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Preface
Small Gas Engines is an easy-to-understand, up-to-date textbook detailing
the operation, diagnosis, service, and repair of small gasoline engines. It has been
designed to help prepare aspiring technicians for exciting and productive careers in
the small engine and outdoor power equipment service industry. It also provides the
information needed to prepare for EETC certifi cation tests.
The information provided in the book is applicable to a wide range of small
engines, including overhead valve, overhead cam, and L-head designs from differ-
ent manufacturers. Variations in basic engine design and the techniques needed to
diagnose and service diverse engine types are clearly explained.
Because small engine technology continues to evolve, the new edition of Small
Gas Engines has been carefully reviewed and revised to include recent technologies,
like electronic fuel injection. At the same time, we realize that small engines tend to
stay in service for an extended period. We carefully evaluated older technologies in
the book, and eliminated those that have slipped into complete obsolescence while
keeping those that a technician is likely to occasionally encounter on the job.
The 2017 edition of Small Gas Engines contains the information needed to pass
EETC certifi cation tests. The information on employment and workplace skills has
also been greatly expanded.
Small Gas Engines has been painstakingly designed to provide a student-
focused approach to learning. Short sentences, concise defi nitions, and thousands
of color illustrations will help you learn quickly and easily. Information is presented
using a building-block approach that starts with simple principles and general rules,
and progresses gradually to more complex subjects.
As society transitions from printed textbooks to digital learning tools, we know it
is important to provide the content you need in the format you need it in. The Small
Gas Engines textbook and the accompanying workbook are available in both print
and digital formats, and are supported with professionally developed, user-friendly
online resources. These resources include electronic study tools and interactive activ-
ities designed to prepare you for success in your studies and career.
We congratulate you on your study of small engine technology and encourage
you to take advantage of all the resources available as part of the Small Gas Engines
learning solution.
About the Authors
Alfred Roth taught for more than 30 years at the college level and was a member
of the Equipment & Engine Training Council (EETC) Certifi cation Test Committee.
He was also an inventor and holds six patents.
Blake Fisher is a technical editor and writer with over 15 years of experience. His
areas of expertise include small engines, automotive technology, and welding.
W. Scott Gauthier has more than 20 years of experience as a technical editor and
writer. He is a coauthor of the Goodheart-Willcox Automotive Encyclopedia and has
written several educational supplements.
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.