Boat mechanic

Small engine mechanic

by AgentX86 - 2018-10-16 19:43:47

Most importantly, ask your EP.  He knows your situation better than any of us can possibly.  Since I'm PM dependent, my EP told me in no uncertain terms to forget my riding lawn mower.  I argued the point but he wasn't backing down (and my wife was there, so...).  That, large electrical load centers/motors, and welding) were the only no-nos.  Again, I'm dependent so the ramifications of EMI is more severe.  If you're not dependent, there is less to worry about but talk to your EP.

What I've found

by Theknotguy - 2018-10-16 22:10:34

I'm 80-90% dependent upon my pacemaker.  I have a Medtronic Surescan with two leads.  I haven't experienced any problems with EMF fields so am not as concerned as some people.  All of this was learned by first hand experience so I'm not giving you theory. 

I've put a previous post on the forum.  I volunteer at a furniture bank (like a food bank but we give out furniture).  I run all of the wood shop equipment with no problems.  We use Kreg Jig pocket screws on some of the furniture we build.  I had made a table for the Kreg Jig jigs and was drilling the pocket screw holes with a larger 110 volt power drill.  After drilling about 50 screw holes I got tired of lifting the drill and started using my shoulder to push the drill in to make the holes.  I had completely forgotten about my pacemaker.  Consequently I drilled about 200 holes while my left shoulder was lying on the running drill.  That means my pacemaker was lying on the running drill as I was making the holes.  No problems.  "Shouldn't have done that", I thought.  So even though my pacemaker was lying on the running 110 volt drill, no problems.  

Got a call from my son.  Daughter-in-laws car wouldn't start.  Would I stop by and fix?  Sure!  So I ran over to the house, went into the garage and jump started her car with battery cables.  Got the car running.  Completely forgot about my pacemaker and was leaning over the running engine.  No problems.  So I was less than three feet from a running alternator throwing off all sorts of EMF and radio noise.  No problems.  

Volunteer at a hospital.  They have a metal detector going into the ER.  I work the outside desk and have to take people into the ER.  Go through the metal detector sometimes several times a day.  No problems with my pacemaker.  Doesn't miss a beat.  Went to the State Fair.  Had another metal detector.  State Highway Patrol insisted I go through the metal detector.  Told him I'd be really ticked if anything happened.  But since he had the gun and I didn't I was on the losing end of the argument.  Disappointment - no problem with the pacemaker.  

Son had problems with the garage door opener.  Was checking the 110 volt line.  Son told me he'd tripped the circuit breaker.  He did, but it was the wrong one.  (So much for his electrical knowledge.)  Grabbed a live 110 volt line.  No problems with my pacemaker.  Granted, the current didn't run through my body - I did get a sore finger, but my pacemaker didn't miss a beat. 

We have to move wood when it's shipped in to the furniture bank.  They have one of those fork lifts that run on propane.  I jump on and run the fork lift all the time.  It's the standard engine with the alternator, battery, etc.  No problems with the pacemaker.  So I don't understand when agentX86 says his EP doesn't want him to run a riding lawn mower.  The fork lift has to be putting out a lot more EMF than a lawn mower, but I'll let him and his EP explain that.  No problems with my pacemaker.  

I've also got one of those ground electrical boxes out in my back yard.  Been all over the place.  Been on top of it when I climb the fence, been beside it when I'm cutting weeds.  They're running high voltage through it.  No problems with my pacemaker.  

Oh, and my pacemaker is now five years old.  So it's one of the "older" models now.  I imagine the newer models are better constructed.  

So I don't go over and hug the machinery while it's running but I'm not too concerned either.  Based upon my experiences I don't see a problem with you going back and working as a mechanic. I'd just be careful to move at least a foot away from the running engine.  

Thanks

by Beaverrods77 - 2018-10-16 22:22:16

I thought I should be fine but it’s nice to hear from someone else that’s already been through it lol

interference

by cecmjensen@gmail.com - 2018-10-19 14:03:49

The machinery in these posts contain magnets of some type and are all listed on the Medtronics website in a brochure about electromagnetic compatibility, medtronic.com/patient-services/cardiac-emc-guide/index.htm

Suggest that you check your device manufacturer page for similar information.  While it will not harm the device, a magnet basically turns it off for any therapy you may need at the time. 

Small engines

by svctdp1130121310 - 2018-12-09 10:39:09

I have had my ice since 2012, I still work on small engines and cars, I still use my chainsaw. I just exercise better judgement. My life is as it was before, it is all about magnetic fields. A field will shut off my icd, however my pacer will keep on going. Best of luck in your endeavors. Sorry for being late to this conversation.