[BarryL]

Hello,

There are more similarities between gas and diesel than there are differences. Gasoline engines are more complicated, diesel''s don''t have spark plugs and the associated timing gear. Diesels operate at much higher compression and require higher fuel pressure.

There aren''t any differences (in mechanical operation) between car, boat, tractor, airplane, etc. engines. Internal combustion engines all work in the same manner. Marine engines do have a difference exhaust system, and more complicated cooling systems (if not raw water cooled).

Automotive engine knowledge is transferrable to marine, noting the differences dues to cooling and exhaust.

You can learn a lot from books in your library, on line, etc.

Good luck,
Barry