Mechanical Sciences
4-H Small Engines Project
The Colorado 4-H Small Engines Project teaches youth how to understand, maintain, and repair small engines through hands-on experience.
Unit 1, Crank It Up!, introduces beginners to engine parts, basic maintenance, and simple repairs, emphasizing safety and proper use of manuals. Unit 2, Warm It Up!, covers different engine types, internal components, specialized tools, engine sizes, compression, and business opportunities. Unit 3, Tune It Up!, focuses on advanced skills like tearing down and rebuilding engines, using diagnostic tools, identifying problems, and proper maintenance. Unit 4, Advanced Small Engines, encourages youth to plan and execute their own projects, take on junior leadership roles, and design personalized engine projects, fostering problem-solving, technical skills, and independence.
Project Overview
UNIT 1
Crank It Up!
Designed for members 8-18 years old.
Inspiring youth to:
- Use operators manual to guide maintenance repair and adjustments
- Learn major parts of engines
- Importance of clean air to efficiently functioning engines
- How to replace a spark plug and much more
UNIT 2
Warm It Up!
Designed for members 8-18 years old.
Inspiring youth to:
- Learn about different engine types
- Learn the internal parts of an engine
- Specialize tools used
- Engine sizes
- Compression
- Seasoning your engine
- Safety Issues
- How to start your own business
UNIT 3
Tune It Up!
Designed for members 8-18 years old.
Inspiring youth to:
- Learn about tearing engines down and rebuilding them
- How to use diagnostic tools
- How to listen to engines for specific problems
- How to properly maintain engines
- How to use the internet to find resources, rules, and regulations regarding small engines
- Select replacement engines
UNIT 4
Advanced Small Engines
Designed for members 11-18 years old.
Inspiring youth to:
- Plan specific goals and a course of action for a specific topic
- Become a junior leader in small engine project
- Design your own small engines project
Official Project Materials
Materials & Curriculum
Member Resources
Find Your County
Counties play a crucial role in 4-H by providing a platform for young people to learn and grow.
Counties facilitate the delivery of 4-H programs that are of particular interest in their area and qualified, compassionate adult leaders run local clubs to support our youth 4-H members.
To find out if this project is supported locally, contact your local extension office.
Upcoming Events
Currently there are no events scheduled at this time associated to this page. Please check back for the latest events as they are scheduled.
Project Tips
- Do at least seven activities each year.
- Date and have your leader or parent/guardian initial the completed activities.
- Take trips and tours
- Self-determine project ideas:
- Select a topic of your choice and decide on a goal, such as putting a CD player in a car.
- Record your goal and plan of action in the e-record. For example, it will take three months to learn how to install a CD player in a car.
- Fill out the e-Record as you work on your project.
- Record any costs incurred and any inventory of tools or equipment used.
- Record your accomplishments in the e-record. Share what worked and what didn’t.
- Exhibit a display board related to your project.
- Place additional supportive materials in a sturdy binder with your e-record.
Careers
Motorboat Mechanic and Technician
Maintain and repair the mechanical and electrical components of boat engines
Motorcycle Mechanic
Specializes in working on motorcycles, motorized scooter, mopeds, dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles
Outdoor Power Equipment Servicer
Service and repair lawnmowers, edge trimmers, garden tractors and generators
Farm Equipment Mechanic
Specializes in farm equipment such as tractors and their attachments and implements
Small Engine Parts
Dealer
Locates difficult to find parts for small engine dealers; supplies parts to small engine repair mechanics
Traveling Small Engine Mechanic
Specialized mechanic who travels to the location of repair; may stay in one area or travel nationally
Mechanical Engineer
Designs new small engines for new product coming to market
Small Engine Repair Shop Owner
Owns repair shop which provides specialized repairs and maintenance for small engines