Canadian Power and Sail Squadron Engine Maintenance
Course Outline
Chapter 1 - What Makes the Boat Go
Basic Marine Propulsion System
The Marine Engine; The Marine Internal Combustion Engine; The Marine Diesel internal
Combustion Engine; Displacement and Compression Ratio; Horsepower and Torque
The Marine Drive System
Outboard Systems; Inboard Drive Systems; Stern (inboard/Outboard) Drive Systems; The Thrust
Unit; The Propeller; The Water Jet; ;The Control Unit; General Troubleshooting Methodology;
Trouble Diagnosis
Chapter 2 - Inboard Spark Ignition Engines - Part I
Engine Components
The Engine Block, Cylinders, Crankshaft, Journals, Cylinder Heads, Crankshaft, Pistons,
Connecting Rods, Flywheel, Vibration Damper, Oil Pail, Valve Train, Valve Timing, Manifolds,
Induction Manifold, Exhaust Manifold,
Fuel and Fuel Systems
Fuel; Octane Number; Safety Precautions; Fuel Storage; Fuel Systems; Carburetor; Electronic
Fuel Injection; Fuel Pumps; Fuel Tanks and Fuel Lines; Fuel Filters
Cooling System
Direct cooling System; Indirect Cooling System; Pumps; Centrifugal pumps; Gear pumps; Rotary
pumps (Impeller); Thermostat
Exhaust Systems
Lubrication Systems
Oil Pumps; Oil Filters; Crankcase Ventilation
Ignition System
Ignition Coil; the Distributor; Electronic Ignition; Hall Effect; Opto-Electronic; Reluctor Pickup
Electrical and Starting Systems
The Battery; Starting; Deep-Cycle; Dual Purpose; Battery Technologies; Flooded-cell; Gelled
Electrolyte; Absorbed Glass Mat; Battery Installation; Alternators; Electric Starter Motor
Chapter 3-Inboard Spark Ignition Engines - Part 2
Routine Maintenance
Fuel Systems; Cooling System; Circulating Pumps; Corrosion Prevention; Scale Formation; Leak
Prevention; Lubrication System; Ignition System; Distributor Ignition System; Solid State Ignition
Systems; Ignition Coil; Spark Plugs; Electrical and Starting Systems; Batteries; Alternator;
Electrical Wiring and Fuses/Breakers; Starter Motors
Trouble Shooting
Fuel System Problems; Cooling System Problems; Ignition Problems;
Chapter 4 - Inboard Diesel Engines - Part I
Compression Ignition; Diesel Engine Operation; The Oxygen Supply; The Fuel Injection System;
Diesel Engine Governors; Glow Plugs
Chapter 5-Inboard Diesel Engines - Part 2
Routine Maintenance
The Fuel System; Primary Fuel Filter; Secondary Fuel Filters; Bleeding the System; Caution When
Cranking; The Cooling System; The Direct Cooling System; The Indirect Cooling System; The
Lubrication System
Troubleshooting Techniques
Fuel System Troubleshooting; Cooling System Troubleshooting; Lubrication System Troubleshooting;
Glow Plug Troubleshooting
Chapter 6 - Inboard Engine Drive Systems
Standard Inboard Drives
Vee Drive
The Volvo Penta Inboard Performance System (IPS)
Propellers
Blades; Diameter; Pitch; Other Characteristics; Determining Propeller Performance
Jet Drives
Other Drive Systems
Electric Trolling Motors; Side Thrusters
Routine Maintenance
Standard Inboard Drive Systems; Vee Drive Inboard Systems; Propellers; Jet Drives
Winter Storage and Spring Service
Chapter 7 - Outboard Engines and Drives, and Stern Drives
Overall View of the Outboard Engine
Component Parts of the Outboard Engine
Outboard Engine Crankcase; Outboard Engine Crankshafts; Outboard Engine Cylinders;
Outboard Engine Pistons; Piston Rings; Outboard Engine Combustion Chambers; Other
Outboard Engine Components; Outboard Fuel Systems; Outboard Lubrication System; Outboard
Cooling and Exhaust System; Outboard Ignition Systems; Magneto Ignition; Distributor-Breaker
Point Ignition; Solid-State Ignition
Outboard Engine Drive Systems
Mechanical Shifting; Electrical Shifting
Stern Drives (Inboard/Outboard)
Separate Reverse Gearing; Integral Reverse Gearing
Outboard Tilt and Trim Systems
Routine Maintenance and Lubrication
Winter Storage, Spring Service
Chapter 8 - Marine Engine Controls, Instruments and Alarms
Throttle Controls, Transmission Controls, Engine Instruments, Other Indicators, Alarms
Chapter 9 - Marine Steering Systems
Tiller and Rudder Systems
Rudders, Tillers and Stuffing Boxes; Maintenance
Mechanical Steering Systems
Rotary Steering
Drum-and-Cable Steering System, Push-Pull Cable Steering System, Maintenance of the PushPull Steering System, Pull-Pull Cable Steering System, Pedestal Steering Systems, Pedestal
Steering System Maintenance, Worm Gear Steering Systems, Worm Gear System Maintenance,
Rod-Type Steering Systems, Rod Steering System Maintenance
Hydraulic Steering Systems
Hydraulic Pump System, Hydraulic Steering System Maintenance
Chapter 10 - Emergency Repairs Afloat
Basic "Get Home" Tool Kit; Emergency Spare Parts Kit; If The Engine Stops; The Gasoline Inboard
Engine; Fuel System Problems Cooling System Problems; Ignition System Problems; Gasoline
Outboard Engines; Fuel System Problems Ignition System Problems; Cooling System Problems;
Diesel Inboard Engines;