When it comes to the boating world, inboard motors are a popular choice for many boat owners. They are highly efficient and powerful engines that are designed to provide superior performance on the water. However, one of the biggest concerns for boat owners with inboard motors is how they stay cool while operating. After all, overheating can cause serious damage to the engine and even leave you stranded in the middle of the water.
So,? Let’s take a closer look.
The basic principle of cooling an inboard motor is pretty simple. Water is used to cool the engine block and other vital parts. There are two main cooling systems in an inboard engine – raw water cooling and closed cooling.
Raw water cooling is the most common system used in inboard motors. In this system, water is drawn from the lake, ocean, or river through the boat’s hull and into the engine’s water pump. The water is then circulated around the engine block and other components before being expelled back into the water. Raw water cooling is simple and effective, but it has some disadvantages. The water that is used for cooling can be dirty, salty or contain debris that can cause damage to the engine and the cooling system.
Closed cooling is another option for Inboard motors. This system uses a closed-loop system to cool the engine. Antifreeze (typically a 50/50 mix of water and ethylene glycol) is circulated through the engine block and other components, where it absorbs heat. The heated antifreeze then passes through a heat exchanger, which transfers the heat to the surrounding water that flows through the exchanger. This cooled antifreeze then returns through the engine block to start the cycle again. Closed cooling systems are more complicated and more expensive than their raw water counterparts but provide more reliable cooling for the engine.
While raw water cooling is the simplest and most cost-effective way to cool an inboard motor, it does require some maintenance. It’s important to clean the raw water strainer regularly and flush the engine with fresh water after each use.
In summary, inboard boat motors cool themselves by circulating water around the engine block and other components. The two main cooling systems used are raw water cooling and closed cooling. Raw water cooling is simple and effective but requires maintenance, whereas closed cooling is more expensive but provides reliable cooling for the engine. Regardless of the cooling system, proper maintenance is essential to keep your inboard motor running smoothly and prevent overheating that can cause significant damage.