Boating | Outboard Motor Oil - Part 28

Cleaner Outboards Down Under?

Cleaner Outboards Down Under?

Last week, we took an extensive look at the Environmental Protection Agency’s call for an increased ethanol presence in domestic outboard fuel. In the wake of this news, motor manufacturer BRP Evinrude has proposed that Australia adopt America’s current outboard emission standards. If implemented, the plan would ban importation of high-emission technology engines as early as next year.

Australia has been notoriously lax about regulating non-road engines, but there has been a clamor of late down under to improve air and water quality. Many older non-compliant two-stroke engines are high polluting, according to Evinrude, and they are costing the country’s health industry billions of dollars. Environmental concerns have achieved a new level of awareness in Australia following a 270-ton oil spill off the coast of Brisbane.

If passed, the proposed regulations would copy the EPA 2009 emissions limits and testing procedures. Newer outboards manufactured by such companies as Yamaha, Evinrude and Mercury comply with these standards and use efficient, eco-friendly boat motor oil. If the Australian government decides to adopt these standards, it will set an interesting precedent for outboard fuel discussions in the U.S.

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Comparison Shopping for Used Outboards

Comparison Shopping for Used Outboards

If you’re new to the boating scene or have recently decided to buy your own boat, it’s tempting to go for a “package deal.” These are the small boats that come with outboard engines included, and they can be pricy. Used motors provide an alternative for thrifty shoppers – although you should always do your homework before buying and attaching one to your vessel.

In the outboard motor market, brand names mean a great deal. Yamaha, Evinrude and Mercury have come to be known for their reliability and generous warranties. It’s always advisable to shop around for the motor that suits your budget as well as your practical boating needs. It goes without saying that you’ll want to find a used motor with all of the relevant features – perhaps an electric start or a steering cable attachment.

Perhaps the most important consideration when comparing used outboards is the amount of wear and tear. Boat motors should be judged not by their age but by the number of hours they’ve been run. Just as you would most likely prefer a Corvette that’s been parked in a garage for five years over one that’s been driven hard for three, an engine that’s seen less use will require less maintenance. In many cases, used motors are less efficient than new ones and therefore require plenty of lubrication with quality oils such as Yamalube. Just remember that it’s possible to find a quality outboard on a budget.

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Mercury Marine Motors: Then and Now

Mercury Marine Motors: Then and Now

It should come as no surprise to outboard engine owners that Mercury Marine grew out of the seeds of hard work and innovation. After all, the company continues to display those traits to this day. It all started in the late 1930s, in a sleepy Wisconsin burg. Company founder Carl Kiekhaefer saw potential in a failing outboard motor manufacturer and rescued its supply of originally “rejected” motors.

In those days, Kiekhaefer still had modest dreams: naming the company after himself, he hired a small crew of workers to repair the 300 or so motors and sell them to the original buyer. This retailer was so pleased with the crew’s work that they turned around and ordered another batch. Around this time, Kiekhaefer began to envision designs for a refurbished outboard engine that would put power and reliability before all other considerations.

By 1940, the company had been renamed Mercury and was creating a whole new line of engines featuring an innovative fuel system and a housing to protect the drive shaft and exhaust from water damage. As America entered World War II, public attention turned away from the outboard industry. Mercury sought and won a government contract to make 2-stroke chainsaw motors.

In the post-war years, the recreation industry boomed and people returned to lakes and rivers with one thing on their mind: relaxation. Mercury resumed outboard production and would later introduce its own line of 2 cycle oil. Today the company has expanded to put its stamp on a wide variety of products for boat enthusiasts, including propellers, electric controls and inboard engines.

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Time to Inspect for Oil Leaks?

Time to Inspect for Oil Leaks?

Most outboard motor manufacturers recommend that boat owners inspect their engines once a year – if not more often – and perform some routine maintenance as needed. If your outboard has seen a lot of action this summer, take some time to ensure that it continues to operate smoothly. To begin this process, grab a screwdriver, an adjustable wrench, an industrial container, pliers, a hammer, some two cycle outboard oil and your owner’s manual.

The first step is to make sure you don’t void your warranty by mistake. Scour the manual for tips on which lubricants and replacement parts to use. Next, study the motor for signs of lubricant leaks. Don’t be alarmed if you spot a bit of oil below the fill screws, but a large running stain is cause for concern. In the case of excess oil leakage, set up an appointment with an outboard mechanic. At least you caught the problem early instead of finding out about it when your engine shuts down in the middle of the lake.

Consult your manual again to see if lubricant changes are recommended for the engine’s lower unit. If so, drain the old lubricant into the industrial container and replace it with a recommended brand. Squirt some lubricant into the gear case with the applicator until the oil starts to come out of the top fill hole. Put the top plug back on and wipe away leftover lubricant with a cloth.

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More Ethanol Is Not the Answer

More Ethanol Is Not the Answer

Newspapers and network news programs have been trumpeting the arrival of renewable energy for years now. Likewise, the topics has been on the tongues of politicians serving locally and nationwide. Their point is well taken: Fossil fuels are harmful to the planet, and green-friendly options are available. Ethanol, an alternative fuel made from corn and other natural products, isn’t exactly a godsend to the outboard motor industry, however.

In theory, ethanol mixes with gasoline to create an eco-friendly blend that burns cleaner than standard fuel-oil combinations. That may be true up to a point, but higher ratios of ethanol leave a sludgy byproduct in carburetors and fuel injection systems. Even worse, ethanol is chemically structured in such a way that it dissolves fiberglass fuel tanks. Most of these problems are held in check when outboard motor oil contains 10 percent ethanol or less.

The Environmental Protection Agency is on the verge of upping the standard amount of ethanol in gasoline from 10 percent to 15 percent – a possibility that would prove disastrous for the boating industry as we know it. The Boat Owners Association of the United States and several other consumer advocacy groups are livid about these plans. They are arguing that many boat fuel system warranties would become null and void if 15 percent ethanol fuels are used. Outboard motor oil, they say, must strike a careful balance that weighs environmental concerns with boating performance.

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Bringing a Dunked Engine Back to Life

Bringing a Dunked Engine Back to Life

Accidents happen out on the open water – whether they owe to operational error or forces beyond our control. Either way, nobody’s perfect. If you operate a small craft such as a dinghy or perhaps an inflatable boat, chances are you’ve dropped an outboard motor into Davy Jones’ locker.

Small vessels – especially inflatables – ride low in the water, which means there’s very little room between the engine and the murky depths. One false move, and that motor takes an unwanted plunge. But resuscitating an outboard motor isn’t rocket science. In fact, you don’t even need to be a trained professional to bring that engine back to life.

If you dropped the engine in salt water, begin resuscitation by washing it thoroughly with fresh water. Next, remove the primer hose and spark plugs. Disconnect the rubber plug from the cylinder head. Begin draining water from the engine by laying it on its back and cranking the motor as many times as needed. Turn the engine upright and add one tablespoon of quality fuel/oil mix – Yamalube 2m oil does the trick nicely – into each spark plug hole.

Flush the carburetor by squeezing the primer bulb a few times. You’ll need to jettison all the moisture from the engine’s electrical components. Try some WD-40 or other de-watering fluid. Finally, reconnect the rubber plug on top of the cylinder head and restart your engine. Keep it running for a sustained period of time, say 30 minutes, to ensure that it’s working properly.

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More than 100 Years of Evinrude

More than 100 Years of EvinrudeSince its inception 102 years ago, Evinrude has been a pioneer in the outboard motor market. Surprisingly, the first outboard motor built by company founder Ole Evinrude in 1907 wasn’t all that different from today’s 2-cycle engines. The components remain the same, but new Evinrude engines feature significantly increased speed and efficiency.

By 1930, Evinrude – or the Outboard Motor Company, as it was then known – had introduced the first electric-start outboard motor. A year later, Evinrude’s ingenuity paid off as it became the world’s largest outboard motor producer. During WWII, Evinrude secured a government contract to manufacture airplane parts in addition to its standard line of sturdy, dependable outboards. The company hit the ground running at war’s end, increasing production domestically.

Throughout the company’s history, Evinrude has continued the tradition of building and improving quality 2-cycle engines. In 2005, the Environmental Protection Agency presented the Evinrude E-TEC 2-stroke with its Clean Air Excellence Award. The E-TEC set a new standard for fuel efficiency and eco-friendly performance, and it runs best when well-lubricated with Evinrude oil. There’s no telling what this dynamic company will do next, but one thing is certain: Boaters will benefit.

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Personal Watercraft Safety

Personal Watercraft Safety

WaveRunners and other personal water craft promise hours of enjoyment on the open water – whether you’re taking a weekend trip to the lake or visiting friends at their seaside getaway. Just like all waterborne vessels, WaveRunners should be operated in a safe, responsible manner. As long as you keep a few basic safety tips in mind, you’re virtually guaranteed a carefree marine experience.

First and foremost, wear a life preserver. People who forgo life jackets out of pride are only doing themselves a disservice. Most states mandate life preservers, and the choice is a no-brainer anyway. Keep your vision from becoming obscured by donning a pair of goggles. You may also prefer to wear gloves, thereby ensuring a solid grip on your craft’s movements.

When other watercraft or swimmers are nearby, you should maintain at least 100 feet of distance. The worst WaveRunner accidents are undoubtedly head-on collisions.
Be sure to keep your personal water craft topped off with oil – that way the engine won’t overheat while you’re out tearing up the waves. High-quality 2-cycle bulk oil can keep your engine running smoothly all summer long.

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Don’t Overlook the Water Pump

Don't Overlook the Water PumpAs is the case with any machinery, outboard motors require occasional basic maintenance to run properly. Rather than waiting for something to go irreparably wrong, take a proactive approach to motor maintenance by making simple engine observations. Get to know the sound of your well-oiled outboard motor, and learn to recognize any deviations from that norm.

A functioning water pump is particularly important, as it draws water out of the engine and acts as a cooling agent. Without a water pump most 2-cycle engines would overheat in no time. To replace an ailing water pump, begin by removing the bolts from the bottom portion of the motor. Use an engine vice to securely mount the lower engine housing, making sure that any electrical wiring between the housings is disconnected.

Remove the water pump housing, and then replace the impeller. Beneath the impeller you’ll find three gasket seals; remove them. Use some of your supply of bulk outboard motor oil to lube the gaskets before slipping them back into place. Put the housing back into place, and then reconnect the wiring. You’ve just increased the lifespan of your outboard motor.

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Installing an Outboard Motor

Installing an Outboard Motor

Yesterday, we took a look at a wide range of outboard motors and provided tips on how to select the proper amount of horsepower for your boat. Once this process is complete, many DIY-type boat owners will want to perform the installation. Before installing the motor and leaving for your first test run, make sure you’re stocked up on bulk motor oil.

Double-check with your boat manufacturer to be sure that you have the right size of outboard motor. Don’t forget to factor in your towing needs: Will you be tubing or water skiing anytime soon? If so, you’ll require some extra horsepower.

Next, choose motor accessories to match the specifications of your boat. If you have cable steering or hydraulic lift, the burden of motor installation is much lighter to bear. Begin the physical part of the installation by measuring your craft’s transom (basically the height of the stern). Fit the motor so that the propeller reaches below the water line, but not low enough to cause drag.

Once the motor is positioned correctly, affix it to the top of the transom by tightening the clamps. Finally, attach a safety cable to the motor. This will keep your motor from sinking if it’s detached by a submerged rock or other debris. Now you’re ready to take your boat out on the open water and enjoy the warm summer breeze.

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How Much Horsepower Do You Need?

How Much Horsepower Do You Need?

Summer is in full swing, and there’s a frenzy of watercraft activity in lakes and rivers nationwide. If you want to add your craft to the mix, it’s important to choose an outboard motor that’s powerful enough to keep you in control but also environmentally friendly. First consider your boating needs, and then select an engine accordingly.

Small sailboat owners will want to stick to a light-weight, compact motor in the 2-3.5 hp range. Larger engines tend to hold these smaller vessels back. For small fiberglass boats and aluminum jon boats, an 8-10 hp outboard motor should pack plenty of power. Larger sailboats and longer fiberglass boats require more horsepower – something closer to the 15-20 hp range.

When selecting the proper outboard motor for your boat, bear in mind that 2-stroke engines are now much more environmentally safe than they were only a few years ago. Rigid EPA standards have helped clean up the waterways and improved outboard efficiency. As such, most standard 2-cycle oil makers have stepped up their game as well. Mercury oil is just one of several types that surpass safety standards with ease.

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What Is TC-W3 Certification?

What Is TC-W3 Certification?

As most boat owners know, 2-stroke marine engines require a mixture of oil and fuel to run smoothly. Emissions from these engines were once a valid environmental concern, but standards for fuel efficiency have gone a long way in combating the problem. The National Marine Manufacturers Association, or NMMA, performs TC-W3 certification tests to determine whether specific 2-stroke oils meet efficiency and lubrication standards. The tests are performed using a variety of outboard motor brands, including Johnson, BRP, and Mercury. They take into account 15-, 40-, and 70 hp engine models.

The benefits of NMMA certification are many: approved oils easily meet EPA environmental standards, they don’t damage engines through excess carbon buildup, and they significantly decrease maintenance costs. Evinrude XD50 oil and other products like it far exceed the minimum criteria for TC-W3 certification. They can be used in pre-mixed and fuel-injection scenarios, which makes them versatile enough for many marine vehicles.

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