See-thru engines

[grid]

Gentlemen:
Do you have any idea where I could get a "Visible Outboard" like the "Visible V8" of the 60s? It wouldn't have to be plastic, but at my age, that wouldn't hurt. I've been asked to put on some seminars for folks who need reassurance about their abilities to cope with disaster on the water.

I'd appreciate anything you can help me with. If the source takes Visa, that would be a help, too!

Grid

 

[robert graham]

Re: See-thru engines

I know what you're talking about, but I've never seen one. Seems like lots of "disasters on the water" may be weather related, operator error, poor judgement, recklessness, alcohol, etc., but not necessarily in that order. Getting an outboard motor to run well and dependably will require some understanding of the workings of the motor. Good Luck!

 

[nwcove]

Re: See-thru engines

the visible v-8's are still available, could be a task to find an outboard or even a two stroke tho.

 

[grid]

Re: See-thru engines

I misspoke when I referred to disasters as you and I know them. If you can envision a retiree who doesn't notice his fuel clip at the engine isn't completely attached, the engine quit 1/2 mile from the pier, his wife and grandkids are all over him like a wet suit, then you can see that the Chernobyl disaster is a walk in the park. The seminars are to explain the workings of engines--the basics since I started working on them in 1958--what one can do to get back to shore, give clues to the tech, admit (even though his son in law is a nuclear engineer) that it may be beyond his abilities to repair in a bouncy boat. I taught this (for pay) at a community college when I weas younger and could muscle engines around, but this is for fun. Anyway, back to my quest, looking for the elusive cutaway. Thanks for your help. gm

 

[grid]

Re: See-thru engines

I may end up slicing up a V8 and passing the pieces around! Thanks~

 

[robert graham]

Re: See-thru engines

Some of the outboard motor sales/brochure books have some nice 3-D cutaway views of their motors in them, showing all the inner workings, etc. And the little owner's book on each motor covers a lot of the basics, if you could get your hands on these....on line, maybe?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: See-thru engines

Have you thought about using a chain saw or weed whip engine as an example of a two stroke motor. Doesn't matter how big it is -- they both have ports, pistons, rods, a crank, and spark plug. Besides, I really doubt anyone that does not have a clue how an engine operates is going to be able to figure things out on the water -- seminar or not! Fuel, mechanical, and electrical issues are just too much for many folks to get their head around analytically. Folks in that category need to be taught what gauges mean. When to leave the dock and when not to. What to do before anyone sets foot on the boat. Tim Allen on Tool Time did a skit one time where his wife "Blew Up The Buick!" When Tim asked her if the OIL light came on she thought a bit and said -- now that you mention it -- YES. Tim says - "did that mean anything to you?". Yes she said. But if it was important it would have come on brighter so I just drove home. I would wager at least 1/3 of the boating public has no idea what low oil pressure means. Their first thought is to add oil but that is rarely the cause of low oil pressure. But then I guess I'm preaching to the choir.

 

[dwco5051]

Re: See-thru engines

Check your area on garbage day for string trimmers that are being discarded. A little work to disassemble and some hacksaw time to cut away one side of a cylinder and you have a model of a two cycle to pass around. I realize this is very basic but I can remember back when I taught the engine maintenance class for the USPS many of the students had to turn a screwdriver both ways to see which way it tightened and I don?t mean just the ladies. Basic but a good place to start.

I would have one or two of the classes in my shop where there were always enough engines, parts and pieces laying around so they could actually have some hands on. Pulling on a steering cable end, examining used vs new impellers, etc, was much better than the line drawings shown on an overhead projector. I had a small horizontal shaft Briggs engine that I partially split with a band saw to show 4 cycle operation.

 

[JimS123]

Re: See-thru engines

I went to an AOMCI (Antique Outboard Motor Club) meet a few years ago and they had a 1960's vintage outboard for sale that was a cutaway display motor. Looked like a factory original to me. That's EXACTLY what you're looking for, so they must have been made at one time.

I think it was being sold by the marine dealer himself, but I'm not 100% sure. I got there close to the end of the day and it was still there, so it may not have been sold.

Google "Laings Outboards" and send him an e-mail.

Or, just google "cutaway outboard motor" and you'll find a lot of good pics.