Gas/Diesel Engine Knowledge Compatable?

[oceanmaui]

I was looking to take a course on basic engine repair and maintenance. However, the only courses available in my area are for gas engines, not diesel (as i would like).

I''m just looking to gain a basic knowledge of engines so i can do simple maintainance and simple repairs at sea (in case of emergencies too).

Aside from performance issues, how similar in construction/maintanence are gas and diesel engines?

Would a basic understanding of one allow me to make a decent diagnosis of the other?

And in that light...would automotive engine knowledge be resonably practical towards boat engines?

I figure any knowledge is better than none, but i also don''t want to waste too much time and money.

[hoppy]

My suggestion is to find a diesel course if at all possible. I believe Yanmar has a traveling seminar but not sure of local availability. My experience: gasoline background is helpful but won''t help much in troubleshooting. Diesel problems are 85% fuel delivery related. Past gas experience helped in a basic understanding of combustion, not much else.
Check with marine diesel suppliers. Am sure you can find some help.

[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

[oceanmaui]

Thank you all very much!

I will look into those suggestions.

(This is the one of the starting points of my goal to being a cruiser...so it''s a very exciting time!)
:O)