Table of Contents
How does an outboard motor start?
Used outboard motors require just the right touch. Outboards start like a car; just tilt them down and turn the key.
How do 4 stroke outboard motors 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 small outboard motor work?
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.
Why are outboard motors so unreliable?
Many boat engines are “unreliable” because they are not taken care of correctly. While some boat engines are less reliable than others, there are common engine issues that appear from overuse, ill-maintenance, or low-quality materials.
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.
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.
Is a 4-stroke outboard more powerful than a 2-stroke?
Power/responsiveness Obviously a 2 stroke 60HP has the same power as a 4 stroke 60HP but it is how that power is delivered that changes. As the 2 stroke is firing (igniting the fuel mix) a lot more often, it becomes a lot more responsive and generally a bit more ‘zippy.
Is a 2-stroke outboard faster than a 4-stroke?
A 2 stroke outboard motor has a faster pick-up speed than a 4 stroke. However, once running, both offer speed and power. The make and model of your outboard motor will be the biggest determining factor as to how fast your motor can run.
How do I know if my outboard is 2-stroke or 4-stroke?
Here are some easy ways to tell if your engine is two-cycle or four-cycle: Look at the fuel cap. Look for stickers labeling the equipment (e.g., “Four Cycle” or “No Fuel Mixing”). Look for an engine oil fill cap. The Operator’s Manual will have engine fuel and oil information in it.
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.
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.
How often should I change the oil in my outboard motor?
So how often to change boat engine oil? Most boat manufacturers recommend performing an oil change every 100 hours or once a year, whichever happened first.
How long should an outboard engine last?
A typical estimate from the industry is that an outboards motor last around 1,500 hours of operation. Assuming the average owner uses their boat 200 hours a year, this would mean that the motor would last between seven and eight years.
Why do boats break down so much?
1 breakdown reason — running out of fuel). You most likely have a filter problem or fouled plugs. Prevention: It’s possible to buy a bad load of fuel, but it’s more likely that the fuel went bad while in your boat. Leaving a tank near empty for long periods of time can cause condensation and water in the gas.
Where does the exhaust come out on an outboard?
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.
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.
Do outboard motors have air intakes?
Inboard and outboard power boats both have air intakes that provide air to the internal combustion engine. Intakes are typically located in the walls of engines that surround them.
Are Johnson and Evinrude the same?
In 1907, Evinrude founded Evinrude Motors in Milwaukee. In 1936 the Evinrude company merged with the Johnson Motor Company to form the Outboard Marine Corporation.
How do you start an outboard motor that has been sitting?
Get some water to the engine via a garden hose. Then put on some ear muffs and let the water run for a couple of seconds. Prime up the fuel, turn the key, and hopefully, start and run the engine! If you are going to let the engine sit and run for a while, (which is a pretty good idea to do).
Why did Evinrude shut down?
According to BRP’s president and CEO José Boisjoli, “Our outboard engines business has been greatly impacted by COVID-19, obliging us to discontinue production of our outboard motors immediately. This business segment had already been facing some challenges and the impact from the current context has forced our hand.”May 28, 2020.
Why do outboard motors cost so much?
The boat engine (outboard) is expensive because they need to withstand the marine environment well, so all the parts used in making one are expensive stuff. And they don’t sell numerous motors all the time, so to stay in business, they need to make a profit, so the price of an outboard (boat motor) is high.
What’s the most reliable outboard motor?
So before you make any moves, be sure to check out these best-of-the-best outboard engines. Yamaha V-Max SHO 115 – Best Mid-Size Outboard For Acceleration. Yamaha F250 – Most Reliable Outboard. Suzuki DF350A – Most Efficient Design. Mercury Racing 450r – Best High-Performance Racing Outboard.
