How does a basic outboard motor work?

Powered by the burning and expanding fuel gases, a piston moves back and forth in the cylinder. This is just like the piston in a car-engine cylinder and often works through the same four-step process (four-stroke cycle), although some outboards do use a simpler two-stroke cycle.

What does the fin on the bottom of an outboard motor do?

The skeg is the lowest point on an outboard motor (pictured above). It acts as a precise rudder, which allows your boat to turn safely and effectively. It also protects the propeller from getting caught in debris in the water or other hazards the boat may come in contact with.

How do you start a 2 stroke outboard motor?

Five Steps to Starting an Older 2-Stroke Outboard Engine: Squeeze primer bulb till firm. Advance throttle in neutral to 2/3s. Turn key on, push to choke (or pull out choke) and crank at the same time. Release choke, return the throttle to neutral after ignition.

How does a 4 stroke boat engine 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 often should you start your outboard motor?

A few hours every week keeps the motor in better shape than using it two or three full days every month. The more often it gets used, the better it will run, just like any vehicle. If it’s left sitting idle at the marina or in a garage for the majority of the time, parts tend to go bad faster.

Can I start my outboard 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.

Why is 4-stroke better than 2-stroke?

Four-stroke engines yield higher levels of torque at a lower RPM during operation. A four-stroke engine only consumes fuel once every four strokes, making it a more fuel-efficient engine option. Four-stroke engines give off less pollution because they do not require oil or lubricant mixed in the fuel.

How do you start a 2-stroke outboard motor?

Where should water come out on an outboard motor?

On many outboards, you can simply put on the muffs and start the engine. You should see a steady stream of water coming out of the holes on the top of the engine. However, some brands do pump out a stream, but it might not look steady. While this can be alarming, it is perfectly normal for those models.

Should cavitation plate be underwater?

your cavitation plate should be right at the water level. As a rule of thumb it should be 1 inch above the hull for every 12 inches back. (if you have a eurotransom, or bracket or something.) If your cavitation plate is under water you might get better performance if you raise the motor.

When should I use choke on outboard?

This is usually straight up. If the engine is cold, pull out the choke before attempting to start. If the motor is warm, don’t use the choke unless the engine does not start after a few pulls. On the throttle control arm, turn the hand grip until the arrow aligns with the start position.

How do you start a carbureted outboard?

How long can you run an outboard on muffs?

For larger engines, use the flush port or a set of flushing muffs. Water pressure should be set to one-half or more to ensure adequate flow to the intakes. The engine should be run for five to 10 minutes.

How do you start an outboard motor?

Starter motor (grey): Normally you’d start an outboard motor electrically, just as you’d start a car. If that’s not possible, you can attach a pull cord to the flywheel and tug it vigorously to “crank” the motor into life. There’s a special notch in the flywheel where you attach the cord.

How does an outboard motor work?

Using an outboard. If you’ve read our article on car engines, you’ll know that they produce motion by burning gasoline with oxygen in metal cylinders. The cylinders have sliding pistons that push a crank around and the crank drives a shaft that (eventually) powers the wheels. Much the same happens in an outboard motor.

What are the different parts of an outboard motor?

Here a few of the parts that are worth noting: Flywheel (blue): A heavy wheel that builds up momentum as the engine accelerates, helping to maintain a smooth and steady engine speed. Starter motor (grey): Normally you’d start an outboard motor electrically, just as you’d start a car.

How to start an outboard boat in neutral?

Other outboard manufacturers utilize similar features. Be sure by checking the owner’s manual specific to the boat and outboard setup. Push the in-gear release button and advance the throttle. The boat will stay in neutral, but the engine will be getting more gas for the start.