I interviewed for a small engine repair shop job. I had to pass a troubleshooting test. It was a gas powered cut-off saw (think chainsaw motor). It wouldn't start. Checked for gas in the tank, then for spark. No spark. Pulled the cover off to get to the magneto and noticed a huge gap between it and the flywheel. Closer inspection revealed marks on the slots on the magneto where the screw heads use to ride. I called out loudly, "Sabotage!" I could hear in the distance, the saboteur (a mechanic which I soon worked right next to), bust out laughing.
I didn't have a feeler gauge so I just moved the magneto back to where the score marks lined up with the screw heads and she started on the first pull.
I never let the saboteur live that one down. He did tell me that he was impressed at how quickly I figured it out. I told him that he played dirty pool on me.
