Boating | Outboard Motor Oil - Part 9

Selecting Two Cycle Oil

Two stroke engines, in contrast to four stroke engines, do not have a crankcase. Instead, a two stroke engine needs the proper mixture of oil and gas to function. The two stroke oil is crucial to keeping the engine lubricated so it doesn’t lock up.

It is important when conducting maintenance on a two stroke engine that the correct oil and oil ratio is used. Consult with the owner’s manual to figure out which two cycle oil the engine needs. If you have lost the owners’ manual, then search online or contact an oil wholesaler for their recommendation. You don’t want to ruin your engine with wrong or insufficient oil!

Did you like this? Share it:

Testing Synthetic Oil

Synthetic oil is made from synthesized and modified petroleum compounds as opposed to whole crude oil. In extreme temperatures, synthetic oil often works better than traditional oils. To figure out which synthetic oil outboard motor oil is right for your vehicle; spend some time testing different brands. The first step, of course, is to simply check the labels to see what additives are in the oil.

Next, you will want to test the viscosity of the oil by pouring the oil through a funnel into a canister. You’ll want to observe the thickness and flow of the oil. If the synthetic oil meets all of your standards, then you know that you have a winning brand on your hands!

Did you like this? Share it:

Winterizing a Boat Part II

Today we continue with information on how to winterize a boat. Winterizing the motor is a crucial step. First, fill the tank with fuel stabilizer and then with marine fuel. Run the motor long enough for the treatment to get into the fuel lines and engine area. The purpose is to keep fuel remnants from ruining the tank.

Next, flush out the cooling systems with a flushing kit. Add in some anti-freeze afterward to prevent ice from damaging the line. Spray the engine with fogging oil that will stick to the cylinders. Also take the opportunity to replace the outboard oil and filters. Give the prop and the rest of the boat one last look over before covering the boat.

Did you like this? Share it:

Winterizing a Boat Part I

This past weekend I took the family out to the lake for the last time this summer. The kids are back in school and my wife and I have work, so their just won’t be as much time or good weather to take the boat out. This upcoming weekend I plan on winterizing the boat.

The first thing I’ll do is thoroughly wash and clean the entire boat. I’ll make sure to leave the storage bins open so they don’t collect moisture and mold over during the off-season. Once the boat is completely cleansed, I’ll make a list of repairs that need to be taken care of before the boat is taken out again next season. Tomorrow I’ll address what to do with outboard motor oil.

Did you like this? Share it:

Reducing Emissions

According to the NMMA, the two-stroke engine industry wants to reduce emissions containing burnt and unburned oil. To do so, the development of high quality oil that sufficiently lubricates the engine, even at lower oil to gasoline ratio, is a must. It really is a win-win situation as the customer gets a quality product at the industry meets  regulations.

One product that has proven successful is oil TCW-3 Amalie. The trademarked lubricant has evolved through much testing and refinement. Now it sets the standard in the performance-based qualification program. If you’re looking for a more environmentally friendly lubricant, test out TCW-3 Amalie oil.

Did you like this? Share it:

Labor Day Weekend Plans

I am both looking forward to and dreading this coming weekend. Monday is Labor Day, which means the whole family will have off from work and school. Being able to spend a three-day weekend with my family is the aspect I’m looking forward to. What I’m not looking forward to is the fact that Labor Day weekend typically signals the end of the summer season.

I’m going to make the most of summer’s last hurrah. The whole family is going to take a trip to the lake for one last time this season. I’m actually checking the level of the Mercury outboard oil tonight to make sure everything is already for tomorrow’s trip. I hope all of our readers have a fantastic long weekend, too!

Did you like this? Share it:

Making Smart Business Purchases

A few years ago one of my friends opened up a boat rental business. He lives in a beach community in New Jersey that has a small year round population and a massive summertime crowd. His business is successful, but since most of his business is driven by summer tourists he has to be careful how he spends his money.

One of the ways he saves money is by buying in bulk. For instance, at the start of the summer season, he buys at least one Mercury oil 55 gallon drum. He saves a bundle by buying in bulk and he never has to worry about running out of oil to service his boats.

Did you like this? Share it:

Hurricane Irene

I do own a small beach home. Thankfully, Hurricane Irene did not do too much damage to my home; just some debris on the lawn and decks and some minor flooding. It could have been a lot worse, which is why I am glad that I took appropriate precautions.

Before Irene hit, I moved all of my outdoor furniture into the garage and weighted down anything that could not be moved. I brought all of my furniture and possessions from the bottom floor to the top floor. Of course, I made sure to bring my boat out of the water and into the garage, secured the Mercury oil and other flammable liquids in a safe container to avoid leakage. Now that the power is back I can get to cleaning up the yard, move the boat back out to the water, and get ready for Labor Day weekend.

Did you like this? Share it:

Changing Lower Unit Oil on Mercury Outboard, Part II

Yesterday we began describing how to change the oil on the lower unit of a Mercury outboard. Picking up from where we left off, remove the upper vent plug and set it aside. Oil should now be flowing out of the lower unit and into the drain pan. This can take one to two hours for the unit to fully drain.

Take your supply of Mercury engine oil and dispense it into the lower unit. Continue adding oil until it flows from the top vent plug opening. Once that happens, replace the top vent plug and the drain plug. Let the oil settle overnight, check the levels in the morning, and add more oil if need be.

Did you like this? Share it:

Changing Lower Unit Oil on Mercury Outboard, Part I

Changing the motor oil in the lower unit of a Mercury outboard is a fairly simple task. All responsible boat owners should, at the very least, know when to change the oil. After all, without the proper Mercury 2 stroke oil, the internal of components of the motor won’t work properly which can put you in a real bind if you’re out on the water when things go wrong.

To change the oil you will need an oil pan, screwdriver, rags, oil, and a utility knife. Once you have gathered your supplies lower the Mercury outboard to its vertical position. Place the drain pan under the lower unit and then turn the lowest plug counterclockwise with the screwdriver. Place the drain plug aside for the time being. Check back tomorrow for part II!

Did you like this? Share it:

Cleaning a Carburetor

Sludge and other debris can clog the carburetor of a 2-stroke motor, so maintenance is a top priority. To clean a carburetor, start by removing the part from the machine. Spray the carburetor with specially made cleaner that will remove rust, sludge, and debris. Be thorough; there are plenty of valves and crevices in a carburetor that need to be cleaned out.

Once the cleaner has been applied, wipe the carburetor down with a clean cloth. With an air compressor, blow out any remaining debris. Once again, wipe off the carburetor and then reattach it to the motor. While working on the motor, be sure to check the oil level and add Mercury 2 cycle oil if need be.

Did you like this? Share it:

Why Not Use Car Oil?

In the past, boat owners have used automobile oil to lubricate their outboard motors. If you really care about your boat, then it is best to use marine engine oil. Simply put, cars and boats have to operate in different environments and need oil that suits those environments.

To elaborate, boats, unlike cars, have a closed loop cooling system. Water causes corrosion, not to mention running a boat for an extensive amount of time can cause water and fuel build-up. That’s why marine engine oil, unlike automobile oil, has higher anti-corrosion properties

Did you like this? Share it: