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Chapter 13 Preventive Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Before starting any maintenance, troubleshoot-
ing, or service procedures, the appropriate service
information should be consulted. Basic mainte-
nance and service information can often be found
in the owner’s manual. A service manual contains
more detailed information than the owner’s man-
ual. In addition to having the correct service infor-
mation, it is important to identify the exact model
engine you are servicing. This will allow you to
locate the proper specifi cations for the engine. It
will also help ensure that you order the correct re-
pair parts.
Review Questions
Answer the following questions on a separate
sheet of paper.
1. True or False? Preventive maintenance helps
protect against premature engine wear.
2. Keeping an engine clean can help prevent
.
3. True or False? Never run an engine if the oil
level is above full mark.
4. Although oil does not wear out, excess
make the oil useless.
5. When changing oil, the engine should be .
A. cold
B. warm
C. running
D. None of the above.
6. Many manufacturers recommend using
-based lubricants on cables and linkages.
7. True or False? Most manufacturers recommend
replacing a carbon-fouled spark plug.
8. Name three problems caused by a plugged
air fi lter.
9. Why should you refrain from using
compressed air to clean a pleated paper air
fi lter element?
10. What two problems can be caused by a
clogged muffl er?
11. True or False? All muffl ers can be cleaned by
soaking them in solvent.
12. When storing an engine for an extended
period, should be added to the gasoline
to prevent fuel breakdown and the buildup of
gum, varnish, and corrosion.
13. To prevent the formation of rust and scale,
antifreeze containing a rust should be
used in the cooling system.
14. Outboard engines operated in saltwater are
exposed to conditions.
15. When storing outboard engines, all plugs
should be removed from the and
housing.
16. Systematic troubleshooting involves looking
for the possible problem fi rst.
17. In order to run properly, an engine must have
proper carburetion, correct ignition system
operation, adequate lubrication, suffi cient
cooling, and .
18. True or False? A compression test can be used
to determine the condition of the spark plug.
19. During a differential pressure test, air
leakage heard at the crankcase breather is an
indication of defective .
20. Manufacturer’s service manuals contain .
A. service procedures
B. troubleshooting charts
C. tolerance and clearance specifi cations
D. All of the above.
Suggested Activities
1. Perform preventive maintenance procedures
on several engines in your shop. Check the oil
level and condition. If necessary, change the oil
and the fi lter. Make sure the air fi lter element,
crankcase breather (if applicable), and cooling
fi ns are clean. If engine is equipped with a
water cooling system, check engine block and
radiator for signs of rust and corrosion.
2. Locate several malfunctioning engines. Try to
determine the cause of the problems using the
systematic troubleshooting method. Remember
the fi ve fundamental operating requirements.
3. Perform a differential pressure test on an
engine and determine the condition of the
rings and valves.
4. Review several manufacturers’ service manuals.
Study trouble code charts and exploded-view
assembly drawings. Check maintenance
procedures for engines in your shop.