Tecumseh engines are found on a large number of power tools. Lawnmowers, wood chippers and chainsaws are typical perches for Tecumseh engines and can run for years maintenance-free. Due to the ease of finding parts, it is less expensive to rebuild the engine than to buy a new power tool. Tecumseh motors are relatively easy to rebuild and are a good place for any budding home mechanic to learn about engine parts.
Disconnect the electrical connections on the motor and remove the spark plugs with the spark plug wrench. Remove the engine from the frame by loosening the motor mounts and the Power Take Off (PTO). Pull the motor out of the engine seat and mount it securely to a work bench.
Locate the engine oil drain plug on the bottom of the engine and remove it to drain the oil. Remove the engine housing bolts from the top of the engine and pull the head off of the engine.
Remove the camshaft plugs and pull the camshaft and piston assembly out of the engine. Remove the old pistons by driving out the piston rods with the hammer and install the new pistons from the rebuild kit. Use the pliers to slip the rings into the shallow slots on top of the pistons.
Remove the old gaskets and replace it with the corresponding gasket from your rebuild kit. Reinstall the camshaft and piston rods and install the pistons. Slide the head back down onto the engine housing. Reinstall the top housing and new spark plugs. Put oil in the engine and reinstall the carburetor
