Table of Contents
How an outboard motor works. The crankshaft turns the main driveshaft running down the long spine of the motor. A small gearbox at the bottom of the driveshaft converts vertical spinning motion into horizontal spinning motion. The propeller powered by horizontally spinning gears powers the boat through the water.
How does a 4 stroke outboard motor work?
A four-stroke engine works by running one compression stroke followed by an exhaust stroke. Each stroke is followed quickly by a return stroke. Most four-stroke outboard motors on the market today feature high-tech computer management systems to keep the motor running smoothly, which grants them great performance.
How does a marine engine work?
Marine engines on ships are responsible for propulsion of the vessel from one port to another. The marine engines are heat engines used for converting heat, which is generated by burning fuel, into useful work, i.e. developing thermal energy and transforming it into mechanical energy. Jan 19, 2022.
Do outboard motors have reverse?
Inboard/Outboard Motors (Stern Drive): Sterndrive boats will operate in reverse, similar to an outboard, but you will not always be able to see the direction that the drive is facing. Make sure to familiarize yourself with a sterndrive boat, so you know how it behaves in reverse.
How does an outboard motor shift gears?
The pinion gear is permanently engaged with the forward gear and the reverse gear, so when the driveshaft is rotating, the pinion gear is rotating, and the forward and reverse gears are rotating. If you hear grinding as you shift the outboard into gear, it’s usually a worn dog clutch.
Can you run an outboard motor without water?
An outboard motor should never be operated without a source of water entering the inlet screens to supply the water pump. Without a source of water for lubrication, the water pump will be the first to be damaged, followed shortly thereafter by the engine from a lack of cooling.
How do outboard motors get air?
Marine engines typically will not have a true air filter. There’s an air box in front of outboard engine carburetors to quiet the sound of air rushing into the engine. Inboard motors use a flame arrestor on their carburetors to eliminate the possibility of fire and bilge explosion.
Is a 4 stroke outboard more powerful than a 2 stroke?
This is why 2 strokes are used in handheld, portable things like chainsaws, lawn mowers and on smaller boats. The 4 stroke also has a lot more extra parts & complexity that adds to the weight of it. Obviously a 2 stroke 60HP has the same power as a 4 stroke 60HP but it is how that power is delivered that changes.
Where do outboards exhaust?
Most all of the exhaust of an outboard is expelled through the bottom fin of the propeller. This is why there are bubbles coming up from the propellers when the boat is started. This exhaust is also mixed with some water from the cooling system. It cycles through the engine and then is pushed up with the exhaust.
What is the fin on the bottom of a outboard motor called?
What is the purpose of a skeg? The skeg of your outboard or stern drive motor serves two highly important functions. The skeg acts as a precise rudder, allowing the motor to turn your boat accurately and safely. Second, The skeg allows essential protection of your propeller from debris in the water and running aground.
Why do ocean boats have outboards?
The inboard designs for many also prove to be a fuel-efficient alternative. On the flip side, the outboard motor design maximizes the benefits of a directional thrust at the back of the boat, according to Outdoor Troop. This translates to increased power control, making loading and docking the boat much easier.
Do outboard motors have keys?
Outboard motors are simple. Depending on the type of motor you have, you might have to pull start it, or you may need a key. Once the motor is going, you can use it to drive your boat until you are ready to stop and coast.
Why do boat engines need water?
The water flows through the engine and directly out the exhaust. This cooler water absorbs heat from the engine to help keep it cool. Most newer marine engines use an enclosed cooling system. This means that there is a small tank on the top of the engine that uses a combination of fresh water and coolant.
Can you use a marine engine in a car?
Ford, or any other marine engine that matches the manufacturers automobile specifications will fit. However there are several marine engines made just for motor boats and cannot be interchanged. But usually if you can get the motor mounts at a auto parts store, it will fit in a car.
Why marine engines have 2stroke?
Why 2-stroke Engines are Used More commonly than 4-stroke on Ships? Fuel Selection: The fuel prices have gone sky high and better grade fuel is adding higher costs to vessel operation. A two-stroke engine can burn low-grade fuel oil and hence reduce the running cost of the ship.
Why do boat engines not have gears?
Boat engines don’t have transmissions because they add a lot of undesired complexity for a minimal speed gain. Usually, the propeller doesn’t turn at speed equal to its engine; if it does, it cavitates & reduces its life span. Adding gears increases speed, which increases cavitation, so no gears.
Is reversing a boat the same as a car?
Cars steer from the front by turning the wheels, but boats steer from the rear by turning the outboard motor. The steering wheel turns in the same direction, but, in a car, the front end goes in the direction the wheels are turned. The correct maneuver is to shift the motor into reverse and pull out backwards.
How does water get into lower unit?
You have seals on both sides of your water pump. You can have a warped lower unit which will allow water to seep in; even with new seals. You can have a touch or roughness on a seal seat that doesn’t let a seal seal. Take the lower unit to a “good” dealer and have them go through your lower unit.
Why does my outboard motor slip out?
If your motor is jumping out of gear then your clutch dog and your engagement points on your forward gear are worn out. To fix this you will need to drop the lower unit, tear her down and replace the clutch dog and forward gear Then reseal her, you are not likely to like the price of this at all!Apr 21, 2008.
What oil goes in an outboard lower unit?
You can use any brand of lubricant that has a grade designation of API GL5 SAE 80 or 90 weight. Make sure you do not mix different oil brands or weights. into the BOTTOM drain hole. Then slowly squeeze the bottle to force the oil into the lower unit.
