A Must-Have Tool For Mechanics!

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

If this video helped you, please consider clicking on the THANKS button above to support my channel 🙌 and don’t miss this video next kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYqUZaKEeL2pqNk

[@CarlsSmallEngineRepair]

As a certified stihl mechanic, this is one of my favorite and most used tools diagnosing small engines. I have the OEM Stihl one. Comes in so handy on different machines diagnosing air leaks. just an fyi to people with small engines, you can replace all the new parts you want to and adjust the carburetor all you want, if you don’t check and make sure your crankcase holds vacuum and pressure, it’s never going to run right and you will burn up your engine.

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

It’s a great and overlooked tool isn’t it! :)

[@AndrewCudlipp]

@@VintageEngineRepairsthanks for sharing. I was just pressure testing a wacker plate compactor today

[@RobertWorthington-u2s]

Another great video. Ive moved away from the rubber and have made myself block offs using old and defective carbs. I simply seal the venturi using silicone and short the fuel inlet and carb impulse circuits (usually by making a small cut in the fuel pump diaphragm). Pumping air through the fuel inlet line then feeds the crankcase via the impulse hose.

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Awesome mate, good job!

[@tomasznumrych7187]

Bought one after watching the video, but the price for the Amazon one is wat too much. Found one at a UK shop for much cheaper. Got that one and another Stihl block off flange and even with shipping it came out to less than half of what the one on Amazon goes for.

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

That’s awesome! Great to hear you got a good deal!

[@donnywalker4691]

Good video a lot of mechanics do not do it and they should

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Thanks Donny!

[@Syncop8rNZ]

I love it when my favorite KZbinrs watch each other's videos. 😊

[@henrybarker1159]

and some say they have when the haven't

[@AndrewCudlipp]

I have made all my own blockoff plates from aircraft aluminum strap and a wizzer wheel and a mill file. Between the 5 or so plates I have made over the years I can usually find one that fits. Sometimes you do have to make a new one, but I keep them all inside my mityvac case Sometimes you can block off an intake or exhaust with your thumb too! Or install some gasket paper and the muffler over the top etc I have spark plug adapters from ebay to use wjth my mityvac tester. Works great!

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Awesome work :) good job!

[@chrischiampo7647]

Vacuum Pressure Intake Test Adapter For Stihl 😀I Have The Whole Stihl Tool Set at Work 👍🏼

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Awesome!! Great to have access to!

[@MrsSunshine75]

Excellent vid as always! Thank you for helping all of us learn!

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

You’re welcome :) thanks for the kind words!

[@ProSaw70]

Excellent video Tom. Very valid point too. So many people chase their tail when trying to diagnose OPE. A pressure/vac test with the correct tools should always be your first choice.

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Spot on :) well said! Thanks for the kind words!

[@hessuhopolainen]

I bought whole stihl pump set and that block plate included. Handy tool indeed. Makes diagnosting so much faster. I use it also testing 2-cycle engine before final assembly. Some chainsaw models have such a crappy desing that you can't make them work without test pump.

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Awesome, a great investment!!

[@Biokemist-o3k]

SO true!! I have used a piece of rubber many many times..Thank you for the information..I never knew this existed because I never looked to see if there was something better than a piece of rubber..-John

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Glad it helped you!!

[@Handleyman]

What a smart idea!

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

That's a pretty slick tool. I am going to add one to the box and try it out. 🙂

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Awesome mate! I hope you’re well. Merry Christmas :)

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

@VintageEngineRepairs I am doing great! Merry Christmas to you and yours too! O hope things are going good down under.

[@mattw5729]

Excellent video, I absolutely agree! I used rubber for a long time, it's so much easier to use the proper tools!!! Thank you Sir.

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Awesome :) glad you found it to be the case too!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Excellent video Tom! I do disagree with one thing… Using a piece of rubber is a good idea if you want to confine your tests to the crank seals only. The piece of rubber test can help you avoid tearing down certain engines twice: once to replace the manifold, and a second time to replace the crank seals when it still won't hold pressure. I think both have their place. Well done mate!👍 Merry Christmas 🎄 and Happy New Year 🥂

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Thanks Stella! Sure you can do that!! ❤️

[@Gssmallenginerepair]

So with this tool, you still use a piece of rubber for exhaust side? Keep spark plug in cylinder? And just put air in through the carb tool? Thanks.

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Yep :)

[@tomintexas817]

i got that and am thinkin about another 1

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

I have two as I modified one to fit the stihl 201t lol

[@tomintexas817]

@VintageEngineRepairs the second is for 026 and 046

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Interesting! The standard one doesn’t fit? Did you have to modify it then?

[@tomintexas817]

@@VintageEngineRepairs no the other one plugs impulse line too

[@bjlee1988]

The link to the block off adapter doesn't go to the adapter - fyi. Great bit of kit, and great info. Kudos!

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Yeah it’s weird, the link is causing issues for some people!

[@chethaynes5802]

Thank you

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

You’re welcome!

[@josephpuchel6497]

Hey how about the exhaust side ? It has additional plate for exhaust side or just do the usual blocking off

[@rayvil01]

If the intake side leaks it's a big problem. If the exhaust side leaks it's not going to burn up the engine. But, it may cause some plastic melting, etc.

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

You can use rubber that side 👍🏻

[@johnwyman6126]

You can't pressurize the case if all the air is leaking out the exhaust.

[@KevinMaxwell-o3t]

@@rayvil01 You've completely misunderstood what we're doing here. We seal off the intake and exhaust side, and apply first a vacuum, then pressure. We're testing the entire block. You cannot tolerate a leak anywhere; not at the intake, not at the exhaust, not at the sparkplug. If you find a leak, it's either the cylinder-crankcase seam or, more likely, the crankshaft seals.

[@Nudnik1]

Excellent 👍 thank you cheers 🥂 Ps I always set high speed mixture on the side of being slightly to rich to avoid piston damage .

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

You’re welcome :) that’s a good idea too!

[@cobar5342]

Very well presented video

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Thank you :)

[@jamesbrooks5442]

I seem to have ignition problems with my old 2 strokes bad coils and electronics seems like after 20 years you cant find the parts ive got 5 chainsaws with no spark

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

That’s annoying! Sorry to hear it

[@LandieManCan]

Hi great video very clear. The link for the block off plate comes up with a brush cutter head blade mounting set though?

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

How weird! I just checked it and it works for me. What country are you in? Can you try again? amzn.to/3BB5Nbb

[@LandieManCan]

@VintageEngineRepairs England mate. No worries I will search it up, probably my phone messing me about!!

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

@ ah gutted! Yeah give it a search hopefully you can find it easily 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@jimgroulx3956]

Hey guys…..way over here in Canada I got the same results when I clicked on the link, it came up with the brush cutter mounting adapter. Hmmmm Thanks for the video

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Oh no how frustrating! No idea why!

[@clueken13]

You rock dude! Love your channel and I so much appreciate you. Thank you for being awesome 😎🫡😊

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Thanks for the kind words :) I really appreciate it!!

[@clueken13]

@ I appreciate you so much dude. I think you’re awesome and thank you for all your support.

[@bushratbeachbum]

Where do you buy your fuel hose from? Im always looking for the best deal as i go through a lot working on old equipment!!

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

I buy Tyson on amazon :)

[@bushratbeachbum]

@VintageEngineRepairs i didn't know he was for sale again!! Hahahahahahahahahaha Cheers mate. I'll have a look!!

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

@@bushratbeachbum sorry mate you lost me 🤣🤣🤣

[@smokysantana]

@@VintageEngineRepairs maybe mike tyson or tyson chicken.

[@bushratbeachbum]

@@VintageEngineRepairs isn't the hose Tygon? Tyson is a boxer who recently had a questionable bout with an odd opponent, causing people to wonder if it was a bit of a set up.

[@mrgoodman6620]

I had a 30cm2 box full of custom made stops, blocks and adapters, actually the last thing i used was the mould for casting primer bulbs! I need to put one of those stress toys in the kit too.. you know the ones you push the button and it swears for ya! Lol coz the job before hand was a chainsaw (Chinese) most frustrating rubber anomaly between the motor and carbi, but i won! LOL

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Haha good job! I love custom tools :)

[@AyuPerezsaucedo]

Una pregunta maestro tengo un soplador dé la marca quosvarna lo succiono se llena de gas poco ratito se queda seco se vacía solo cuál sería el problema de ese cebador

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Sorry mate I don’t understand your question I’m afraid!

[@steveconroy1614]

Hi, what size yellow tube do you use to connect your Mityvac? TIA

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

I have no idea I’m afraid, I just find something that fits lol.

[@MartinKirklandll]

Is there a part # you could share .The Amazon link appears not to work here in Canada..ca?I like idea of 3D printing as an option.

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Hey, I don’t have the part number on hand, but if you click the link, you can copy and paste it (it comes up in the search bar) 👍🏻

[@simonilett998]

Good point, Tom, easy mistake to make when using rubber sheet. The link takes me to the correct item, but says it can't be shipped to my location. I'm in Perth, same as you, Tom. Armadale, WA🤷‍♂️ Maybe I'll just knock one up on my milling machine, would be a nice, easy, satisfying little project, and another useful tool in my arsenal.👍

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Thanks for the feedback mate!! Urgh I need a mill!! Though having just spent thousands on a tig welder It will be a while 🤣

[@simonilett998]

@VintageEngineRepairs Being able to afford to buy tools and equipment is always a big challenge, and often involve ongoing expenses for additional tooling etc, so they don't make much sense unless they can eventually pay for themself over time, if ever. Generally never an option for the average home-gamer obviously. Tig is something I've always wanted to try, but I doubt I would ever get enough use out of it to justify the expense tbh, but it could be a handy skill and looks like you're having fun and making awesome progress. I can do stick, mig, oxy/propane, oxy/acet. steel fusion, steel filler, brazing + sheet metal lead soldering, most general wiring, as well as through hole pcb components and surface mount micro soldering etc, so that's enough for most things I've ever needed to repair. Although Tig could certainly come in handy for the odd Ally or Stainless repairs but they would be super rare for me. Just a thought mate, you have a lathe, you can often knock out some things on a lathe that you might otherwise think you would need a mill for. I'll actually probably start off doing a fair bit of this little project on the lathe, then maybe finish it off on the mill, mainly just for the bolt/stud holes and maybe machine some flat sides on it, that's if I don't just use a rectangular piece of stock to begin with. But really the only critical requirement is for the main mating face to be flat and parallel with the bolt head/nut side (which can be done on a lathe) then it should work just fine. You could even just mark out and drill the mounting holes by hand if need be (even better if you have a 4 jaw chuck, everthing could be machined and all 3 holes drilled on a lathe and machine a little hose spigot around the centre hole, or perhaps even tap a 1/8 BSPT or NPT thread into the centre hole for a hose tail) then it's just a bit of cutting and filing for aesthetics and finess afterwards if one desires.🤣👍

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Awesome reply mate :) sorry for the slow response! You raise some great points! It’s surprising how much you can do on the lathe, though, I still want a mill as well 🤣

[@daipower1]

The block off plate link brings up some sort of battery?

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Yeah it’s been weird, something to do with where they’ll ship I believe. There is no alternative and Amazon tries to direct you to the closest thing haha. Copy the code that comes up and paste it into Amazon :)

[@daipower1]

@@VintageEngineRepairs I am in Wales UK so probably something to do with that. I tried to paste it but its still the same. I will try and source somewhere else, thanks. I have a problem with a petrol disc cutter and think it must be down to seals somewhere, cant figure it out at the moment.

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Good stuff, hopefully you find it :) certainly useful to have on hand!

[@charleschapman2428]

I think that you could use a piece of flat stock and just drill some holes in it to fit.

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Sure that’s a good idea! Just make sure you have bolts long enough!

[@johnwyman6126]

You have to figure in what your time is worth.

[@garny3766]

Yes. Stack nuts if bolts are too long. You need one on exhaust side too. And if you eve get into rebuilding snowmobile/ dirt bike engines they have power valves that need block off too. Flat stock, jigsaw, transfer punches, hand drill or press and gasket material are a guys go-to for all 2 stroke engines.

[@3rdpig]

Would an automotive4 smoke leak detector work? A bit more expensive, but if it saves time on every job it could pay for itself pretty quickly. Just a thought.

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Unfortunately not as it requires pressure, up to 7psi. Also you need vacuum to test for leaks at the seals. However a good thought though!

[@redmesa2975]

$54 !! I’ll make my own.

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Sure 👍🏻

[@AmericasTeamAdventure]

Time to warm up the 3D printer.

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Yes, just make sure it doesn’t flex under compression

[@charleschapman2428]

Thanks for the video, the only problem is the insane price of almost $55 dollars !

[@kbittorf335]

When I first saw this I thought that isn’t too bad of a price and then followed the link and it’s only the blocking plate for that! That high quality German metal...

[@akbychoice]

@@kbittorf335looks like cast pot-metal.

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

You’re welcome :)

[@midway27272727]

Do your vacuum test first then pressure test 2nd. Reason being, let's say that you have a crank seal that's on it's way out. Doing the pressure test first may cause that weakened seal to seal from pressure.

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

I’ve heard people say that, I’ve never experience it and logically it doesn’t make sense, a weak spring or stiff rubber won’t seal not to mention the engine pulses pressure against the sealing lip 10,000 times a minute. Have you got any literature from a manual that actually states that?

[@AyuPerezsaucedo]

Una pregunta maestro y un consejo quiero comprarme una motosierra cuál estaría bueno comprarme echó ho Sthil ho quosvarna qué me aconseja

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Stihl every time 👍🏻

[@SPACEMIKEB]

Please provide the same for Husqvarna. Thanks.

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Same tool :)

[@SPACEMIKEB]

@@VintageEngineRepairs Thanks!

[@JonathanJavier-f4h]

Hola 👋 en realidad se pueden fabricar todos lo elementos de forma cacera para dejar el motor ermetico y hacer la prueba de estanqueidad y sin invertir tanto dinero. Mityvac 8500 te de la posibilidad de presion negativa y positiva ya que tambien hay que hacer prueba de presion negativa en estos motores de 2T saludos

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Glad you enjoyed it 👍🏻👍🏻

[@Travis141123]

I can see someone 3D printing sets of these for different equipment.

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

I love this idea, so long as the 3d printed block off doesn’t warp under compression? No idea how ridged it is.

[@KevinMaxwell-o3t]

What do you mean by 'four-mix engines"? I've worked on engines all my life and never heard that term.

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

4 mix is a concept designed by stihl wherein the engine is based off a 4 stroke, but uses premixed oil in the fuel to lubricate the bottom end, top end and valves. It needs to be air tight like a 2 stroke. I’m not convinced personally, but some like them.

[@hubby-tubadventures01]

Tom the link is for a defibrillator battery 😆

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Hahaha yeah it’s been funny for anyone out of the USA frustratingly! Amazon is directing people to the closest alternative it seems, which isn’t close at all 🤣 Copy the part number that comes up and paste it into your Amazon if no luck try google hahaha

[@hubby-tubadventures01]

@@VintageEngineRepairs Tom I have found sellers in the UK and the majority are less than a tenner. It seems this model covers mos stihl machines but from your experience does it cover other brands?

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Brilliant mate! Just make sure it’s not the thin plate one, that it is the full width like the one I showed in the video. Yep, it works on almost every 2 stroke that comes in :)

[@user-ug2rn7sr9i]

Ill just make one, easy enough.

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Yep

[@GOD-xe5gk]

HI HAVE A QUESTION FOR YOU I PUT A STHIL FS240 ENGINE IN AN RC BOAT AN I WAS TRYING TO FIND OUT THE OPERATING TEMPERATURE PLZ HELP

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Cool! Do you have a video? Below 150c at the cylinder head is safe :) you can go slightly more for short bursts.

[@GOD-xe5gk]

THANKS YOU THE BEST NO VIDEO'S YET

[@bushratbeachbum]

Weird. Link says it can't be shipped to my location, even though im not too far from where you are. Odd!!!

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Seems to only be available in the USA via that link :( copy and paste the number into your Amazon 👍🏻

[@hottractor1999]

Well heck, i'm just going to use a piece of rubber in my saw.

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

more power to you!

[@AyuPerezsaucedo]

Una pregunta maestro porque unos pistones de motores de 2 tiempos cómo dé motosierras son hobalados y hotros son Planos parejos de la cabeza del pistón porque señor saludos

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Sorry mate I don’t understand your question

[@AyuPerezsaucedo]

holbidalo amigo saludos

[@nicholaspratt7934]

Blockoff plate shortcut above takes me to ""Techtek battery compatible with [CU Medical] Defibrillator I-PAD, i-PAD SP2 Defibrillator,""

[@paulmahler7700]

Same here😢

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Yeah one link is being funny with it this time!

[@williamemerson1799]

Stihl tools are available for the general public to purchase? I kinda assumed they were made available only to certified Stihl techs. 👍🍻

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

They use to be much more tightly controlled, now days they sell them to the public yes, apart from tuning screw drivers and their diagnostic equipment for the m-tronic and injection machines lol

[@williamemerson1799]

@@VintageEngineRepairs Thanks, Tom. Good to know.

[@paulmaplonker297]

Use carb cleaner to find leaks ,spray round car gasket area ,revs go up or cuts out ,there your fault

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

You can, It’s a quick and dirty method which gives you an indication, but not fool proof especially if you can’t reach the seals - which is highly likely as they’re under clutches, washers, covers, same with flywheels.

[@henrybarker1159]

Won't ship to NZ and whats the price might just make my own stihl nz don't want to know I asked

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Yeah some countries are having issues with the link unfortunately! Have a quick google search around :)

[@AquaMarine1000]

gasket sealant was invented to eliminate this problem.

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

No it’s not lol.

[@neilcrompton3488]

Wth does 4 mix mean?,never heard that before 🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

It’s a concept by stihl. It’s a 4 stroke cycle lubricated by the pre mixed oil.

[@neilcrompton3488]

@VintageEngineRepairs u mean 4 stroke?

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

@ no, 4-mix 👍🏻

[@mikeheintz6861]

You could make that with a piece of aluminum plate for much cheaper

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Yep, go for it!

[@edwinbruckner4752]

Im sorry, but I don't understand all the hassle ? So the idea is to check for false air using a piece of rubber under pressure ? What happend to just starting the engine, and use any type of gas in a can ( like deodorant, or even WD40 ) , and spray that gently around the sealings ? If the engine reacts in any way, increasing or decreasing rpm, you instantly know there is bad air leaking or being drawn in. I must have missed something ?

[@geoffbrumpton8544]

Yep you sort of did, if it runs that’s a test you can do if done properly. However if the machine isn’t going like most of them that we get then you should be doing these types of test before going headlong into the unknown spend time $ that would be avoided if you knew what the actual problem was. These test are what the diagnostic fee covers.

[@geoffbrumpton8544]

Yep you sort of did, if it runs that’s a test you can do if done properly. However if the machine isn’t going like most of them that we get then you should be doing these types of test before going headlong into the unknown spend time $ that would be avoided if you knew what the actual problem was. These test are what the diagnostic fee covers. That make sense?

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

People use rubber inner tube to seal the crankcase to do a pressure and vacuum test, however that rubber can hide leaks at the manifold face when the manifold is warped or compressed with age. Therefore you hide the leak you’re chasing. Using a flat block off ensures that if there is warping or compression, you’ll find it. Using a flammable spray is a down and dirty way, but often isn’t fool proof - very hard to get in certain areas, especially seals that are under many covers, clutches, washers etc.

[@edwinbruckner4752]

Hmm, oke, in all my years I never knew about this method. lol Seems like a lot of work. Do problems when you really need this method occur a lot ?

[@petebaron4643]

So you REMOVE the carburetor. Anytime this is done, a replacement NEW gasket is heartily recommended. The tool tests the old gasket. Why bother to distort the new gasket with this tool ? Simply try operations with a new gasket.

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@richardwernst]

Nice tool but $55 for home repair folks is too steep.

[@user-ug2rn7sr9i]

Whooa 55 for that !! 😮

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

I’m sure you could make one

[@richardwernst]

@@VintageEngineRepairs I was thinking that, small piece of flat stock (I save cheap bed frames for such things), couple holes for the carb studs/bolts, and a hole with either a press in piece of steel/copper/brass tubing, or threaded with screw in type fitting. And a piece of rubber (old inner tube?) to seal against the carb? But great video pointing out the problem with pressurizing from the plug hole. I guess that's primarily to detect bad crank seals, yes?

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Absolutely, try fabricate something you have on hand :) no rubber, just metal against the gasket! 👍🏻

[@miladne1092]

Is the last bit a parody?

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

?

[@alext8828]

$54.83+tax?

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

On Amazon yep, search around it may be cheaper.

[@Grahammon]

I think you need to remove a couple of your earlier videos, as you say to use the inner tube and save money on the “expensive tools” which you then show that very tool you now describe as essential. Confusing advice.

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Thanks Grahammon, I agree with you, as mentioned in this video I have made the mistake in the past :) thanks again!

[@tcmits3699]

Just get a GREENWORKS 40v Digipro, problem solved.

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

Until the battery dies in a year and parts aren’t available when they break, sure 😉