What is an OUTBOARD MOTOR? How does it work?
You'll often hear the terms outboards and powerheads used, regardless of whether you're a novice or an expert. What do these terms mean and how does it relate to each other?
It is important to know how outboard motors work together in marine industries. Continue reading to learn more about the anatomy and function of an outboard motor marine.
What is an Outboard Motor?
Outboard motors are a propulsion system that propels boats. They are one of the most popular motorized means for propelling watercraft.
This motor, unlike inboard motors is intended to be mounted to the outside of a boat's transom or outside. This allows for more space inside the boat. Outboard motors like Mercury outboard motor offer many benefits, including a high horsepower-to-weight ratio, easy installation and maintenance, and extended maintenance intervals.
It is important to understand that outboard motors come in two versions: 4-stroke and 2-stroke. The differences between the two models was more noticeable in the past. Modern 2- and 4-stroke motors have become more similar in terms of reliability, weight, and fuel economy thanks to technological advances.
How to disassemble an outboard motor
Three main parts make up an outboard motor. These are:
Top (outboard powerhead).
Mid-section
Outboard lower unit
The outboard powerhead is located in the top half of an engine. It is made up of many components. The engine's midsection is the upper part, while the outboard lower unit can be found below.
Let's take a closer view at each section and see how they function.
Outboard Powerhead
The top of an outboard engine, also known as the outboard powerhead or outboard motor, is made up of many components that make up a gasoline engine. It contains the engine block, cylinder heads and pistons, as well as the valves that make it run.
The powerhead is basically made of the engine's basic components, which include these:
Engine block: This is the location of the engine's moving parts, including the piston rods, crankshaft, and pistons. It also houses the cylinders which are where the pistons are located. The strokes of an engine are performed inside the engine block. They vary depending on whether the motor is a 2-stroke or 4-stroke.
Pistons are attached to the crankshaft of the engine block. The crank rotates around the pistons to produce power as they move up and down. The piston rods link the crank to the piston. As the crankshaft turns, the piston rods move upward and downward to move the pistons within the cylinders.
Cylinder heads. The cylinder heads are located above the cylinders. This is another part of the engine block. This area contains the spark plugs and camshafts depending on whether it is a 2-stroke or 4-stroke engine.
These components together make up the main body of the powerhead.
Cooling passages are another important feature to be aware of. They are found in the engine block, cylinders, and cylinder heads. These are basically channels that allow water to absorb heat and flow through the engine block. This ensures that the engine does not heat up to a point where metals could melt.
The thermostat is located in the cooling passages and regulates the temperature of the water moving through the engine. The thermostat is responsible for ensuring that the engine is not too hot or too cold. This can lead to problems.
Mid-Section
A metal casing connects the outboard motor to the lower unit at the mid-section. It serves as a conduit for connecting components in the engine to those in the lower unit.
This section contains a bracket that attaches to the transom. This allows the engine to turn in different directions and the boat can be steered.
A tilt mechanism is usually found on smaller boats. It allows you to lift the engine from the water. There is an electric motor that can lift the engine up or down on larger outboards and smaller boats.
The driveshaft housing is located in the middle of the engine's main structural component. The housing also contains a water tube, which connects to the lower unit to transfer cooling water to its powerhead. This is also where you will find the driveshaft. It sends rotation and torque down to the lower unit.
