Outboard Motor Oil

If it is a new motor, and it is attached to a new Evinrude boat (or a new-to-you boat), congratulations! You may have a question or two about the best care and feeding for this fine machine.  For instance, if you are dealing with a two-stroke Evinrude motor, you may be wondering what kind of oil to use. Their suggestions are XD30, XD50 and XD100 oil for two-stroke motors that are 1993 and newer.   When it comes to the grade of Evinrude outboard oil to use, 87 octane is the current minimum, but 89 octane is actually preferred.  Use of higher-octane fuels have not proven to provide any additional benefit, and may actually exacerbate hard starting conditions in hot weather.

If you are wondering about the proper ratio of fuel to oil for optimal performance in your Evinrude motor, a breakdown given on the company website is as follows: 1958 and prior used 20 parts fuel to 1 part oil; 1959-1963 used 24 parts fuel to 1 part oil; 1964 and newer use 50 parts fuel to 1 part oil.  High performance racing usage requires a ratio of 25 parts fuel to 1 part oil.  Finally, when it comes to gearcase oil type and capacity, refer to your owner’s manual for specifications. 

     
A few days ago in this blog, I compared 2-stroke and 4-stroke outboard motors.   In the news this week, another question arose.  The year 2006 was the original deadline the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) gave for all outboard motors in use to meet new, more stringent emission requirements—levels so low that many consumers believed that 2-stroke motors would have to be done away with altogether, simply because they did not have the technology the EPA guidelines would require.  However, almost three years later, two-stroke outboard motors are still being sold, even though statistics have shown that up to 40% of the gas and oil in a two-stroke motor’s gas tank enter the water unburned.  One study suggests that a 70-horsepower outboard motor emits as many hydrocarbons per hour as the average automobile driven about 5,000 miles.

There are currently no regulations demanding the disposal of two-stroke outboard motors, which are still acceptable in all but a very few situations.  Some of these motors are over 25 years old and still running smoothly, but their overall fan base is dwindling due to environmental concerns.  The real issue is not with all two-stroke motors, but with the older models that are not directly oil- or fuel-injected, where the outboard motor oil and fuel are mixed in a can prior to use.

Two cycle oil for high-performance racing motors needs to contain a heavier synthetic base than most to protect the pistons and bearing that are under more strain from the rigors of racing.  High performance two cycle motors can include stock or modified motors, including snowmobiles, personal watercraft, Moto X motorcycles, ATVs, go-carts and certain outboard motors. 

Performance motor oils need to reduce friction and burn clean, because high performance two cycle motors run hotter than recreational outboard motors.   The properties of appropriate performance motor oil will also provide some protection against wearing of essential engine components.

Yamalube 2s oil has a wide viscosity range and special detergents appropriate for extreme temperatures. 

The properties of Yamalube 2s oil can power motorcycles, ATVs, scooters, and golf carts, but are particularly recommended for snowmobiles with 2-stroke engines.

When choosing between a two-stroke or four-stroke outboard motor for your boat, the features of each must be considered.  Two-stroke outboard motors are lighter in weight, less expensive, and often faster.   They are generally easier to repair and maintain, having a comparatively simple design that has been available for almost 80 years. Two-stroke outboard motors tend to hold their resale value, remaining in high demand in the used market. On the con side, a two-stroke outboard motor produces more pollution, smoke, are non-two cycle oil injection models, have a rougher idle than their four-stroke counterparts, and are sometimes harder to start.

Four-stroke outboard motors are cleaner, quieter, smoother, provide more fuel economy, and are often more reliable.   They are preferred by some boaters who run in lakes and rivers because they are generally accepted at any body of water. They do not run on an oil and gas mixture or generate as much pollution.  The negatives of four-stroke outboard motors include their high expense for purchase and repair and heavy bulk, which makes it complicated to transport or position in storage without the help of a stand.  Because the design for a four-stroke outboard motor is more complicated than its two-stroke counterpart, there are more parts to malfunction.   However, outboard motor production will be either four-stroke or very similar. The technology for the four-stroke outboard motor is always improving, and as time goes on, there is a higher percentage of qualified mechanics to perform any necessary repairs.  The current used market is very limited for the four-stroke outboard motor, though this is also growing as technology and training improves. 

*Note:  this comparison does not include direct fuel-injected two-stroke models.

Just as it is important to maintain your car’s engine for optimum performance, your boat requires a certain amount of care for consistent and smooth operation. Since an outboard motor hangs outside the hull of a boat, it requires special attention to prolong its life.  Caution when transporting your boat to the destination of your planned outing is extremely important.  The motor and boat trailer should be braced securely so that the motion of land travel does not cause permanent damage. 

Each time a boat is returned from a salt water excursion, the outboard motor should be flushed out with fresh water to prevent the pump and lines from corrosion.  Outboard motor oil and gas lines should be drained and disconnected before storing your boat for an extended period of time to keep the carburetor clean.  The area around the propeller and gears of the motor should be checked for cleanliness and excess water accumulation.  The pump inside the motor should also be checked to ensure the impellers do not look worn.  If all of these steps are taken regularly, your outboard motor should provide its best possible performance.

The viscosity of boat motor oil is one of its most important properties, as it measures how any given oil will flow.  Thicker oils will generally have a higher viscosity than thinner oils.  The viscosity of boat motor oil is essential for productive engine operation.

The numbers and letters on boat motor oil packaging refer to measurements that have been taken at specific temperatures.  A “W” means the oil meets viscosity specifications for winter use.  Multi-viscosity boat motor oils prevent the oil from thinning as it warms up because polymers have been added to prevent the oil from thinning.  It is wise to use multi-viscosity boat motor oil with the narrowest span of viscosity for the temperatures you will encounter—in the winter, for the lowest expected temperature, and for the summer, for the highest temperature anticipated. 

Two cycle oil isn’t always just relegated to being used for boats.  Some brands of 2 cycle oil that are marked as “multi-use” can be used for some types of motorbikes.  If you are a person with several different vehicles – or, for this example, a boat and a smaller pocket bike – you can purchase some outboard motor oil and use it for something else other than a boat. 

Before you do this, you’ll want to make sure that the oil is usable for your other vehicle.  You can find this out by asking other motorbike enthusiasts, or reading the label.

The creation of the first practical outboard motor is often credited to Norwegian-American inventor Ole Evinrude in 1909.

Historically, a majority of outboards have been two-stroke powerheads fitted with a carburetor due to the designs inherent simplicity, reliability, low cost and light weight.

In the 1990s, U.S. and European exhaust emissions regulations led to the proliferation of four-stroke outboards. Though fewer in number, four-stroke outboards have always been with us.

Outboard motors benefit from the ability to draw coolant from the water, obviating the need for radiators and cooling fans, thereby simplifying the design and lowering component weight.  The motors also have several brands (i.e. Yamalube, Mercury and the creator’s namesake, Evinrude) of oil to choose from, giving the consumer a seemingly infinite amount of options based on their needs.

If this is your first season as a boat owner, you may be overwhelmed by the numerous brands and products out there to outfit your boat with.  You’ll also no doubt be familiar with how to do basic maintenance on your boat.  When it comes to engine oil, you’ll find that you have several choices, yet I would recommend Evinrude.

Evinrude oil will allow your boat to run well and will not cause any type of engine problems.  It’s easily one of the top brands out there. Check it out for yourself and see how it fares this season.