Motor Oil | Outboard Motor Oil - Part 43

Outboard Motor Oil Basics

In this blog, we often explore some of the more advanced aspects on engine maintenance and may overlook the primary purpose of this site: outboard motor oil. Most of us know that the oil’s primary objective is to act as a lubricant for the various components of the engine. This lubrication is necessary due to the amount of heat and corrosion imparted on the various parts during the engine cycle.

Any two things that move against one another cause friction, and in the case of an engine, there is constant friction between the many moving parts. The oil works to facilitate the movements and reduce the amount to friction between the parts. In addition to acting as a lubricant, the oil also removes deposits and promotes energy savings.

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Basic Snowmobile Maintenance

snowmobileYesterday we reviewed some of the pre-ride checks that you should go through every time you ride your motorcycle — primarily, checking the levels of gas and outboard motor oil. There are some other basic systems that should be checked and adjusted on a regular basis to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your vehicle; we suggest checking these systems on a daily basis. These include the throttle lever and over ride system, as well as the brake lever.

Also inspect the starter rope, engine start switch and all of the drive track and slider elements. Whenever heading out on a ride, be sure to bring a spare belt and plugs with you. Although it doesn’t need to be check on a daily basis, the chassis lubrication should be verified a few times season to preserve the various suspension and steering components.

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Adjusting an ATV Carburetor: Part One

CarburetorThe carburetor is one of the most vital components of any two-stroke engine, as it works to blend the air, fuel, and outboard motor oil so that they can be utilized in the stroke cycle. For many owners of two-stroke engines, however, carburetor maintenance and mechanical issues are a headache. The next few days we will go over the basics for making routine adjustments to the carburetor.

Always start by adjusting the idle, which controls the RPMs that the engine runs at. Set the idle speed to the proper RPM level by adjusting the idle screw. Next, turn the idle mixture screw so that the engine runs smoothly, with the optimal speed and response. Once this is done, make any final adjustments to the idle screw that may be needed. Tomorrow we will continue reviewing carburetor adjustments.

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Two-Stroke Engine Basics: Part Four

lawnmowerNow that we have overviewed the inner workings of a two-stroke engine, the advantages should be ascertainable. The consolidation of the stroke cycle allows for a more rudimentary and lightweight design, which also produces more power. This combination makes two-stroke engines ideal for various handheld equipment and small vehicles. With these obvious advantages, some may be wondering why two-stroke engines aren’t used in cars and other large vehicles.

The main drawback to the two-stroke is its longevity; the fact that the outboard motor oil and gasoline are mixed means that there is less direct lubrication, and the system wears faster. Because of this necessity to mix the gas and oil, the engine burns more of these fluids than there four-stroke counterpart—which is a major drawback in a vehicle that experiences extended usage. Finally, there is also more pollution emitted from a two-stroke due to the nature of its compression cycle.

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Two-Stroke Engine Basics: Part One

asp46

There are three basic types of engines that are used in motor vehicles: gasoline; diesel and two-stroke. While the first two types are typically found in automobiles and other high-power vehicles, two-stroke engine are ideal for smaller crafts such as outboard motor boats, ATVs and snowmobiles. Gasoline and diesel engines use several of the same principles in their design and operation, but the two-stroke engine has some discernable differences:

~Two-stroke engines have no valves, which makes their construction more simple and lightweight

~Four-stroke engines fire every other cycle while two-strokes fire every revolution, giving them more power

~Since the outboard motor oil is mixed with the fuel, two-stroke engines will work in any orientation, which is important for handheld equipment

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TC-WC Outboard Motor Oil Certification

old-johnson-outboard-motor-logoThe benchmark for two cycle oil is TC-W3 certification. Two stroke engines require users to mix the fuel with outboard motor oil to lubricate the various components. During this process oil is both burned, and unburned, creating various emissions and leakage concerns. The goal of TC-W3 is to ensure that the oil meets proper lubrication standards while still holding up to EPA regulations.

There are various tests the NMMA, the organization that manages TC-W3, employs to rate oil. Some of these tests include: liquidity, fluidity, viscosity, and standards for ring sticking and carbon build up. NMMA uses various motors and performs 100 hour tests to determine the specs for the oil. While there are no specifications for the oil formula, it must meet the minimum standard in the testing to be certified.

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Quieter Engines More Fuel Efficient?

evinrudeA recent study of outboard motors yielded evidence that quieter motors are also more fuel efficient as well as better for the environment. The test was run on a 1988 Evinrude outboard motor versus a 2008 Evinrude outboard motor.  The results of the test were as follows:

~The 2008 motor was 38% more fuel efficient than the 20-year old version

~Based on Friday’s fuel prices at the dock, this equates to a savings of $16 per hour

The most startling difference between the two motors was when both were started,  the 2008 hummed quietly as it warmed up, while the 1988 motor gargled and spewed smoke and fumes for several minutes. Although you can use the same Evinrude XD 100 on both engines, the recent advancements in engine technology is palpable.

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Don’t Let Friction Get The Best Of Your Engine

Engine_Oil_Sludge_3What exactly does engine oil do for your car?  Engine oil prevents all the metal surfaces in your engine from grinding together due to friction.  It also keeps your engine free from all the foul by-products that build up inside an engine because of combustion.  In addition, engine oil protects all the moving parts of an engine. 

Recently, more and more people have started using synthetic engine oil in their vehicles. They’ve found that there are numerous advantages in switching to synthetic. First of which is the cost. When using synthetic engine oil, the need to change oil is minimized. Not to mention the fact that it is an all around better engine oil, content and make-up wise. It is important to check the owner’s manual of your vehicle before making a purchase to ensure that you get the correct outboard motor oil.

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Shopping For Oil?

oil_barrelsAll oils are not created equal. When you’re shopping for new outboard motor oil, you’ll want to make sure it has extended drain capabilities in order to reduce your motor oil expenses. Other beneficial aspects of motor oil may be that it controls soot thickening and oxidation or that it is specifically designed for high-mileage motors.

You should also consider buying your motor oil in bulk. As with anything in life, buying in bulk can reduce the time and money you spend in shopping for motor oil. Especially if you’re a mechanic or own several vehicles with outboard motors, you’ll love the convenience that buying oil in bulk offers.

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Tips for Cleaning a Boat

deck-cleaning

Here are some easy tips to consider when you’re cleaning your boat:

Wash frequently with a sponge or nonabrasive pad and plain water; this approach is very effective at removing salt. Additional “elbow-grease” is required to remove stains.

When using detergents, only use soaps that are phosphate-free, biodegradable and non-toxic. Any soap should be used sparingly, because even non-toxic products can be harmful to wildlife. For example, detergents will destroy the natural oils on fish gills, limiting their ability to breathe.

Wax your boat, if appropriate. A good coat of wax prevents surface dirt from becoming ingrained. Clean teak with a mild soap and abrasive pads or bronze wool. This method is safe for the environment and better for the boat than the solvents in standard teak cleaners which tend to eat away at the wood and to damage seam compounds.

Avoid detergents that contain ammonia, sodium hypochlorite, chlorinated solvents (bleach), petroleum distillates, and lye. Once you’ve thoroughly cleaned the outside of your craft, ensure that you have appropriate levels of outboard motor oil and other essential fluids.

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How to Tune an Outboard Motor: Part Three

outboard motor oilNow that we have done a thorough inspection of all of the fastenings on the lower unit, it is time to lubricate the grease fittings. The two primary parts to apply the grease to are the swivel bracket, which is the bearing the motor turns on, and the transom clamp screw. Once this is completed, work the throttle, forward-reverse shift lever and starter cord to identify the moving parts inside the power head; apply grease to all of these components.

After completing the lubrication of the moving parts, disconnect the wires from the spark plugs. It is especially important to take note of where these connections are so that you replace them correctly. Next, remove each spark plug using your adjustable wrench and replace it with one of the appropriate model. When installing the spark plugs, be sure to not over-tighten, as too much pressure can damage the cylinder head. Tomorrow we will finish the tune-up and review how to refill the outboard motor oil.

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How to Tune an Outboard Motor: Part Two

boat motor oilYesterday we went over the necessary parts and materials that you will need to tune your outboard motor. Before you begin dissembling your motor, refer to your owner’s manual for specific procedures and recommended parts or boat motor oil. As with most repairs, we are going to start with a visual inspection; ensure that the motor is off, then remove the cowling to expose the power head.

Start the propeller and examine the unit for leaks, cracks and other damage. Refer to your owner’s manual to see if it advises periodic lubricant changes; if so, remove the lower unit’s plugs and drain the fluid into your empty container. Refill the drained lubricant until it begins to seep out the top fill hole, and replace the plug. Follow this with a thorough inspection of the lower unit, checking for missing nuts or bolts and replacing worn fastenings. Tomorrow we will continue our series on outboard motor maintenance.

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