Boating | Outboard Motor Oil - Part 30

Yamalube 2M Oil for HPDI Engines

Yamalube 2M Oil for HPDI Engines

Without a doubt, Yamalube 2M is the oil to use in Yamaha HPDI engines. While it’s possible to use other brands of two stroke oil without voiding the warranty, Yamalube 2M oil is the clear choice of boat owners who want the most out of their engines. There are several subtle differences between Yamalube 2M oil and the oil of other leading competitors. One central difference is the additives in Yamalube 2M that reduce the buildup of carbon in the engine. In addition, there are other additives to reduce condensation in the gas tank, and ensure the engine continues to operate at peak performance. It’s possible to save some money purchasing a cheaper two stroke oil, but the money saved on purchasing an inferior brand of oil is far insignificant to the cost of boat ownership. Yamalube 2M oil preserves the condition of the engine, and overall the engine will require less maintenance over its lifetime.

Compared to other two stroke oils, Yamalube 2M oil also accomplishes more with less; most HPDI engines will use just a little oil compared to other engines, and due to this, the HPDI owner saves a lot with the reduced fuel consumption.

Did you like this? Share it:

Performing Maintenance on a Mercury Engine

Performing Maintenance on a Mercury Engine

When performing maintenance on a Mercury outboard engine, it’s important to be aware of a few safety precautions. First, make sure to read the Owner’s Manual and shop manual before any kind of maintenance is performed, and ensure all safety precautions noted in the manual are observed. These safety precautions include:

_Removing all fuel vapors from the bilge.
_Working in a well ventilated area
_Having a fire extinguisher near in case of fire.
_Wearing safety goggles or glasses.
_Avoiding sparks or open flames.

In addition to these precautions, it’s important to have the correct tools for maintenance, work in a clean area, and avoid getting fuel, Merucry engine oil, and other lubricants on the skin, as these can prove dangerous to health. It’s also a good idea to ensure that maintenance is performed at the regular required intervals, often based on how often the engine has been used or its age. Taking the proper maintenance precautions will ensure the safety of the owner, and the livelihood of the engine.

Did you like this? Share it:

Synthetic Oil Reduces Maintenance Needs

Synthetic Oil Reduces Maintenance Needs

Let’s face it, outboard maintenance can be quite expensive, and most of the time, the need for maintenance could have been prevented with proper care. In order to prevent damage and wear to the outboard motor, there are a number of smart practices to take into consideration. For example, a practice as simple as switching from conventional two cycle outboard oil to synthetic outboard oil can have a dramatic effect on preserving the condition of the engine. Synthetic two cycle outboard oil, like Evinrude XD100 oil, is better for the environment and better for preserving the life of the outboard motor.

When boating, it’s also a good idea to take a few additional practices into consideration for preserving the condition of the outboard motor. This includes finding the ideal cruising speed, scraping the hull on a regular basis (to reduce drag), and not being hard on the engine. It’s also a good idea to perform regular maintenance checks, and ensure the motor is taken in for service on its service schedule. Don’t forget to winterize during the off season as well!

Did you like this? Share it:

E10 Gasoline Causes Problems for Outboard Motors

E10 Gasoline Causes Problems for Outboard Motors

E10, the ethanol and gasoline fuel that is now the standard at most fuel pumps, often works fine with automobiles but doesn’t translate as well to outboard motors. E10 contains 10% ethanol, and in order to reduce environmental pollution, the government has mandated that all gasoline fuel must contain at least 10% ethanol. But several boat owners have found that the fuel doesn’t work as well in their outboard motors. The reason is that ethanol separates from the gasoline and moves to the bottom of the fuel tank when the boat sits still for an extended period of time. While at the bottom of the tank, water vapor or condensation can build up inside the tank, and the ethanol absorbs it. When water becomes absorbed into ethanol, it becomes a mass of watery ethanol that sits at the bottom of the fuel tank, and then upon ignition, the watery mass is sucked into the carburetor and it sputters and plugs up.

Ethanol clogs are a common problem that outboard servicers are finding more often in outboard motors. The solution is to use the manufacturer recommended fuel stabilizer, and also to ensure the proper boat motor oil is being used. Boat motor oil is formulated with additives to reduce water condensation in the engine, and can assist in preventing break downs.

Did you like this? Share it:

Mercury Develops New Pro Kicker Engine

Mercury Develops New Pro Kicker Engine

Mercury’s Pro Kicker series of outboard motors are some of the most in demand motors amongst fishermen. The Pro Kicker series offers a sleek and functional design accompanied with a clean and fuel efficient engine. Perhaps the most appealing feature of the Pro Kicker engine is its unique quiet motor. Having a motor that doesn’t make a lot of splashing or sound makes it ideal for fisherman. In addition, the Mercury Pro Kicker provides hundreds of different features that make it a diverse outboard motor suited for all kinds of different purposes in the water.

Mercury has been the manufacturer of choice amongst fishermen for decades, and even some of the most aged Mercury engines are still in service amongst fisherman all over the world. In order to get the most out of your Mercury engine, be sure to use Mercury oil, which is formulated to provide superior performance, cleaner emissions, and help the engine to last. Mercury oil is also the preferred outboard motor oil for the Pro Kicker series; the oil ensures fishermen get the most out of their Mercury engines.

Did you like this? Share it:

Servicing an Evinrude Engine

Servicing an Evinrude Engine

In addition to engines and motor oil, Evinrude is the premier manufacturer of numerous products for engine maintenance. Evinrude is committed to being a full service provider for all manner of engine cleaning and maintenance products. Performing regular maintenance with Evinrude products will protect the engine and the investment. Evinrude emphasizes prevention before potential damage occurs with all their engine care products. For example, Evinrude offers two and four stroke engine fuel conditioner, which will keep engines free of build up. It’s good to use fuel conditioner during times where the engine is unused, during the winter for example. Evinrude also offers products like the Carbon Guard which is an additive for the gasoline that will decrease carbon build up and remove existing build up inside the engine.

Evinrude also offers a wide range of products that can help protect the exterior of the engine, including their anti-corrosion spray to prevent rust and corrosion in marine environments including salt water. Evinrude also offers marine grease for boat trailer wheel bearings and other components that require lubrication and are exposed to the water. For all Evinrude engines, it’s best to use Evinrude oil because the additives are designed to keep the engine running at top performance.

Did you like this? Share it:

Preventive Maintenance for Outboard Engines

Preventive Maintenance for Outboard Engines

It’s important to keep an outboard engine in the best condition for superior performance, and with this goal comes a number of annual checks that will ensure clean and efficient operation. Take these annual steps to keep the outboard running at its best:

_Lower Unit: change the gear lubricant in the lower unit on an annual basis, and inspect the old outboard motor oil for metal fragments (if found disassemble the gearbox and for maintenance) and evidence of water intrusion (if water is found replace the seals).

_Water Pump Impeller: it’s best to replace the water pump impeller at least once every two years, or each year if the engine is exposed to salt water. Inspect the pump housing, and replace it if damaged, and also inspect the old impeller for missing pieces, and remove from engine as necessary.

_Powerhead: do a full inspection of the powerhead on an annual basis. Make sure to check the engine wiring for corrosion, inspect the fuel lines, replace the spark plugs, check all the fasteners, and lubricate the essential engine components as needed.

Did you like this? Share it:

Outboard Engines More Popular in Foreign Countries

fishing boat

While we often like to think of North America as the native market for outboard motors, in truth, outboards are much more popular in foreign countries. Sales of outboard motors in North America account for around 35% of the annual world outboard motor sales, or about 300,000 of the 850,000 units produced. The markets where outboard motors are the most popular include European nations where pleasure boating is a common pastime, and developing nations where outboard motors are used for work including fishing, transportation, and diving. In Europe, most of the outboards used for pleasure boating are attached to inflatable watercraft and have just a fraction of the horsepower of the average outboard sold in North America. In developing nations, it’s important for outboards to be reliable and low cost, which includes upkeep costs like fuel, marine engine oil, and occasional maintenance.

While there are a number of popular outboard motor brands, Yamaha, Mercury, and Evinrude tend to stand out with the highest numbers in customer satisfaction, sales, and units produced on an annual basis.

Did you like this? Share it:

The Future of Outboards: Ethanol Blended Fuel

The Future of Outboards: Ethanol Blended Fuel

The EPA has mandated that the use of increased renewable resources must be used in motor oils. Throughout the U.S., ethanol is the most widely available renewable fuel that can be added to conventional gasoline without significant changes. But unfortunately, in a marine environment, ethanol-blended fuels can cause potential damage to outboard engines. Throughout the marine industry, many companies are working towards ways to mitigate the negative effects of ethanol-blended fuel. The EPA wants to increase the ethanol blend wall in gasoline from 10% to 15%, but most older outboard motors cannot function with a ratio higher than 10%. Building compatible outboards for fuel containing 15% ethanol is possible, but there are a lot of older outboards that won’t be able to accommodate the new fuel blend without ill effects. The EPA hasn’t put a formal law in place that would require an E15 fuel blend, but it seems to be on the horizon.

One possible solution is for companies to create outboard oil that would counter the effects of using an E15 fuel on older engines. This outboard oil could prevent damage caused to the engine, and allow older boat engines to continue functioning.

Did you like this? Share it:

Benefits of Yamalube 2M Oil

Benefits of Yamalube 2M Oil

There are several popular brands of motor oil for use in sport boats, but Yamalube oil stands out amongst the competition for several reasons. Yamalube 2M oil, Yamaha’s motor oil formulated for sport boats, is well renowned for providing engines with superior performance. Yamalube 2M oil is TCW-3 certified, while other popular motor oils used for sport boats are often not. The 2M oil is formulated to perform under intense conditions of heat, and to provide the engine with better lubrication which results in increased speed, lower exhaust, and less engine wear. Yamalube 2M oil is the choice of numerous professional sport boaters, and is even used in some models of personal watercraft because it is formulated to perform under extreme conditions.

When switching from another brand of motor oil to Yamalube 2M oil, it’s important to remember to drain the engine of the other oil beforehand. It’s not a good idea to mix various brands of motor oil because the engine can suffer damage and decreased performance on the water.

Did you like this? Share it:

Improving Outboard Fuel Economy 3.0

Improving Outboard Fuel Economy 3.0

With costs of fuel and oil liable to rise during the summer months, it’s important to implement practices to improve the fuel economy of your outboard motor. One essential practice that keeps all engines in the best condition is performing regular tune ups. Make sure to replace the spark plugs, use the proper mix ratio of fuel to 2 stroke oil, and check other components that can affect fuel efficiency. Be sure to consult the owner’s manual for the recommended service schedule. The trim angle of the engine can also influence the fuel economy, for example, if the engine is trimmed in too much forcing the bow down, it can be harder on the engine. The proper trim angle can also be found in the owner’s manual.

In addition to the above practices, it’s important to drive the boat in a safe manner. Don’t slam the fuel lever, don’t drive at excessive speeds, and cruise at a safe speed. Reckless drivers tend to have engines that won’t last as long. It’s essential to practice safety when operating a boat.

Did you like this? Share it:

Improving Outboard Fuel Economy 2.0

Improving Outboard Fuel Economy 2.0

Improving outboard motor fuel economy involves more than using the right propeller and the highest quality gasoline and oil, there are numerous more rudimentary practices that can have a dramatic effect. For example, it’s important to make sure the hull of the boat is as clean as possible. Plant growth like algae and barnacles can increase drag and reduce fuel efficiency. For people who keep their boat in the water all the time, it’s best to clean the hull at least twice throughout the year. It’s also a good idea to eliminate extra weight when possible. Having a lot of unnecessary items and equipment inside the boat will weight it down and cause a reduction in performance. While it’s a good idea to keep a bit of extra motor oil and fuel inside the boat, bulk oil and fuel isn’t needed unless the boat is being used for extended travel. In addition, it’s important to check the bilge for water that may have accumulated, as this can also weigh the boat down.

These reasons for decreased performance might sound insignificant, but all the various factors add up over time. With these simple steps a marine engine will perform better and the owner will save on oil and fuel.

Did you like this? Share it: