Two-Stroke Engine Repair and Maintenance

While I'm only a software engineer, I am also relatively mechanically inclined and wanted to wrap my mind around basic maintenance for my 2 stroke equipment (i.e. trimmer, chain saw, mantis tiller, etc.). After reading this book twice, I walked away with much more than basic 2 stroke maintenance abilities. I would now feel comfortable tackling all but the most complicated of repairs on my 2 stroke equipment. The author, Mr. Dempsey, definitely brings the nature of 2 stroke engines, the technical details and terminology, and much more all within reach for those inclined to work on equipment. While making things like the kinds of tools or techniques a professional would use to diagnose and handle many repairs understandable for laymen, the author also provides a myriad of tips and tricks for identifying, diagnosing, and in some cases actually carrying out an effective repair without spending hundreds of dollars on a tool that you may use once in a lifetime (and he at least makes it clear, while still instructing on how you could do the complicated repair yourself, that there are some things you likely want to take to a professional, as they'll already have the expensive tools or in-depth knowledge necessary to more realistically handle that issue). Long story short, this book is so good, so readable, and so applicable that in the short time I've had this book I've been able to read it twice, and successfully execute basic maintenance and repairs on my own 2 stroke equipment. Kudos to Mr. Dempsey on writing such a useful book!

Excellent book lots of great information, great introduction to small two stroke engines. I use this text with my kids to introduce them to small engine operation and two strokes

The Two-Stroke Engine book seems fairly comprehensive and has discussion of the engines and their operation. It has many photos and diagrams and goes over each system in the engine along with repair and trouble shooting information. Some things are perhaps out of scope for the casual home repair person, but others are pertinent. I haven't torn down any of my engines yet (weedwhacker and blower), but expect to do so soon to stop paying the repair shop. After perusing it I would rate the book highly.

Great information. I have been "tinkering" for a long time, and this book really helps with my small engine maintenance and repair. Love this book! Had it spiral bound also!

EXCELLENT PRODUCTS for the price. Haven't used one since my teenage years back in the 60's 70's. A brief reading of the instructions and ALL CAME BACK TO ME....10 stars to these guys.

I bought a non-running Wacker very cheap and needed to sort out the 2 stroke motor. I bought and carefully read this book and was then able to strip and rebuild the carb successfully. It didn't start immediately but by reviewing the excellent theory diagrams and text I could work out that I had accidentally swopped two hoses. Put it right and the motor started! Without reading this book there is no way I would have got the engine going. Clear descriptions of the underlying theory, with many clear drawings. The book is not specific to one particular product so I was able to adapt to the carb I was working on. Highly recommended.

I have really needed a book like this. Even though you might consider me to have expertise on four stroke engines, two stroke engines have always baffled me. This book cleared a lot of that up.

The reason I say read all the reviews is so that you will discover that if you have absolutely no background with engine theory or repair, and you have never so much as replaced a spark plug in your life, you will probably find this book a bit more complicated if your trying to fix your weed whacker in two minutes. With guidance, sure you probably can muddle through areas that are applicable to you, but without basic operational theory, you will probably be looking up a lot of terminology and asking for assistance. If you have no experience what so ever, this book probably will be frustrating. If you have some background in combustion engine operation, you should be able to use this book and learn from it. I've read a few reviews that said the photos were of low quality, and not very helpful. Again, one reason some folks feel this way is that they may not know what they are looking at. The other reason is that it may be parts or assemblies from a different brands other that what they need help with. All in all, I think it's a good book to keep on your bench for that weekend tinkerer that has done some work on gas engines and understands basic theory of the same.

Good book for basics of small engine repairs.

Very informative as most of all garden equipment is 2 stroke oriented with a wide range of ignition and carb features

Works

Small 2-stroke garden tools fall into the category of being relatively inexpensive to buy but are nevertheless complicated to maintain oneself & prohibitively / uneconomically expensive to have repaired professionally. Therefore a book like this is very useful. The best aspects for me are that it is very general, it explains HOW the parts work, so one is prepared for whatever actual item needs repair. To try to offer a specific-to-model "Haynes" style book would be a lost cause for small cheap 2-strokes. There are hundreds of model types on the market. Even a specific item eg Manufacturer ABC chainsaw model XY123 will be found with various carbs, ignition components etc. Other good points are the excellent writing style and a sensible & appropriate level of detail. However it is clear that the American author never expected the book to be read outside the USA, but this matters little.

very informative