Marine Inboard Engines

The author has combined a lifelong interest in internal combustion engines with a love of boating to the extent of designing and building his own motor cruiser.

For this volume, he researched the latest in marine engine technology with input from manufacturers such as Detroit Diesel, Perkins Sabre, Volvo Penta and others as well as receiving input from Lucas and Bosch regarding fuel injection and electrics.

This well illustrated book offers an introduction to the design and use of marine inboard engines both petrol and diesel and is written largely to provide general background for those with limited knowledge. The dual aim is to encourage proper maintenance for maximised engine service life which in turn reduces the likelihood of breakdowns which could put lives at risk. It follows also that the more a mariner can do for himself, the less he must pay for the expensive services of a professional mechanic.

The author has pitched his text at a technical level intended to neither confuse the beginner or bore the veteran seadog. His efforts are successful. The text proceeds in a logical sequence from an engines overview through detailed discussion of fuel, lubrication, electrical, cooling, exhaust, gearbox and drive systems. A chapter on engine monitoring and noise reduction is followed by advice on buying used and re-engining.

Considerations of tools and treatments, as well as a generous selection of appendixes conclude a most useful volume.

Marine Inboard Engines
By Loris Goring.
Published by Adlard Coles Nautical.
ISBN: 0 229 11842 9.
Paperback, 190 pages.
Price £18.99