Part of Lesson Plan: Small Engine Nomenclature

Activity Overview / Details

Know it is time to break down the numbers have power point on Slide 1. Using the power point have the students take notes.
The Model number gives important mechanical features of the engine
- 1st - one or two digits (Slide #2) indicates the Cubic Inch Displacement
- 1st digit after Displacement (Slide #3) indicates the Basic Design Series (This relates to the cylinder construction, ignition, or other major differences)
- 2nd digit after Displacement (Slide #4) indicates the Position of the Crankshaft, Type of Carburetor, and Governor (If applicable)
- 3rd digit after Displacement (Slide #5) indicates the Type of Bearing on PTO, Reduction Gear (if applicable), Auxiliary PTO/Drive (if applicable), Pressure Lubrication (if applicable)
- 4th digit after Displacement (Slide #6) indicates the Type of Starter, Charging System (if applicable)
The Type number (Slide #7) Identifies the engines mechanical parts, color of paint, decals, governed speed, and OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)
The Code number tells the owner the manufacturing date
- 1st and 2nd digit (Slide #8) = The year the engine was built
- 3rd and 4th digit (Slide #9) = The month the engine was built
- 5th and 6th digit (Slide #10) = The day of the month the engine was manufactured.
Located after these 6 digits will be two more digits that is a combination of a letter and number indicating the assembly line and manufacturing plant (Why is this important to the owner?) If there is a recall on the engine or a warranty issue that is occurring with a particular engine developed on a certain date it can be traced back to the assembly line & plant.
Go to the last slide (slide #11) I have used this slide to indicate a date of significance to the United States you can change this to match whatever you want the the students can connect with to see if they know how to read it (Self Check and understanding)