Outboards for dummies

[TKE381]

Can anyone recommend a book or books for the first time outboard "wanna-be". I really need something very basic to start me on my way. I have repair manuals and parts manuals, but what I really need is something that explains how everthing works. If I can learn the basics, I think the rest would fall into place.

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: Outboards for dummies

That sounds like a large order! I don't think you could do it in one book. A lot would depend on your mechanical apptitude, and back ground. If you want books on the internal combustion engine, I hope you have lot's of room.

 

[Indymike]

Re: Outboards for dummies

Hey Tom,<br />If you have a factory OMC manual they describe the theory of operation for the different systems.<br /><br />Mike

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Outboards for dummies

hello<br /> a book by pertersen publishing called motors chassis and electrical. gives the basics to almost everything. as far as electronics go, trons is trons. regardless of who made it or where or what the application is. trons work in a specific order. break it into subsystems and its easier, remember. parts is parts. we take all them itty bitty parts and make a bigun. if all the little bitty ones are right the bigun works.<br /> good luck and keep posting

 

[mrbarth]

Re: Outboards for dummies

propably need a far more basic book. What are trons please ?

 

[bassnva]

Re: Outboards for dummies

trons is short for electronics

 

[Marc J.]

Re: Outboards for dummies

Check at your local library. I went in a while back to look at the repair manuals available. The one I wanted was out, but there were several more general books on the same shelf. I don't remember any titles, but I checked out a few that day.

 

[rolmops]

Re: Outboards for dummies

You should try to read a Seloc outboard book.These are written for fairly intelligent people who know nothing about outboards and at the same time help them fix and maintain their outboards.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Outboards for dummies

If you're thinking of you're '58 Lark, then I'm with rolmops. That Seloc is a good introductory text and is sufficient for most common repairs on your outboard. It has pretty good coverage of the 35hp engine too.<br />For where it's shortcomings, there's Iboats.

 

[mrbarth]

Re: Outboards for dummies

No that puts the blame on me. I have the seloc manual but are missing a lot of descriptions like what is what (see my what are these rods on my engine) and I'm just preparing one "what are these hoses on my pump) <br /><br />as rolmops states that the seloc is for fairly intelligent people, I obviously dont belong to that group <br /><br />BTW rolmops is written with double "l" <br /><br />(I take that back for our freindship with the dutch)

 

[Solittle]

Re: Outboards for dummies

Tom - The best way to learn is to buy or have someone give you an old motor, get the OMC shop manual for it and tear into it. Years back I got an abandoned 35 hp Gale and tore it down to the last screw as a winter project. I learned a lot and had the satisfaction of hearing it run after about the third pull. I had no use for the motor and sold it for about $100 more than I had in it.

 

[dolluper]

Re: Outboards for dummies

automotive encyclopedia by Goodheart-Willcox is an excellent learning book it was used in study's for becoming mechanics ,I ju'st datted myself'got my license using it early 70's

 

[TKE381]

Re: Outboards for dummies

You have all given me lots of places to start. A co-worker (very big into hot rods) said that all I needed to know was "compression, fuel, spark". Needless to say I walked away feeling quite dumb. With a background in mechanical engineering, I feel I can figure most of it out, but like everything else in the world, you need a place to start. I like the idea of buying an old worn out motor and just rebuilding it from from "the last screw". I have an other 1954 Firestone, but the manuals I have leave a lot out. It's in pieces on the garage floor.

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: Outboards for dummies

www.howstuffworks.com<br /><br /> http://science.howstuffworks.com/two-stroke2.htm

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Outboards for dummies

You might want to try Peter Hunn's new book, "The Classic Outboard Motor Handbook". It offers several case studies for working on various older outboards, including a smaller 1950s Johnrude. Much of the information contained is relevant to many different models and years. I think a novice would find it a handy "bridge" between a technical manual and their level of knowledge.<br /> It's available at Amazon, among others. Might even have it here at iboats - I haven't looked.<br />

<br /><br />- Scott