Outboard Engine continuing education

[slaterturf]

I would like to learn, in a classroom or lab setting, how to repair and maintain small outboard engines. Can anyone direct me to some continuing education at either a community college or another setting, in the area of Oriental, New Bern, or Beaufort, NC? Thanks.

[wkisting]

I haven't taken such a class, so hopefully another person will chime in about that. But relevant to your question, perhaps... I couldn't find any such classes in my area when I was living in Iowa, so I bought an old 1958 Evinrude 5.5hp off eBay for something like $250. Then I bought a well-illustrated SELOC manual and about $80 in aftermarket replacement parts (new gaskets, new waterpump, starter coils, etc.). I spent the next three months taking every piece of that motor apart, removing the old paint and corrosion, then repainting and rebuilding it. At the end of that process, I understood most of the inner workings of the motor, learned how to properly torque the bolts and screws holding it together, understood how to gap a spark plug (something I never had to do before then), and could pretty much diagnose any little issues with the performance of motor. It ran beautifully and I ended up selling it about a year or two later for $400 to someone who was thrilled with its like-new paintjob and reliable performance. Aside from some early tuning difficulties when I first finished reassembling it, it was a very good motor. As I see it, I came out ahead and got a free "self-study" education. Just a possibility if you have trouble locating a class near you.

[slaterturf]

As a matter of fact I sold most of my farm equipment last January at an auction and the only item I bought was an very old outboard motor for the purpose of taking it apart and putting it back together, just as you have suggested. I think that is an excellent idea and it looks as if that will be my approach. I will look online for a manual. Thanks.

[Ray Frechette Jr]

Ed Sherman has a very good book on outboard motor repair and maintenance.

[hokeyhydro]

As a matter of fact I sold most of my farm equipment last January at an auction and the only item I bought was an very old outboard motor for the purpose of taking it apart and putting it back together, just as you have suggested. I think that is an excellent idea and it looks as if that will be my approach. I will look online for a manual. Thanks.

Yes - a manual is a must have. I've been fussing with outboards since the '50s and now have three, one of which is a `56 Mercury Mark 25. I live in New Bern

[ricknriver]

Its a bit of a drive for you, but Beaufort County Comm College (just east of Washington NC) offers a Outboard Motor Class that is very good and informal. Very skilled and experienced instructor, Jessie Elks. Meets 2 eves a week. No formal class activity, just your hands on under Elks supervision with theory as you go and other students willing to help and share knowledge. Kind of a "club" environment with students of all ages working on gas and electric motors from the 20's on up, other small boat, farm implement, landscaping motors. Some been taking the class for years. Most tools you need available, and a test tank. Tweaked my Ev 6, and Merc 2.5 to running good. Go as often as you can. Just thoughts. Rick