
Shift mechanisms control the rotation of the propeller. The outboard lower unit sits under the water and contains various components, including: Similar to the powerhead, the outboard lower unit has a lot of moving parts. In a nutshell, the mid-section connects the powerhead and lower unit and is what attaches the motor to the boat. This area also houses theĭriveshaft, which sends rotation and torque to the lower unit, where the propeller is located. This includes a water tube that connects to the lower unit and transfers cooling water to the powerhead. In the mid-section you’ll also find the driveshaft housing, which serves as the main structural piece of the engine. On larger outboards, and some smaller ones, there is an electric motor that lifts the engine up and down with the simple press of a On smaller boats, you will typically find a tilt mechanism that makes it possible to lift the engine out of the water. This allows for the engine to turn different directions and for the boat to be steered.

This section includes a bracket, which attaches the motor to the transom of the boat. Its main function is to act as a channel for connecting the components of the engine with those in the lower unit. The mid-section of an outboard motor is a metal casing designed to connect the engine to the lower unit. The thermostat’s job is to ensure the engine is neither too hot or cold, which can both create issues. In order to regulate the temperature of the water flowing through the engine, there is a thermostat located in the cooling passages.

This makes it so that theĮngine doesn’t overheat to a point where metals can melt. Essentially, these are channels that allow water that absorbs heat to flow through the powerhead. Together, these components make up the main part of the powerhead.Īnother important element to note are cooling passages, which are integrated into the engine block, cylinders and cylinder heads. Depending on if it’s a 2- or 4-stroke engine, this area houses the camshafts, Cylinder heads: Above the cylinders, you’ll find the cylinder head-another part that makes up the engine block.Piston rods connect the piston to the crank, andĪs the crankshaft spins around, the piston rods move up and down to move the pistons inside of the cylinders.

As the pistons move up and down, the crank spins around them to generate power.

Unlike inboard motors, this type of motor is designed to be installed to the outside of the transom, or outside the boat-which leaves more room in the interior of the boat. Keep reading to learn all about the anatomy of a marine outboard motor and how this knowledge can apply toĪn outboard motor is a propulsion system for boats and is one of the most common motorized methods for propelling watercraft. Outboard motors are commonly used in the marine industry, and it’s important to understand how all of their different parts work together. But what do all of these words mean, and how do they relate to one another? Whether you’re new to the world of boating or are an experienced enthusiast, you’ll hear terms like outboards, powerheads, tiller and skeg used quite often.
