If there is one point to make in this article, it's using the right tools and current manuals and bulletins. Over the years I have seen many engines or parts damaged or ruined by improper techniques and downright carelessness. It may be a glorified lawn mower engine, but your life depends on its airworthiness. An inadvertent metal scratch, dent or cut may result in a later failure, and aluminum is so easily damaged. While a license or supervision is not required to disassemble an engine or component, I encourage you to work with an A&P even with the disassembly part of the job. Many times there is no opportunity to "save" a part that has been damaged during disassembly. Some owners and even some mechanics are convinced that the "special tools" and fixtures called for are listed just to sell tools to benefit the manufacturer. After decades of doing this work I want to assure you that this is not the case, as manufacturers have done plenty of testing and determined this equipment is necessary to avoid damage.
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