Skagit Valley College

Catalog Course Search Details

 Course Title:   Outboard Motor Operation and Service

 Title Abbreviation:   OUTBOARD MOTOR OP/SERVIC

 Department:    MT

 Course #:    240

 Credits:    3

 Variable:     No

 IUs:    3.5

 CIP:    n/a

 EPC:    n/a

 REV:    2019


 Course Description  

Introduction to outboard motors as the world's most common marine propulsion system. Operation and maintenance of outboard motors, specifically portable units under 20 horsepower. Covers ignition, fuel, cooling, lower units, tune-up procedures, winterizations.

 Prerequisite  

None

Additional Course Details

Contact Hours (based on 11 week quarter)

Lecture: 22

Lab: 22

Other: 0

Systems: 0

Clinical: 0


Intent: Distribution Requirement(s) Status:  

Vocational Preparatory Required for ATA degree, Required for certificate  

Equivalencies At Other Institutions

Other Institution Equivalencies Table
Institution Course # Remarks
N/A

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, the student will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate understanding of the history and development of outboard motors by discussion and examination.
  2. Demonstrate understanding of internal combustion engine, engine operation by discussion and examination.
  3. Name the major components of an internal combustion engine and outboard motor parts.
  4. Perform basic tune-up procedures on outboard motors, including compression testing, spark testing and fuel delivery tests.
  5. Perform cooling system service including removing and replacing water pump impellers.
  6. Perform lower gear case service procedures including removing and replacing propeller shaft, seals, gear and bearings.
  7. Perform power head removal and replacement procedures following information in service manuals.

General Education Learning Values & Outcomes

Revised August 2008 and affects outlines for 2008 year 1 and later.

Course Contents

  1. Historical perspective, development of internal combustion engines and outboard motors.
  2. Outboard component nomenclature.
  3. Safe handling and operation of outboard motors for shop service and test running.
  4. Basic troubleshooting procedures for no-start, hard start and poor idle running conditions.
  5. Tune-up procedures including ignition system testing, fuel system testing, linkage adjustment and synchronization.
  6. Lower gear case service procedures including seal leaks, shaft/gears/bearing replacement, and water pump impeller service.
  7. Powerhead removal and replacement procedures.
  8. Powerhead exploration and rebuilding procedures.
  9. Accessing and utilizing micro-fiche and C-D computerized parts and service information.
  10. Estimating service time and costs using flat rate manuals as guidelines.