Marine Mechanic Course

Lesson 1 • Marine Engine Families

Differentiates inboard, outboard, sterndrive, and jet-drive engine configurations. Students match engine type to vessel application and identify key external components.

Lesson 2 • Basic Engine Operating Principles

Explains four-stroke and two-stroke combustion cycles as applied to marine engines. Students trace the power cycle and predict component function from first principles.

Lesson 3 • Tools, Fasteners, and Measuring Instruments

Identifies hand tools, power tools, and precision measuring instruments used in marine repair. Proper tool selection and care are linked to accurate diagnostics and safe practice.

Lesson 4 • Marine Industry Overview

Covers the scope of recreational, commercial, and industrial marine sectors. Establishes context for the mechanic's role and career pathways within the industry.

Lesson 1 • Fuel System Components and Layout

Maps fuel tanks, lines, filters, pumps, and separators in typical marine installations. Students trace fuel flow from tank to combustion chamber on diagrams and actual vessels.

Lesson 2 • Carbureted Fuel Delivery Systems

Explains carburetor function, circuits, and adjustment procedures for marine applications. Students disassemble, clean, and calibrate carburetors to manufacturer specifications.

Lesson 3 • Electronic Fuel Injection Systems

Covers throttle-body and port fuel injection components, sensors, and control logic. Students test injectors, fuel pressure, and sensor signals using diagnostic tools.

Lesson 4 • Marine Diesel Fuel Systems

Addresses high-pressure diesel injection, lift pumps, and common-rail systems used in marine diesels. Students bleed air, test injection pressure, and replace injectors safely.

Lesson 1 • Starting and Charging Circuit Service

Traces starter motor, solenoid, and neutral safety switch circuits for diagnosis and repair. Students perform voltage-drop tests and replace starter components to specification.

Lesson 2 • Battery Systems and Charging

Covers marine battery types, ratings, bank configurations, and charging system components. Students test battery state of charge, load capacity, and alternator output.

Lesson 3 • Wiring Diagrams and Circuit Repair

Teaches interpretation of marine wiring schematics to locate opens, shorts, and high-resistance faults. Students repair wiring using marine-grade connectors and heat-shrink terminals.

Lesson 4 • Marine Electrical Fundamentals

Reviews voltage, current, resistance, and Ohm's Law as applied to marine DC systems. Students use multimeters to measure and interpret electrical values on live circuits.

Lesson 1 • Raw-Water Cooling System Service

Covers impeller pumps, sea cocks, strainers, and heat exchangers in open-loop cooling circuits. Students replace impellers, flush systems, and inspect for corrosion damage.

Lesson 2 • Oil and Filter Service Procedures

Covers oil viscosity selection, change intervals, and filter replacement for marine gasoline and diesel engines. Students perform oil analysis interpretation and complete service records.

Lesson 3 • Diagnosing Cooling and Lubrication Faults

Applies diagnostic logic to overheating, low oil pressure, and coolant contamination complaints. Students use pressure gauges, temperature sensors, and visual inspection to confirm root causes.

Lesson 4 • Engine Lubrication System Principles

Explains oil pump operation, pressure relief valves, galleries, and oil cooler function in marine engines. Students interpret oil pressure readings and identify lubrication failure modes.

Lesson 1 • Engine Assembly and Break-In

Guides students through final engine assembly, torque sequences, and controlled break-in procedures. Students verify oil pressure and compression after assembly before returning engines to service.

Lesson 2 • Crankshaft and Bearing Service

Covers crankshaft journal measurement, bearing clearance with Plastigage, and thrust bearing service. Students determine regrind requirements and install bearings to specification.

Lesson 3 • Valve Train Adjustment and Timing

Addresses rocker arm clearance, camshaft timing, and timing belt or chain service on marine engines. Students set valve lash and verify cam timing against manufacturer specifications.

Lesson 4 • Cylinder Head Service

Covers valve removal, seat grinding, guide inspection, and head gasket replacement on marine engines. Students measure head flatness and valve recession to determine serviceability.

Lesson 1 • Outboard Lower Unit Service

Covers gear case disassembly, shift dog, forward and reverse gear inspection, and seal replacement. Students pressure-test lower units and refill with manufacturer-specified gear oil.

Lesson 2 • Jet Drive and Trim System Service

Covers jet pump impeller, wear ring, and reverse gate service alongside hydraulic trim system maintenance. Students bleed trim systems and adjust trim limit switches to specification.

Lesson 3 • Inboard Transmission and Shaft Systems

Covers marine gear transmission operation, shift linkage adjustment, and propeller shaft alignment. Students check coupling alignment and replace cutlass bearings and shaft seals.

Lesson 4 • Propeller Selection and Service

Explains pitch, diameter, blade count, and material selection for optimal vessel performance. Students inspect for damage, repair minor blade bends, and match propellers to engine RPM range.

Lesson 1 • NMEA Networks and Data Integration

Explains NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 network architecture for sharing data between marine electronics. Students connect devices, assign addresses, and verify data flow using diagnostic tools.

Lesson 2 • Navigation Electronics Installation

Addresses chartplotter, depth sounder, VHF radio, and AIS transceiver installation and configuration. Students mount transducers, route antenna cables, and verify signal quality.

Lesson 3 • Onboard AC Systems and Generators

Introduces shore power inlets, isolation transformers, inverters, and generator service for marine AC systems. Students test shore power connections and perform generator maintenance safely.

Lesson 4 • Marine DC Power Distribution

Covers main bus bars, switch panels, fuse blocks, and wire sizing for marine DC systems. Students design and wire a compliant distribution panel using marine wiring standards.

Lesson 1 • Engine Control Module Operation

Explains ECM inputs, outputs, and closed-loop control strategies used in modern marine engines. Students identify sensor roles and predict ECM response to sensor failures.

Lesson 2 • Scan Tool Diagnostics

Covers fault code retrieval, freeze-frame data, and live parameter monitoring using marine scan tools. Students clear codes, verify repairs, and distinguish active from stored faults.

Lesson 3 • Oscilloscope and Waveform Analysis

Teaches oscilloscope setup and waveform interpretation for sensors, injectors, and ignition signals. Students compare captured waveforms to known-good patterns to isolate intermittent faults.

Lesson 4 • Sensor Testing and Replacement

Covers oxygen sensors, coolant temperature sensors, knock sensors, and MAP sensors in marine ECM systems. Students test sensor output ranges and replace sensors to restore closed-loop control.