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Engine Basics Flashcards

7 cards from real ALABAMA BOATERS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. What does engine 'trim' refer to on a boat with an outboard or stern drive?

    Answer: Changing the angle of the engine/drive unit relative to the transom

    Trimming the engine adjusts the vertical angle of the lower unit, affecting the bow angle and performance of the boat.

  2. Which of the following is a sign that a spark plug may need replacement on a marine engine?

    Answer: Engine misfires, rough idle, or difficulty starting

    Misfiring, rough idling, and hard starting are common symptoms of worn or fouled spark plugs that are failing to ignite the fuel mixture reliably.

  3. What is the purpose of a shear pin or slip clutch hub on a propeller?

    Answer: Protect the engine and gearcase by breaking or slipping when the prop strikes an object

    The shear pin or slip hub absorbs the shock when the propeller hits an object, preventing damage from transferring to the gearcase and engine.

  4. What causes 'pre-ignition' in a marine gasoline engine?

    Answer: Fuel igniting before the spark plug fires due to a hot spot in the combustion chamber

    Pre-ignition occurs when the fuel-air mixture ignites prematurely from a hot spot such as a glowing carbon deposit before the spark plug fires.

  5. After striking a submerged object, what should you check on an outboard motor before restarting?

    Answer: Propeller for damage and the shear pin or hub for failure

    Striking an object can shear the prop's pin, bend blades, or damage the lower unit, so the propeller and its drive mechanism must be inspected before restarting.

  6. Which statement about ethanol-blended fuel (E10) and marine engines is correct?

    Answer: Ethanol can absorb water and cause phase separation, harming fuel systems

    Ethanol in fuel absorbs moisture from the air; when enough water accumulates, phase separation occurs, sending corrosive water into the engine.

  7. What does 'WOT' stand for in the context of marine engine testing?

    Answer: Wide Open Throttle

    WOT (Wide Open Throttle) refers to operating the engine at maximum throttle, which is used to verify that the engine achieves its rated RPM with the installed propeller.