Evinrude oil | Outboard Motor Oil - Part 27

How to Change Boat Motor Oil: Part Five

Now that the old oil has been exorcized from the engine and a new oil filter is in place, the only thing left to do is pour in the fresh oil. Each manufacturer will have their own specifications and recommendations for what type of oil to use in your craft, and it is a good idea to consult your owner’s manual before making a purchase. However, it is usually a safe bet to go with a premium product like Evinrude XD 100 oil.

Even if the filler opening is easily accessible, I recommend using a funnel and, if necessary, a hose to minimize spills and keep the process clean. It may seem like a lengthy process, but the time you put into changing your oil will be well worth it. Maintaining clean oil in your system will not only protect your boat and increase its longevity, but you will also notice a palpable improvement in its performance on the water.

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How to Change Boat Motor Oil: Part Two

Yesterday we went over one of the most common ways to change your boat oil—through the drain plug. However, many engines don’t come equipped with a drain plug or if they do, it is often remote and virtually impossible to reach even after attaching a hose. In these scenarios, it is necessary to purchase a pump to suck the used oil out through the dipstick tube. Before you go purchase a pump, it is important to inspect your dipstick tube to see if it is threaded or not.

If your dipstick tube is threaded, you can simply screw on a pump and the oil will be eradicated after a few pulls. On the other hand, if your tube is not threaded, you will have to insert a pick-up tube into the dipstick tube to remove the Evinrude XD100 oil. When using a pick-up tube, be sure that tube reaches the bottom of the oil pan and that you attach a capped piece of PVC to sheath the pick-up tube.

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Preseason Boat Maintenance: Part Four

For most of us, many of the components of the boat motor and inner workings of the craft are arcane and obscure. Even so, there are a few critical parts that every boater should check before the season, and if there is something that you are unsure of, be sure to take your craft to a qualified professional. Of course, the first aspect of the motor to inspect is the fuel line; make sure that the line is intact and that there are no signs of wear. Also check the fuel primer bulb and look for any loose fittings or leaks.

After you’ve inspected the fuel line, move to the tank and check for corrosion, rust and any leakage. Once the fuel tank and line are cleared, make sure that the battery holds a charge and has the proper fuel levels. Finally, change your Evinrude XD 100 and top off the other essential fluids, such as coolant.

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Preseason Boat Maintenance: Part Two

If you’ve had a boat for several years, making a checklist of your maintenance routine may seem superfluous. You are probably saying to yourself, “How could I forget to top off my Evinrude xd100 oil!?” The truth is that all of us, no matter how qualified, will inevitably overlook minute details every now and again. A recent book by Atul Gawande, ‘The Checklist Manifesto’, expounds the merits of checklists, using doctors as a primary example.

For those well versed in the nuances of boat maintenance, it is probably safe to generate your own checklist to go through. However, there are several websites where you can find convenient comprehensive lists that can be printed off. Another option is to compile the tips and advice from this blog to create your own custom list.

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ATV Troubleshooting: The Clutch

There is a litany of things that could go wrong with your ATV, but one of the most annoying and difficult to diagnose problems is a sticky clutch. If your clutch isn’t disengaging properly, it is probably one of three things. Obviously, the clutch could be broken, and you should inspect it thoroughly for any blatant damage. Once you ensure there is no serious defect, look to see if the cable needs oiling or if there are any spots that are worn down on the clutch basket.

Another problem that people often encounter with their clutch is that it grabs when shifting out of idle. In this instance, the first thing to do is check the adjustment and look for warped clutch plates. If these look okay, it is likely that your mixture of Evinrude XD100 oil and transmission fluid is too heavy. The final major hiccup with the clutch system is slipping. Usually the same culprits that make the clutch grab are responsible here as well, although you should be sure to check the clutch springs too.

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An Oil Education

I have to admit; the first time that I went to purchase outboard motor oil, I was overwhelmed by the wealth of options that were available. Not only were there different brand names, but there were also a myriad of options within each brand. After staring blankly at the crowded shelf, I decided to seek some assistance. I told one of the staff at the store what type of boat I had and he was able to be of some assistance.

Now that I have a more thorough understanding of engines, I know what to look for in oil and other products. Economical oils were my M.O. back in those early days, but now that I have invested in a top-tier watercraft, I want to ensure its longevity. I look for oils that have a high viscosity and flash point, such as Evinrude XD 100.

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Jetting Your Carburetor: Part Two

Yesterday we introduced the purpose of jetting a carb and quickly overviewed the three main circuits. Depending on whether you have a four or two-stroke engine, the carburetor adjusts the ratio of fuel to air or of fuel and Evinrude XD100 oil and air, respectively. Today we will be examining the main jet more closely and seeing the impact that it has on your vehicle.

When the throttle is more than three-quarters of the way open, the main jet comes into play. At this point, the needle is high enough that the main jet is now controlling the flow of fuel. The main jet is categorized by a number that indicates the size of its hole; the bigger the number, the larger the hole. A higher number will allow more fuel to get through the system, resulting in a richer fuel to oil ratio.

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Oil Loyalty

Humans are creatures of habit, and this is particularly apparent when it comes to our purchasing decisions. For most of us, when we find a product we like, we tend to stick with it. As an avid boat enthusiast, I developed my canon of essential products years ago and have rarely deviated from those lines of products.

My son recently purchased his own boat however, and he has started using different oils and lubricants. He told me that there have been amazing advances in technology over the past few years and suggested that I tryout Evinrude XD 100. I’m not sure if it was the oil or just the placebo effect, but from the first time I used it, I recognized a palpable difference in my boat’s performance; it accelerated smoother and ran quieter. I think that my loyalties have shifted.

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How to Choose Your Outboard Motor Oil: Other Factors

In addition to viscosity, flash point and pour point, there are a few other specifications that will help you decide whether Evinrude XD100, Yamalube or some other oil is right for you. When oil reacts with sulfuric acid and burned, there is always some amount of solid residue.  The amount of this solid material that is leftover is referred to as the percentage of sulfated ash.

In oils, zinc is used to prevent damage that would be incurred when two metal parts come in contact with one another. The amount of zinc that is used is reported as the percentage of zinc, which is typically about 0.1%. While these specs will give you a good idea of how the oil will perform, you should also consider the base stock and additives that the manufacturer uses in production.

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How to Choose Your Outboard Motor Oil: Multi-Viscosity Oils

Yesterday we provided a brief overview viscosity and discussed why you it is important to consider it when purchasing Evinrude XD100, or any other oil, for your vehicle. Over the years, oil technology has advanced greatly, and one of the most important innovations is multi-viscosity oil. In order to allow the oil to maintain a higher viscosity in high temperatures, manufacturers add polymers to light base oils.

This means that the oil now has a range of viscosities. 20W-50, for example, will typically have a viscosity of 20, but it will not exceed 50 in excessive heat. When choosing multi-viscosity oils, you want the range to be as small as possible. As the range grows, more polymers need to be added to the oil, which jeopardizes the quality of the product.

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Springtime ATV Riding

In this intermittent period between snowmobile and boat season—also known as spring—I often find myself searching for activities during the weekend. A few years ago, my son and I invested in some ATVs, and they are ideal for weekend jaunts. Usually we don’t just go ATVing, however, and they are merely a component of a bigger expedition.

Last weekend, for example, we took the ATVs up to a remote camping ground we know if and spent a few days submersed in Mother Nature. We like to pack as light as possible, and aside from some essential camping supplies, the only thing we brought was some extra fuel and Evinrude XD 100 oil. Don’t get me wrong, I love camping and riding the ATVs, but I still can’t wait for boat season to arrive.

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Gauging Your Spark Plugs: Part One

Routinely changing your vehicle’s filters, Evinrude XD 100 oil and other essential lubricants is essential to maintaining peak performance and ensuring longevity. Another crucial component to keep tabs on is the spark plugs, but few people know how to change them or tell when the old ones are shot. Here is a quick guide for evaluating the condition of your spark plugs.

When examining spark plugs, you will want to look at the insulator color, which is an indication of how much wear and tear has been inflicted. The insulator will be grey or light brown if the spark plug is operating properly. If the insulator has buildup, it is a sign that it is dry, which can be caused by an improper air to fuel ratio and problems with the ignition system. Next week we will overview some of the other problems that could be plaguing your spark plugs.

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