Outboard Motors Maintenance and Repair Manual

by Jean-Luc Pallas

Overview

The aim of this book, with its superb step by step photographs and detailed diagrams is to enable every owner to understand the workings of an outboard motor (2 or 4 stroke) and be able to fix it with relative ease.

It includes: an explanation of the different parts that make up the engine and how they interact; how fuel is transformed into propulsion; regular maintenance and repair worksheets to help even the most mechanically ignorant to work on their outboard engine with confidence; the most common causes of breakdown; troubleshooting tables to allow you to diagnose and fix the most common engine problems and advice on how to winterize your outboard in one short afternoon.

After reading this book, your outboard will no longer be a potential bother to you but an ally for better boating.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781574092356
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	12/13/2006
Pages:	128
Sales rank:	669,853
Product dimensions:	8.24(w) x 11.60(h) x 0.35(d)

About the Author

Jean-Luc Pallas is Professor of Recreational Marine Mechanics at La Rochelle Technical College and has always had a passion for boats and the sea. He has raced open ocean Formula 28s, fine-tuned the engines of open 60s and repaired the engines of a vast array of everyday cruising boats. His enthusiasm for passing on his knowledge in the clearest possible way is paramount in this ground-breaking work.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Part I: Theory
1: Why an outboard?
2: Anatomy of an outboard
3: How it works
4: The main parts of an outboard
5: Commonly used terms
6: The different systems and their functions
Part II: Maintenance
7: Systems check
8: Listening for noises
9: Checking the cooling system
10: Checking the fuel system
11: Scheduled maintenance
12: Hands-on tasks
Part III: Breakdowns
13: Breakdown tables
Part IV: Winterizing
14: Laying up
15: Conversion tables for commonly used units of measurement
Index

Editorial Reviews

In this volume, which includes a profusion of diagrams and photographs, Jean-Luc Pallas, professor of Recreational Mechanics at La Rochelle Technical College in France, provides a most valuable resource for all outboard engine users, ranging from those who allocate all maintenance and repair to others to dedicated to do-it-yourselfers willing to tackle serious maintenance and repair tasks themselves. My comments are from the perspective of a long-time sailboat owner who now operates a small-scale solo sailboat repair business on Chesapeake Bay. Though individual engines may vary, general principles governing the care and feeding of the numerous brands of both 2-owners will, in addition to owning useful volumes such as the one reviewed here, purchase engine-specific repair manuals to supplement the meager information supplied when most engines are purchased. The more information one has, the less likely one is to be taken in or cheated by less-than-straightforward mechanics or repair facilities. This book begins with information on the theory and operation of 2- and 4-cycle outboards. Their anatomy, operation, and terminology are explored thoroughly, supplemented with numerous diagrams, photos, and drawings. Essays on fuel, ignition, cooling, drive systems and lubrication are included among the topics covered. Following the theory and operation section is an extensive review of maintenance, along with an extensive list of hands-on tasks, ranging from checking and changing spark-plugs to carburetor adjustments to battery maintenance. A chapter on breakdowns follows. Such events always seem to occur at the most inconvenient times, making this portion of a list of problems, along with listings of probably causes for each problem area. The repair solutions suggested provide a good troubleshooting guide to getting oneself out of difficulty. The volume ends with an extensive, illustrated essay on laying up and storing the outboard at the end of a season. A (lengths, liquids, capacities, weights, etc.) provides an end piece for this useful book, along with a useful index. This reasonably priced volume would be a worthy addition to any outboard owner's bookshelf!

Good Old Boat

A number of good books deal with outboard motor or diesel engine maintenance and repair, but these two [Marine Diesel Engines Maintenance and Repair Manual and Outboard Motors Maintenance and Repair Manual] come out on top for several reasons. In addition to providing clear descriptions, these easy-to-read books contain step-by-step photographs and graphics that make maintenance and repairs understandable. In the Marine Diesel Engines Maintenance and Repair Manual, the author also describes sail-drive operation, which makes this the only book I know of with such detailed information about the sail-drive propulsion system. The author also breaks down maintenance and repair projects so boat owners will know whether to attempt the repair or call a mechanic. For example, a green wrench indicates a simple repair for the average person, a yellow wrench means that the repair requires some skill, and a purple wrench indicates that the job is complex. When I see a purple wrench, I know it s time to call my mechanic.. .. I highly recommend both books. As with a good novel, I could not put them down and am now ready to tackle some work on my small outboard motor and inboard diesel engine.

The Ensign

This maintenance and repair manual provides everything you need to know about maintaining and fixing outboard engines. Simple maintenance tasks are covered along with problem areas and troubleshooting tables to help you diagnose problems. Step-by-step photographs and detailed diagrams help make it easy.

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