Paramotor essential toolkit

by Had Robinson
updated August 20, 2020

You have purchased a $6,000 paramotor and you are going to use $10 worth of tools (some screwdrivers and a pair of pump pliers) to work on it.  I hope this does not make sense.  Paramotors, BTW, are NOT Toyota engineered wonder-machines.  They are made mostly in small shops in the EU where incompetent and/or lazy workers cannot be fired = poor quality control.  But Italian engines can run at full throttle better than any others so we put up with it.

These are the tools that you need to properly service most paramotors.

While Harbor Freight does not make professional quality tools, they are more than adequate for the occasional mechanic.  Failure to use the proper tools is a guarantee that you will damage your engine.  Suffice it to say, there are some who lack basic mechanic-type skills or would rather not work on their engines.  In that case, contact a competent local mechanic who knows high performance 2 stroke engines.  These are almost always the chainsaw, kart racing, or dirt-bike guys.  If at all possible, find a kart racing engine expert.  The kart clubs are everywhere in the U.S.  These guys are the world experts on 2 stroke engines and the diaphragm carburetors used in paramotors.

The tools listed below that are available from Harbor Freight are followed by a stock number.  A few items are only available from auto parts stores, a specialty tool supplier, eBay, or Amazon.com.  The stock numbers, brands, etc. may change over time so pilots may have to do a little extra work to locate the tools listed here.  Often enough, these tools are on sale at HF, sometimes at 50% or more off.  The basic tool set will allow pilots to work on nearly everything except some parts of the ignition system, redrives, and the crankcase assembly.

Basic Tools

See the Fuel equipment for suggestions on the equipment needed to safely fill, drain, mix, and store fuel.

"*" = an essential but special tool used often

Air compressor with accessories #61615, #68260, #60356 (best) or a can of compressed gas used for removing dust
Air-tool oil #68094 – this oil is lightweight and contains no detergents or additives as does automobile engine oil.
Anti-seize lubricant – available from auto parts stores
Brake cleaner – this is required to remove grease, oil, and grime from parts before assembling.  Auto parts stores have it.
Clutch puller Tool #MANEF (Top 80 only) – available from Miniplane-USA.  Most engines require special pullers!
Compression tester Kit 8 Pc #69885  If you have a flash starter on your engine, this tool will not work.
6 in. Digital Caliper with SAE and Metric Fractional Readings #68304  Professional calipers are more accurate but the HF ones are adequate.
7 Function Digital Multimeter #90899  It is an amazing value at $10 for its accuracy.  The more expensive ones are easier to use and tougher.
Permatex part #81950 Ultra Slick Engine assembly lube, 4 oz. – put on all sleeve bearings when assembling them.  In auto parts stores.
3/8" x 6" Extension – available singly from auto parts store but not from Harbor Freight
Fuel line – 1/4" and 1/8" OD fuel resistant fuel line.  Miniplane USA sells it by the foot (page down twice to see the fuel line)
White lithium Grease, small tube – available from auto parts stores.  I don't recommend the spray-can type.
16 oz. ball peen Hammer #61304
2.5 lb. dead-blow Hammer #69003
1500 Watt Dual Temperature Heat gun 572°/1112° #96289
10 Pc Metric Hex key set # 94597
6 Pc 3/8 in. Drive Metric hex Socket set #69546
7 Pc 3/8" drive metric extra long Hex bit socket set (Top 80 only)
Fine Hook & pick set #93514
mini Hook and pick Set #66836 – very handy for picking out seals and small parts that fall down holes in the engine
*Ignition coil spark tester – this $10 tool will test every part of the ignition system except the spark plug
18 in. Telescoping Magnet tool #37187  Ever drop a nut down some hole?  Can't get your fingers in somewhere?  This tool can be very useful.
Technical Measuring set 6 Pc #94447
*Metering lever gauge for Walbro carburetors – the simple way to check the metering lever height.  If it's not correct, the engine will not go to WOT.
Needle File Set 12 Pc #00468
Penetrating oil
7 Pc Pliers set #69357
Puller set, bolt type #62620 – used to aid in the removal of propeller hubs
Puller set, three-Jaw 3 Pc #69105 – used to disassemble a redrive on engines that have them
Pin Punch Set 8 Pc #93424
3 Oz. RTV silicone #96041 – DO NOT USE ORDINDARY HOUSEHOLD SILICONE GLUE!
8 Pc Screwdriver set #94607
Chapman Screwdriver kit model #8900  – optional and available from Amazon or eBay, it is expensive precision set of tools.
Siphon for fuel transfer – see the Fuel equipment section.  A "jiggle-type" siphon is the easiest way to move fuel around.
battery operated fuel Transfer pump – optional but at $10, a real bargain and time saver
6 Pc 3/8 in. drive metric hex Socket set #69546
21 Pc 1/4 in. drive metric high visibility Socket set #67998
20 Pc 3/8 in. drive metric High Visibility Socket set #67999
lead-free rosin core Solder #69378 – used to measure cylinder head/piston spacing (a.k.a. "squish")
Wright 9531 Spark plug gauge & Gap tool – Amazon's description is incorrect but it is the right tool and is available from other suppliers.
Lisle #20200 14mm Spark plug hole thread chaser
    OR
*Pirate Mfg Spark Plug Hole Thread Chaser 14mm and 10mm (for the newer Top 80 engines)
3/8 in. Drive 13/16 in. spark plug Socket #67793
18 In. Low Voltage Test leads #66717 (these are needed to connect the multimeter to various part of the engine)
0.20 oz. semi-Permanent blue Threadlock #96059
0.20 oz. permanent red Threadlock #96055
Torch – either propane/MAPP or (better) oxyacetylene.  The latter is better because it delivers the maximum amount of heat the quickest, disturbing adjacent items less.

DO NOT USE TORQUE WRENCHES WITH ADAPTERS!
3/8 in. Torque wrench click-type
1/4 in. Torque wrench beam-type (preferred as it is more accurate than the click-type below)  OR
1/4 in. Torque wrench click-type

6 in. swivel Vise with Anvil #67040 (highly recommended but optional)
9 Pc Metric Combination Wrench Set #42305

Ignition tools (special)

If you plan to do advanced ignition work you will need these tools:

Feeler gauge 32 Pc #32214 quantity (2) for adjusting the gap between the ignition coil and the flywheel.  You must have (2) of these to do it!
Hand riveter set #38353
aluminum Blind Rivet assortment (500 Piece) #67668
3/8 in. variable speed reversible Drill #60614
high speed steel Drill bit set 13 Pc #61723
42 Pc marine heat shrink Tubing assortment With Case #67598

Carburetor tools (special)

Here are the special tools needed that are not included above:

Pop-off pressure gauge – It is impossible to check fuel system health or properly tune a diaphragm carburetor without a pop-off gauge.
Welch plug remover – optional see this page on the details.  This tool is rarely needed.

Timing tools

If you are planning to check or adjust the timing of your engine, go to the  check timing page or the timing page on this site, respectively, for the tools needed.  You should not have to check/adjust the timing unless there has been some catastrophe.

Engine overhaul tools

Please go to the bearing replacement page for these special tools.

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