Evinrude XD100 | Outboard Motor Oil - Part 15

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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Outboard Motor Anatomy: Part Two

Yesterday, we highlighted the main difference between two and four stroke motors—the fact that you have to mix your Evinrude XD100 oil and gasoline—and today we will go into more detail on the anatomy of the outboard engine itself. The motor contains all of the essential components: the engine, gearbox and propeller. Not only does the motor give the boat its power, but it is also used for steering and handling.

While both inboard and outboard motor can be raised, outboard motors also tilt forward, making them ideal for navigating shallow waters. Outboard motors can also be removed more easily, which is convenient when it comes time for storage. This capacity for removal and their lightweight design also makes out outboard motors easy to repair.

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Snowmobile Storage: Part Three

After you have allowed the Evinrude XD 100 to flow through the system and topped off your fuel, it’s time to drain the carburetor. Doing this prevents the buildup of residue that could potentially cause blockage next season. After this is done, you’re going to want to remove the drive belt and stow it by itself; this keeps it from forming to the shape of the sled.

Remove the battery and store it in a dark area, charging periodically throughout the offseason. Loosening the track tension will prevent it from stretching or cracking will in storage. Finally, you are going to want to apply oil to all of the metal surfaces to inhibit rusting. Once all of these steps are complete, put the sled in a safe, dry place and brace yourself for a long offseason.

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Snowmobile Storage: Part One

Even though it is only March, I’m afraid that I already have no choice but to throw in the towel on this snowmobiling season. The extreme lack of powder has been disappointing to say the least, but at least the weather is nice enough that I can start taking out my ATVs. I always take precautions when storing my sled, but I will be particularly careful this year, as there will be an unusually long offseason.

The next couple of days we will outline the proper steps to take when storing your snowmobile. Handling the gasoline, Evinrude XD100 and other fluids appropriately is essential to prolong the life of your sled. It’s undoubtedly the last thing you want to do at the end of the season, but when you take your snowmobile out of storage next year, you’ll be glad you did.

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Backcountry Snowmobiling

The Northeast may be experiencing their worst snowfall in decades but here in the Pacific Northwest, the mountains are bare. This season, the opportunities for prime snowmobiling have been few and far between, so I have periodically been taking weekend trips inland, towards Idaho, Montana and whiter pastures. Tonight I’ll be doing some quick maintenance on my sled and topping off the Evinrude XD100 oil before heading out to Eastern Idaho.

My brother in-law has a cabin out in the woods, and he invited my son and me to join him for a weekend of snowmobiling. Now that the NFL season is over, I don’t mind being without TV and the internet for a few days. It will probably even turnout to be a nice change of pace from my hectic work schedule.

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Engine Oil Specs: Part Two

Yesterday we outlined some of the main organizations that are responsible for ensuring that our motor oil is adequate. Now we are going to take a closer look at how these organizations work and what they actually tell us. The ACEA, Europe’s oil association, creates baseline specifications, meaning that many manufacturers add their own criteria to ensure that their products are meeting all of their consumers’ needs.

In the US, all of the meetings of the ASTM are open to the public, and the various companies vote to determine what the test limits are going to be. According to some experts, the complex system employed in the US creates a lower standard for passable oil. In Europe, several classes of oil are created, whereas in the US, a minimum standard is set. When you buy your motor oil, each company will have different grades of oil, Evinrude XD 100, for example, is a premium blend.

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Evinrude Stays In Front of the Competition

The key to success in any industry is innovation, and when it comes to outboard motors, nobody knows this better than Evinrude. There are usually a myriad of maintenance costs innate in boat ownership, but Evinrude has worked to eliminate these. Evinrude E-Tec motors do not need maintenance for the first three years or 300 miles of normal recreational use, including Evinrude XD 100 oil, oil filter, and gear case lube changes.

The new product line of Evinrude E-Tec outboard engines are more lightweight than previous Evinrude models, start more easily, run more quietly, provide better fuel economy and lower emissions. They also use their own patented low-friction design, resulting in smooth power and performance. Once again, Evinrude has proven that innovation and technology development are paramount to staying ahead of the curve.

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Picking the Right Oil

As any boat owner will attest, all oils are not created equal. When you go to purchase oil for your boat, or any vehicle for that matter, it is important to consult your owner’s manual to verify what grade and type of oil is optimal. You often get what you pay for, and oil is no exception.

Take Evinrude oil for example; there are several different two-stroke oils available, and they each provide a different level of protection. While their entire line of oils pass the TC-W3 requirements, XD30 is best for water-cooled engines and load light applications. Evinrude XD 150 is a good middle-grade option, but for optimal performance and unparalleled protection, Evinrude XD100 is the only choice.

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