Boating | Outboard Motor Oil - Part 29

A Yamaha 2-Stroke Innovation

A Yamaha 2-Stroke InnovationFor rapid acceleration and blazing speed, boaters the world over turn to lightweight, compact outboard motors. These motors have progressed by leaps and bounds – especially in the last 40 years – in terms of increased efficiency. By the late 1970s, the world was beginning to gain an environmental conscience. As a result, boaters began scouring the outboard motor landscape for engines that created less pollution.

The Yamaha High Pressure Direct Injection system was borne from these environmental concerns. As its name implies, the system sends gas directly to the combustion chamber. Outboard motors that utilize this system retain their compact appearance and impressive power, but they also gain fuel efficiency. All Yamaha 2-stroke engines require high-quality outboard oil. The VMAX line of motors, available in 150- and 300hp incarnations, continue to meet and exceed EPA emissions standards year in and year out. Where once certain marine engines got a bad rap for polluting lakes, rivers and oceans, the astonishing evolution of outboard technology has made 2-stroke engines more environmentally friendly than ever.

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Ethanol and Two Cycle Outboards Don’t Mix

Ethanol and Two Cycle Outboards Don't Mix

Because of EPA regulations, all gasoline must now contain 10% ethanol. While automobiles with their larger engines aren’t affected, outboard owners are finding that the new gasoline-ethanol mixture is causing damage to their smaller outboard engines. The fact is, the smaller two cycle outboards aren’t built to run on an ethanol based fuel, and can start to develop problems starting over time. For outboard owners, there are a few preventative steps that can help preserve the condition of their outboards. First, it’s important to install a water/fuel separating filter, and also use 10-micron cartridges. This will filter out the water and impurities better. It’s also a good idea to add the manufacturer recommended amount of fuel stabilizer whenever filling up. Make sure to have the proper fuel to two cycle outboard oil mixture in the tank as well, as an incorrect mixture can serve as a catalyst for more problems.

While it’s unlikely the government will reverse its stance on ethanol based fuel, outboard manufacturers are working on solutions to fix the problems that many owners are having.

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Tips for DIY Outboard Maintenance

Tips for DIY Outboard MaintenanceIf you’re the kind of person who likes to do it yourself, here are some suggestions for performing maintenance on your outboard motor. First, it’s important to note that present day marine equipment is quite sensitive, and represents advanced technological machinery. Make sure to have the proper training before performing maintenance on these sensitive technological systems. Don’t perform maintenance that’s not covered in the service manual unless aware of the procedures and precautions, otherwise, your safety could be at risk. There are simple procedures, like premixing fuel with gasoline and Yamaha 2S oil, which all outboard engine owners should know. However, the service manual is written for technicians who have received special training, and if the manual doesn’t make sense, it’s best not to attempt maintenance. Make sure to have the special tools and equipment needed for maintenance, and never substitute generic equipment (like wrenches, screwdrivers, or hammers) when a special tool is necessary.

For complex maintenance, it’s best to take in the outboard to a local dealer. All dealerships have qualified trained technicians, who can perform maintenance and even provide more advice on how to do it yourself.

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Incorrect Oil Capacities?

Incorrect Oil Capacities?When looking through the standard owner’s manual for a boat engine, it’s important to note that the engine oil capacities listed are approximate. In addition, the engine oil capacity is reflective of the entire lubrication system. For this reason, when filling the engine, sometimes boat owners will notice that the engine is filled before the indicated amount of oil is used. Once oil is inside the engine, it’s quite difficult to ensure that all the oil is drained during an oil change. The residual oil left in the engine is the reason that it cannot be filled with the recommended amount of oil.

For a popular engine model, like the MerCruiser from Mercury, it’s important to fill the crankcase according to the dipstick when the engine is level. If the oil is at the mark, then it as the proper level regardless of how much additional oil is put in. Never overfill the crankcase, and always ensure that the right oil is used. For example, for a MerCruiser engine, use Mercury oil from the manufacturer for better performance and to preserve the life of the engine. The engine oil level should be between the add and full marks on the dipstick.

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The Life Expectancy of an Outboard Engine

The Life Expectancy of an Outboard EngineThe average outboard engine runs for about 1,500 hours before requiring significant maintenance. While this number might seem a little surprising, the average owner only uses their outboard for about 200 hours per year, thus, the average outboard motor can be expected to last 7-8 years, which isn’t an unreasonable amount of time. However, it is possible to ensure an outboard lasts much longer with regular maintenance, and a few due diligence practices. For example, with two stroke outboard engines, it’s important to have the right mixture of gasoline to marine engine oil. When two stroke outboard engines don’t have the proper gasoline to oil mixture, it can cause the engine to wear down much faster. Winterizing the engine when not in use is a good idea, and ensuring that the engine is stored in a proper location is also important.

With proper maintenance, it’s possible to extend the life of an engine by a considerable amount, up to 500 hours for regular maintenance, and even up to 1,000 hours for those boaters with the utmost dedication. Maintenance and care will prolong the life of the engine, and overall, save a lot of money.

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Honda Marine Introduces New 60HP Outboard

Honda Marine Introduces New 60HP Outboard

Honda Marine, one of the premier manufacturers of outboard motors, introduced it’s all new BF60 outboard engine at the end of May. This new outboard is ideal for pontoons, skiffs, inflatables, and aluminum bass and walleye boats. The new BF60 provides excellent fuel efficiency, consuming less gasoline and boat motor oil than most other outboard engines of the same class. In addition, the BF60 runs quiet, making it the ideal outboard engine for fishermen. The new BF60 is also great for trolling as it has a superior battery capacity to keep electronics charged all the time. In addition, the engine weighs just 239lbs, making it one of the lightest engines in its class.

Honda designed the new BF60 with the environment in mind as well, and the engine has low emissions and meets the rigorous standards of the California Air Resources Board (CARB). In addition to this new engine, all Honda outboard engines meet CARB standards, and with models ranging from 2 to 225 horsepower, there’s an outboard engine for all boaters from Honda Marine.

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Mercury Racing Information

Mercury Racing Information

Mercury Racing, a division of Mercury Marine, is the leading provider of marine engines for the performance minded boating enthusiast. Mercury Racing offers an exciting line of marine engines, parts, and accessories which utilize cutting-edge technology and represent the finest in quality. Mercury Racing provides outboards, sterndrives, and propellers designed for high performance boat racing. For the best performance, these products from Mercury Racing are best used in tandem with other Mercury products, including Mercury engine oil which ensures the engine operates at peak performance and doesn’t wear out. Mercury has a reputation for top quality, and Mercury Racing powered boats win more races and set more records worldwide when compared to other marine engine manufacturers. When purchasing Mercury products, boating enthusiasts can know that they’re receiving the best.

Mercury Racing products can be purchased direct from the manufacturer or through numerous retailers. Provided the product bears the original mark from Mercury, the owner can know their purchase is a good investment.

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Yamaha to Go Green

Yamaha to Go Green

With people around the world concerned about the effect of pollution on the environment, Yamaha has committed itself to designing cleaner engines. In one of several steps towards clean energy, Yamaha has stated that it will manufacture electric motorcycles by 2010. These motorcycles will be able to travel about 60-70 miles on a single charge. In addition, Yamaha has extended efforts to make its existing technologies friendlier to the environment. For outboard motors, Yamaha has developed full synthetic outboard motor oil. This new Yamaha oil provides better engine performance, and is much easier on the environment. The new synthetic Yamaha oil is formulated for use in all kinds of Yamaha motors including outboards, motorcycles, WaveRunners, ATVs, and snowmobiles. Yamaha has also been at the forefront of designing cleaner and more efficient engines for almost a decade, and now has several available on the market.

Companies like Yamaha are designing the products that the modern consumer wants. In addition, with Yamaha products, consumers can rest assured that the product will still possess the same renowned quality expected from the Yamaha brand.

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The Differences Between Oil Brands

The Differences Between Oil Brands

When it comes to motor oil, no matter who slaps their label on it, the oil itself and the additive packages most often come from oil refineries. Most oil refineries are owned by third parties, and have little to no affiliation with the various companies that purchase their oil (except for a business affiliation). Thus the difference between Yamalube oil and Evinrude oil, if the two were purchased from the same oil refinery, might not be all that significant. However, one difference between the various brands of motor oil is the additives. The additives are what make different formulations of oil work better in certain kinds of engines. While some motor oil brands will purchase additive packages from the refineries that are quite similar if not identical to the competition, the big name brands, like Yamaha and Evinrude, often have their own special additives. These additives maximize the oil’s effectiveness in the Yamaha or Evinrude engines.

It’s important to be aware of the brand of oil in the engine, and not just stick in any motor oil that seems to work well. The effects of using one motor oil over another will manifest over time, and using the right oil will prolong the life of the engine.

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Stealth Operation for Outboard Motors

Stealth Operation for Outboard Motors

Experienced fishermen know that some of the most prized fish can be quite skittish in the water. In addition, the noise of the standard two stroke outboard motor can be quite successful in scaring fish. However, for the fishing enthusiast who can’t stand to switch over to a four stroke model, the E-TEC two stroke outboard motor from Evinrude offers superior stealth with its quiet motor, while still boasting the performance one would come to expect from Evinrude. In addition to being much quieter than other two stroke outboard motors, the E-TEC engine is also much better for the environment, requiring less gasoline and outboard motor oil during use, and producing less exhaust. E-TEC engines are perfect for fishermen who want to sneak up on their catch while ensuring our lakes, rivers, and oceans remain in pristine condition.

For the best results, ensure that the boat’s hull is free from debris and grit, ensuring that it slips over the water with ease and doesn’t disturb the fish. Remember, fish can hear and see underwater, and could be frightened off if the boat causes a lot of commotion.

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Choosing the Right Brand of Outboard Motor Oil

Choosing the Right Brand of Outboard Motor Oil

When it comes to outboard motor oil, not all brands are created equal. Provided the outboard motor oil is TC-W3 certified, the difference between Brand A and Brand B is most often the special additives which are unique to each brand. Most engine manufacturers have their own exclusive brand of outboard motor oil, which contains those additives that work best with their engine. However, a lot of the additives are the same. For example, most if not all outboard motor oil contains an additive that reduces and prevents water condensation in the fuel tank. If a boat owner were to use standard automotive oil in their outboard, it would work fine for a short time, but then the condensation in the fuel tank would start to contaminate the fuel, and the engine would begin to have trouble starting.

It’s important to choose the right outboard motor oil for the engine. For those who want to be safe, just purchase the manufacturer brand, or a brand recommended by the manufacturer. However, using a brand not recommended by the manufacturer won’t affect the manufacturer warranty in most cases, unless that brand is not TC-W3 certified. It’s also a good idea to purchase bulk outboard motor oil from the preferred brand, as this can save a lot on expenses over time.

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Sport Boat Maintenance Information

Sport Boat Maintenance Information

Unlike traditional boats, sport boats require a bit more maintenance and care to remain at peak performance. Because engine conditions in sport boats are much more intense, the engine requires special outboard motor oil. It’s important to use engine oil formulated for sport boats, like Yamaha 2M oil. This oil contains special additives that allow it to function better under more intensive engine conditions, in addition to providing all the standard benefits of premium outboard motor oil. It’s also important to perform more frequent maintenance on a sport boat, including flushing the engine on a regular basis, cleaning and scraping the hull, and replacing batteries, fuses, and lights. Keeping a sport boat in top condition is possible for all owners with a little bit of knowhow and elbow grease.

Make sure to keep a supply at home and on board the boat of those essential items that might need to be replaced on the fly. This includes an extra propeller, a limited supply of fuel and outboard motor oil, and spark plugs.

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