GENERAL INFORMATION - 1A-790-823225--1 1096
Elevation and Climate
Elevation has a very noticeable effect on the
wide-open- throttle power of an engine. Since air
(containing oxygen) gets thinner as elevation in-
creases, the engine begins to starve for air. Humidity,
barometric pressure and temperature do have a no-
ticeable effect on the density of air. Heat and humidity
thin the air. This phenomenon can become particu-
larly annoying when an engine is propped out on a
cool dry day in spring and later, on a hot, sultry day
in August, doesn’t have its old zip. (See chart.)
Although some performance can be regained by
dropping to a lower pitch propeller, the basic problem
still exists. The propeller is too large in diameter for
the reduced power output. The experienced marine
dealer or a Quicksilver Propeller Repair Station can
determine how much diameter to remove from a low-
er-pitch propeller for specific high-elevation loca-
tions. In some cases, a gear-ratio change to the drive
unit to more reduction is possible and very beneficial.
It is a known fact that weather conditions exert a pro-
found effect on power output of internal combustion
engines. Therefore, established horsepower ratings
refer to the power that the engine will produce at its
rated RPM under a specific combination of weather
conditions.
72006
To Next Page
Loading...
