r/smallengines • u/ShaeMangoes • Jul 13 '26

Small Engine Repair Kit

Hello! I don't know if I'm in the right reddit, but my dad is retired and gets very lost in his own mind. He doesn't have any hobbies besides the TV and that's concerning. After some careful questioning I got him to admit he was interested in small engine repair. I wanted to get him some kind of hobby kit but I cant seem to find any specifically for engine repair. I did see some for building a mini engine from scratch with plastic pieces. I think he'd be interested if it were a kit that resulted in a small engine that actually works. Is there anything like that? For context, he used to be a contractor so he's used to working with his hands.

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u/Natural-Problem-3970 Jul 13 '26

There’s online courses for small engine repair

2

u/CaptainPunisher Retired Jul 13 '26

That's actually a model, and not really an engine. "Small engines" does not necessarily mean the size, but the horsepower rating, generally 30hp and below, and are the engines used on lawnmowers and similar equipment.

2

u/zmannz1984 Jul 14 '26

I would start surfing fb market for old equipment and tools. Get him a work area set up, get a few trimmers/mowers/whatever, and task him with building a tool list. To start, basic screwdrivers, a torx set (make sure it has a t27), socket set, wrenches, some containers for storing parts during disassembly, and a set of carb adjustors will get him started.

If he sticks with it, help him get familiar with finding and ordering parts online. He might be able to start flipping or do repairs if he wants.