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Small Engine Repairers (Mechanics) diagnose, adjust, and repair small gasoline engines used to power such vehicles as boats, motorcycles, lawn mowers, garden tractors, snowmobiles, and other machines.

JOB DUTIES

Small Engine Repairers may:

Troubleshoot the engine

Dismantle the engine and examine the parts for wear or breakage

Repair or replace worn or defective parts, such as rings, pistons, bearings, or valves

Reassemble and reinstall the engine

Clean and adjust carburetors, voltage regulators, and points

Adjust timing and drive components

Lubricate the engine

Install spark plugs, filters, and accessories

Test the repaired engine for performance

The tools and equipment used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Small Engine Repairers may specialize in these areas:

625.281-034 SMALL-ENGINE MECHANICS may specialize in repairing snowmobiles, lawn mowers, or other equipment powered by small gasoline engines.

623.281-042 OUTBOARD-MOTOR MECHANICS check out and adjust or repair electrical and mechanical systems of outboard motors. In addition, they may change or replace parts such as gears and propellers and may install or repair steering and throttle controls.

620.281-054 MOTORCYCLE REPAIRERS overhaul and repair motorcycles, motor scooters, and other similar motor vehicles. They may also repair other parts of the vehicles, such as frames, handlebar controls, brakes, mufflers, wheels, spring fork, headlight, and horn.

625.281-026 GAS-ENGINE REPAIRERS maintain and repair gas-driven internal combustion engines that power electric generators, compressors, and similar equipment.

625.281-030 CHAIN-SAW MECHANICS repair and maintain portable saws powered by internal combustion engines, following manufacturer's repair manuals and using handtools.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Small Engine Repairers generally work under the supervision of a service manager or shop supervisor. In small dealerships and repair shops, they may be supervised directly by the owner. Supervisors usually assign the work and then make periodic checks to ensure that the work is being done properly. However, Small Engine Repairers spend most of their time working on their own without direct assistance or supervision.

Small Engine Repairers may work both indoors and outdoors. Repair shops are usually well lighted and ventilated, although the work is not considered hazardous, Mechanics are subject to minor injuries such as cuts, burns, and bruises. There is also some chance of injury from moving parts, such as lawn mower blades, but the chance of injury is minimized if proper care is taken. Repair shops can be noisy especially when engines are being tested.

The Repairers workweek varies with the season. Since motorcycling, boating, and lawn care are primarily warm weather activities, the demand for repair services is much higher during the summer months. Most Repairers work more than 40 hours per week during this period. Some Mechanics may work as many as 6 1/2 days. In addition, many temporary workers are hired at these times to help with the additional load. Although many shops are trying to even out seasonal changes in the work load by repairing snowmobiles or snow removal equipment, some Repairers may still experience layoffs during the winter.

Small Engine Repairers usually furnish their own hand tools which they can acquire gradually. An initial set may cost around $200. The total investment for tools by some Mechanics may run more than $1,000. The average cost for boat Mechanic tools is $3,000. Some Mechanics must wear uniforms, which are often furnished by the employer.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities which require using tools and equipment to repair things

• Activities that involve the use of machines, processes, or methods

• Activities producing things that can be touched and handled

You Should Be Able To:

• Visualize objects in three dimensions from drawings or pictures

• Use your own judgment to troubleshoot engines/evaluate information,

• Use your own judgement to estimate repair costs

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

• See detail and differences in shapes, shadings, or measurements

• Rate information using measurable, verifiable standards

• Work easily and skillfully with your hands

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

If you charged $45 an hour and you worked on a engine for 5 hours, what would be the labor charge for this customer?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Remove point set from the distributor breaker plate. Note locating extrusion on plate base that fits into the locating hole of the breaker plate.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write a report for your customers explaining the reasons for different repairs.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to look at a malfunctioning engine and then decide what has to be done to alleviate the problem.

In Michigan, persons who receive compensation for diagnosing and repairing motorcycles must be certified by the Michigan Department of State.Click here  for "Michigan Licensed Occupations," see Motorcycle Mechanic for specific licensing information.

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma with specific Vocational Education Classes or a Certificate (program of up to one years of study beyond high school) or an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0300 AUTOMOTIVE , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1200 ELECTRONICS , 2200 MATH , 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

039 MARINE MECHANICS CLUSTER

Approved vocational education programs called Marine Mechanics Cluster are designed to prepare mechanically oriented individuals to fulfill the marina industry's needs for engine powertrain and control systems servicing, hull maintenance and repair, and yard services. Individuals trained in the program learn skills needed by mechanic services technicians, hull maintenance technicians, and yard service technicians.

Courses in other trade and industrial programs may be required for completion of this program.

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.

045 SMALL ENGINE REPAIR

Approved vocational education programs in Small Engine Repair prepare students to maintain and fix small internal-combustion engines used on portable equipment such as lawnmowers, chain saws, rotary tillers, motorcycles, and snowmobiles.

Courses in other trade and industrial programs may be required for completion of this program.

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

016 AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY

Programs in Automotive Technology provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment repairing and maintaining cars, trucks, and buses. Individuals who teach Automotive Technology at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate.

Courses will vary from school to school but may include:

224 MARINE EQUIPMENT TECHNOLOGY

Programs in Marine Equipment Technology may also be known by the title "Marine Maintenance and Ship Repair." These programs prepare individuals to apply knowledge and skills to repair outboard and inboard engines; test, maintain, and repair steering devices and electrical systems; repair metal, wood, and fiberglass hulls and vessel components; fabricate and maintain sails; and repair and balance propellers and drive shafts.

  Search for a College and/or Instructional Program  

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

Although this occupation has apprenticeship programs available in Michigan, they are limited in number. See the Sources Of More Information below for name, address and phone number of the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training.

You will also find a more extensive list of information sources in the "What Is An Apprenticeship?" document found under the MOIS Supports Menu Items.

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

Please check the Military website at http://www.myfuture.com

AUTOMOTIVE AND HEAVY EQUIPMENT MECHANICS

Keeping automotive and heavy equipment in good working condition is vital to the success of military missions. Automotive and heavy equipment mechanics maintain and repair vehicles such as jeeps, cars, trucks, tanks, self-propelled missile launchers, and other combat vehicles. They also repair bulldozers, power shovels, and other construction equipment.

What They Do

Automotive and heavy equipment mechanics in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Troubleshoot problems in vehicle engines, electrical systems, steering, brakes, and suspensions

• Tune and repair engines

• Replace or repair damaged body parts, hydraulic arms or shovels, and grader blades

• Establish and follow schedules for maintaining vehicles

Training Provided

Job training consists of 8 to 29 weeks of classroom instruction. Training length varies depending on specialty. Course content typically includes:

• Engine repair and tune-up

• Troubleshooting mechanical and electrical problems

• Repairing and replacing body panels, fenders, and radiators

Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses. The Army, Navy, and Marine Corps offer certified apprenticeship programs for some specialties in this occupation.

Special Requirements

Although some women are automotive and heavy equipment mechanics, some specialties in this occupation are open only to men.

Work Environment

Automotive and heavy equipment mechanics usually work inside large repair garages. They work outdoors when making emergency repairs in the field.

Physical Demands

Automotive and heavy equipment mechanics may have to lift heavy parts and tools. they sometimes have to work in cramped positions. Normal color vision is required for some specialties to work with color-coded wiring and to read diagrams.

Helpful Attributes

Helpful school subjects include auto mechanics and industrial arts. Helpful attributes include:

• Preference for physical work

• Interest in troubleshooting and repairing mechanical problems

• Interest in automotive engines and how they work

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian automotive and heavy equipment mechanics may work for service stations, auto and construction equipment dealers, farm equipment companies, and state highway agencies. They perform duties similar to military automotive and heavy equipment mechanics. They may also be called garage mechanics, carburetor mechanics, transmission mechanics, radiator mechanics, construction equipment mechanics, or endless track vehicle mechanics.

Opportunities

The services have about 54,775 automotive and heavy equipment mechanics. On average, they need about 6,450 new mechanics each year. After job training, mechanics begin repairing equipment under the direction of a supervisor. In time, they have the opportunity to supervise other workers and possibly manage repair shops, motor pools, or maintenance units.  

E-Learning Courses and Programs  

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 OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Summer or part-time work is often available in this occupation. Employers often prefer to hire individuals who have some experience repairing their own motorcycles or lawn mowers or other equipment powered by small engines. Secondary vocational education programs in small engine repair or marine mechanics cluster may offer a co-op portion which includes practical experience. Postsecondary programs in automotive technology may provide experience also. Related training in military service could be helpful.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Small Engine Repairer employer

internships

volunteer work with a Small Engine Repairer employer

community service work with an agency

Small Engine Repairers usually find jobs by applying directly to employers, such as motorcycle, boat, and lawn equipment dealers. Enrollers in small engine repair classes may receive placement assistance from their schools. Job openings may be listed in newspaper want ads as well as in local offices of Michigan Works!. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Michigan Jobs & Career Portal   

Yahoo! Careers ( http://careers.yahoo.com/ )  

Michigan Department of Career Development ( http://www.michigan.gov/mdcd )

Michigan Works! & Michigan Talent Bank ( http://www.michiganworks.org )

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Small Engine Repairers depend on the employer and on the skill and experience of the mechanic. Mechanics may be paid either hourly wages or a commission. Experienced mechanics usually earn two to three times as much as trainees earn.

Nationally, in 2001, most Small Engine Repairers earned a median weekly wage of $510 or $12.75 per hour.  The median weekly earnings of  "all" workers in the U.S. were $597 in 2001.

Some Small Engine Repairers may start as low as minimum wage which is $5.15 an hour (2002). In 2002, most starting wages for lawnmower mechanics started at $6.00 to $8.00 for entry level.  Experienced mechanics could earn from $12.00 to $20.00 per hour. Certified mechanics tended to have higher salaries. One unionized company in Michigan paid its Small Engine Repairers from $11.50 an hour at entry level with no experience to $22.50 for an experienced field mechanic. 

Boat Mechanics and Installers in Michigan received the following wages in 2002:

The 2000 graduates of high school vocational education programs in Michigan working in jobs related to this occupation earned a beginning average wage of $9.07 per hour in 2001.

Depending on the employer, benefits may include paid vacations and holidays; life, health, and accident insurance; sick leave; and pension plans. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by employers. In addition, Mechanics who work for dealers might get a discount when buying equipment, parts, and accessories.

Small Engine Repairers usually begin as helpers or trainees who uncrate and assemble new equipment. They become fully qualified Repairers from two to three years later. Some factors in advancement are developing supervisory ability and attending courses that teach new repair methods and demonstrate new tools and equipment. A Repairer could advance to service manager, then to general manager or owner of a repair business.

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

There were about 55,500 Small Engine Repairers employed nationwide in 2000. Employment of Small Engine Repairers is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2010. About 22.2% of them were self-employed. The industry distribution for Small Engine Repairers looked like this:

Some demand for mechanics is expected as a growing number of consumers increase their purchases of boats, motorcycles, snow blowers, snowmobiles, and other related devices powered by small engines. Demand for routine maintenance of such devices should provide an increasing percentage of the employment openings.

An estimated 2,150 Small Engine Repairers are employed in Michigan. Most worked in or near metropolitan areas and large cities. Also, most of these Repairers worked in the retail trade and services industries. Small Engine Repairers may work in shops or dealerships that sell or rent and lease vehicles, machinery, tools, or other equipment.

Employment of Small Engine Repairers in Michigan is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2008. An average of 70 openings is expected, with 10 due to growth and 60 to replacement of workers who die, retire, or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations.

Increases in population, leisure time, and personal incomes will lead to increased buying of items powered by small engines. Maintenance needs should expand because of the use of complex, higher powered engines and anti-pollution devices; however, at the same time, they will be offset somewhat by increased efficiency of mechanics, resulting from improved training, better shop management, and use of specialized tools and test equipment.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2008

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.

Copyright © 2003 Michigan Department of Career Development