What action should be taken if the engine overheats?

When an engine overheats, the most appropriate action is to turn off the engine and allow it to cool. Overheating can lead to severe engine damage, such as warped heads, damaged gaskets, or even a complete engine failure. Shutting down the engine allows the temperature to decrease and helps prevent these complications.

This action also provides a safe opportunity to investigate the root cause of the overheating, such as checking for low coolant levels, malfunctioning thermostats, or blocked cooling passages. By addressing the issue while the engine is off, you can manage repairs effectively before resuming operation.

Continuing operation to avoid damage, increasing fuel supply, or checking the draft would not resolve the overheating issue and could lead to further engine damage. Therefore, allowing the engine to cool is critical for maintaining the overall health and performance of marine engines.