Engine Workshops

Workshop Description

We may operate engines, but most folks don't have direct experience working on engines. Even engineers often call an 'expert'.  Attend this hands-on workshop to ward off any engine-related imposter syndrome. Participants will disassemble and identify basic components of a small engine, review how combustion engines work, and discuss ways to continue to empower our confidence and curiosity in everyday life.

By the end of the workshop, participants should be able to...

• Identify and locate major components of a combustion engine.

• Know from experience how to use hand tools including fixed wrenches, socket sets, and torque wrenches.

• Explain at an intermediate level how an engine generates rotational energy.

• Relate the components and concepts to their personal field of study, and share insights with fellow participants.

Duration: 1.5 hours

Cost: Free to non-profit organizations
Else, $500/session for 25 participants

Note: while the target audience for these workshops are adult women, anyone and everyone can benefit from a version of this experience. Please don't hesitate to discuss your group's goals. 

What started all this?

As a mechanical engineer, I have been learning about all of these principles, but never felt like a 'real' engineer whenever someone talked about the workings of an engine.  Enough of that.  In 2016 when I bought my boat, S/V Sea Haven, I forced myself to learn about diesel engines and start maintaining my own.  She taught me a lot, but preparing for this workshop taught me even more.

Starting in Fall 2022, I began collecting small discarded engines, and inviting friends and family to help clean them up.  Why? So we can learn how 4-stroke gasoline engines work in a safe setting. 

It turns out plenty of fellow adults, engineers, women, men all have this same curiosity, and enjoy a safe space to take apart and discover how engines work on their own.

Special Thanks To...

My dad, Bill, who has devoted many years to supporting my mechanical engineering adventure, even before I knew it was an option.  Dad spent part of his career as an auto shop teacher, and has been teaching and sharing tips throughout the workshop's development.  He also found many of the engines used in the workshop!

B's Small Engine and Repair in Dartmouth, MA.  Brian and Lisa have been a supportive influence, donating 6 small engines to kick this project off.  I highly recommend them for any of your small engine repair needs!

The dozen or so close friends who spent their weeknights cleaning out engines with me to help prepare for this workshop.  This has been a community effort for sure.  We learned so much from each other - that was a joy in itself!