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. * Latitudes & Attitudes *
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 *
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 *
