Questions and Answers

Small Engine Wanted Q. Hi, I am a university physics student, and have taken on a project about the physics of automotive engines. I want to buy a small internal combustion engine and actually disassemble and then reassemble it once again to really understand how the engine works.

I was wondering if you could help me out and give me some advice about what kind of engine to buy and where to find such an engine.

Thanks,
Sarah

A. Well Sarah, it depends what you mean by small. A small three cylinder car engine or a small one cylinder lawn mower engine.

I would think that a 3 horse power, one cylinder lawn mower engine would do you nicely. All the principles are the same as a car engine and they both have, basically, the same parts. You can get a new or used engine at any lawn mower repair shop or Go-Kart shop. You'll want a horizontal engine and not a vertical engine if you want to get as close as possible to a car engine.

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