Hobbies And Interests
Design
Two-stroke engines require a basic setup common to all such assemblies. This includes a carburetor to mix air and fuel, an one-piston cylinder system to compress the fuel against a spark plug to create the energy and a transmission to translate the energy to a function (i.e., to wheels, gears or propellers).
Diagnosis
Many two-stroke engines can be examined quickly by taking a look at the spark plug. If the plug is brown on the tip, the system is working correctly. If it black and goopy, it's fouling and not getting enough air. If it is chalky white, the engine is starving for fuel.
Repair
Because small engines are so simple, they are easy to remove from the housing to work on by hand. The work typically involves use of a socket wrench and crescent wrenches. Most small engines can be overhauled in an hour or two with new gaskets and seals.