Boating | Outboard Motor Oil - Part 32

When a Marine Engine is Overfilled

When a Marine Engine is Overfilled

Most people know what happens when an engine doesn’t have enough oil (it breaks down!) but fewer people know the dangers of overfilling your engine. What happens when you fill your marine engine with too much oil is the pressure inside the engine begins to build due to the windage in the crankcase and the oil pump. This places great strain on rear main bearing seal. Even after just a couple uses, the seal breaks and the engine will start to leak marine engine oil. If the rear seal is not fixed, the front seal will also rupture, which then begins to gush oil.

This is a situation you want to avoid by all means, thus it’s important to get accurate measurements. This most often happens when you top off a warm engine because of an incorrect dipstick reading. It can also happen when you change the oil by yourself.

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Buying Outboard Motor Products in Bulk

Buying Outboard Motor Products in Bulk

When it comes to purchasing outboard motor products in bulk, there are a number of options to explore to find the best deal. Perhaps the most common outboard motor product that is purchased in bulk is oil. You can often find deals on bulk motor oil at local marinas, boat repair shops, and smaller retailers. It’s often possible to negotiate with owners of smaller retailers, but of course larger retailers have prices that are set by corporate and thus any bulk motor oil prices aren’t negotiable. Those smaller retailers are also great for purchasing filters, parts, lubricant, and grease in bulk.

If you don’t live in a location near water, chances are there are few retailers who sell parts in your location. Under these circumstances, shopping online is a good idea, but it’s also a good idea to browse online to compare prices. You might even find bulk outboard motor products with better prices than in stores.

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Daily Outboard Maintenance

Daily Outboard Maintenance

Outboard motor owners should be aware of a few simple daily checks that will preserve the condition of your engine. First, it’s important to check the outboard motor oil levels in your engine before you intend to use it. Outboard motors can burn through oil much quicker than automobiles, so frequent checks are necessary. You should also ensure that you have adequate fuel for your trip, and more importantly, that your fuel tank vent is open. Check your propeller and ensure that nothing is tangled with it, even fishing line needs to be removed as this can cause serious problems later.

Lastly, make a smell check for potential fuel leaks and oil, and also if you tow your boat on a trailer, and run it in salt water, flush the cooling system with fresh water. Performing these simple checks will increase the longevity of your outboard motor and increase its overall performance too.

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Common Ailments of Outboard Motors

Common Ailments of Outboard Motors

While there are a number of serious problems that can be attributed to a malfunctioning outboard motor, here are some of the common problems for when the motor appears to be running rough:

~Burnt Spark Plugs – spark plugs need to be replaced about once a year, and are easy for an owner to replace without professional help.

~Malfunctioning Carburetor – this often happens in older outboard motors, but isn’t uncommon in newer motors either. It’s best to consult a professional if you think a busted carburetor is what ails the engine.

~Dilapidated Oil Filter – it’s a good idea to replace your oil filter at least once per year, should you not, it can cause oil to turn to sludge and eventually seize your engine.

~Incorrect Gas Mixture – older two cycle outboard motors often require premixed gasoline and oil, thus it’s important to ensure you have the proper ratio of two cycle outboard oil to gasoline for the best performance.

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Synthetic or Conventional for Outboard Motors

Synthetic or Conventional for Outboard Motors

It’s not uncommon for an outboard motor owner to ask: “What’s the difference between conventional and synthetic oil, should I be using one or the other?” The truth is, most boaters go hundreds or even thousands of miles using conventional bulk motor oil, and never experience problems with their outboard motor. However, the reason synthetic oil costs more isn’t simply because it’s more advanced than conventional oil, synthetic oil also helps your engine to last longer. For boaters who take their boat on extended trips or use it year round, it’s wise to switch to synthetic oil to preserve the quality of your outboard motor. Synthetic oil works to preserve your engine when the engine is used frequently or under extreme conditions.

However, for most boaters who just use their boat on the weekends or a couple of times per week, using conventional motor oil works just fine. The chance that your outboard motor will wear out before you stop using your boat are slim provided you take proper care of the engine and only use it a few times per year.

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Motor Oil Re-Refinement

Motor Oil Re-Refinement

Contrary to popular belief, when motor oil becomes ‘used’ it’s not actually the oil that degrades in quality, but the additives within the oil. The oil refining process takes the dark odiferous crude oil, and refines it into the motor oil we use in engines. Through a similar process, we can also take used oil, remove the grit, combine additives, and allow it for reuse. The additives that go into motor oil are essential for preserving the quality of the engine. For example, if you were refining bulk outboard motor oil, you would need to combine additives that prevent water from entering the motor oil.

Re-refining is a newer process that became popular when oil recycle stations became popular in hardware stores, auto stores, and marinas. Through re-refining, people can conserve fossil fuels, and also help the environment. As oil prices continue their rollercoaster ride on the market, methods to use less oil will become much more important.

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When to Replace Your Outboard Motor

When to Replace Your Outboard Motor

It’s always exciting to purchase a brand new outboard motor, but sometimes it can be difficult to recognize when it’s time to replace your old one. There are several problems that can arise in older outboard motors, some of which can be fixed, and some of which cannot. Common problems that can be fixed include broken propeller, busted water pump, and non-functional recoil spring. These items can be replaced with newer parts, and done by the owner with a little effort and a repair manual. Problems that cannot be fixed, or are not worth fixing, tend to involve the condition of the actual engine; for example, if the engine block is cracked, it’s best to purchase a new outboard motor. It can be difficult for an owner to diagnose more serious problems, and sometimes it’s necessary to consult a maintenance technician.

In order to keep your new outboard motor in top condition, make sure to perform regular tune-ups including oil changes (just as you would with a car). It’s also pertinent to use high performance outboard motor oil, like Yamaha 2M oil for two stroke engines. This will help your outboard motor to last longer and receive more usage.

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Accessories for New Boat Owners

Accessories for New Boat Owners

When purchasing a new boat, there are a number of peripherals and accessories that you may also want to purchase right away. Sometimes these accessories will come with the boat, and sometimes not (mostly dependent on whether it is new or used). Here’s a sample list of boating accessories you might consider:

~Anchor (often comes with the boat)
~Outboard Motor Oil (Yamaha 2S oil, or Yamaha 4 Stroke oil depending on engine)
~Boat Hook
~Dock Rope
~Life Vests and Life Preserver
~Depth/Fish Finder
~GPS Unit

The current market for boats and boating supplies has been weakening, and some dealerships are offering amazing deals; it’s a great time to buy!

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Two Stroke Oil Differences

Two Stroke Oil Differences

When it comes to two stroke oil, there are different formulations depending on the kind of engine in which it is used. For example, two stroke oil designed for use in outboard engines (often called outboard oil), is formulated to operate with water present. In contrast, two stroke oil designed for use in a standard lawnmower will not be formulated in this manner. It’s important to double check the formulation of two stroke oil before you put it in the engine. While it might not be so dangerous for oil in a lawnmower to contain an additive allowing it to function with the presence of water, if oil bereft of this additive was used in an outboard engine, it could cause serious problems.

Most of the different formulations of two stroke oil are available in hardware stores, but if you’re looking for a specific brand it’s best to check in a location that sells similar engine products; for example, a gardening store will likely have two stroke oil for use in lawnmowers, weed cutters, and chainsaws.

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Launching Your Boat

boat launch

When launching your boat, whether at a conventional boat launch or in a less trafficked location without a boat launch, there are a few precautions to take before you start boating. First you will want to check the boat motor oil and fuel levels to ensure you have enough of both. Second you will want to inspect your propeller whether you use an outboard motor or an internal. In case you have boated recently, also check the hull of your boat for invasive plant species, this is pertinent for lakes and contained bodies of water.

After you have launched your boat, a few handy items to have for boating include a boat hook, a rope to tie off at docks, and a small dingy or inflatable craft should there be an emergency.

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Save Money, Use Less Gas

boating-on-lake

Boating enthusiasts know that frequent summer outings to the lake can end up costing a hefty amount of money. Outboard motor oil and gas are two of the biggest expenses. One tip to save some money is to buy motor oil in bulk. Many brands, like Yamaha 2w oil, can be purchased by the case. Gas saving practices can also save money.Gas Saving Tips:

~Go through the storage compartments in your boat to eliminate extra baggage. Your boat motor burns more gas when your boat’s weighed down.

~Try only using your trolling motor when fishing. Eliminating the use of your primary motor conserves fuel.

~Keep the bottom of your boat clean. When your boat is stored for long periods of time algae grows in the hull. The drag created by the algae forces the engine to use more gas.

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Outboard Motors

outboard motor boat

I was thinking about buying a boat, but I didn’t really know where to start. I knew that I wanted something fast and spiffy. But I also wanted something that was mechanically sound. A friend of mine told me a priority in buying a boat is to make sure it has a good outboard motor. I had no idea what this meant.

After doing a little online research I realized that outboard motors are so important because they provide steering control for the boat. Outboard motors can be found on most all boats. Just like any motor, outboard motors need oil. It turns out my friend has always used evinrude outboard oil for his boat, so I decided that’s what I would use whenever I found my boat.

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