printed in 1994. This was my fault for not checking this first.