Outboard Motor Oil Recycling | Outboard Motor Oil - Part 2

Replacing Floats

Last weekend I helped a friend troubleshoot some issues he was having with his older 65hp Mercury outboard motor. Whenever he pumped the bulb to get the fuel lines filled with gas, the gas started spraying out of both carburetors. Too much pressure seemed to be reaching the carburetors in the float bowl.

We took apart the fuel pump and did not find any holes. After some more inspecting we concluded that it was probably time to replace the old cork floats with new plastic floats. We did that, put the parts back together, filled it up with fuel and Mercury outboard oil, and then gave it a go. The new floats seemed to do the trick!

Did you like this? Share it:

Arthur Foss

In 1989, 100 years after it was built, the Arthur Foss tugboat was declared a National Historic Landmark. It’s no wonder, given the Arthur Foss’ storied past. The little tugboat that could is one of the oldest wooden-hulled tugboats afloat in the U.S.

The Arthur Foss transported barges of gold seeking miners and supplies up the Inside Passage during the Alaska Gold Rush. In 1933 Arthur Foss was in an MGM movie called “Tugboat Annie.” During WWII Arthur Foss was the last vessel to get away before the Battle of Wake Island began. I may have mentioned some of these stories to the guys when I was shopping for Mercury 2 stroke premium outboard motor oil.

Did you like this? Share it:

Noise Problem

What should you do about excessive noise, my friend James asked me. This is a problem I’m particularly sensitive too as loud noises in any situation – out on the water or sitting at home – is my biggest pet peeve. When it comes to boats, excessive noise is usually caused by loose components or a faulty exhaust system.

Rattling noises almost always means that there are loose screws and bolts. Take a wrench and get to work tightening up loose connections. Look over the exhaust system and do some cleaning if necessary. Don’t forget to change out the Evinrude oil every so often to keep things clean and well lubricated.

Did you like this? Share it:

Fontana Lake

Fontana Lake borders the southern edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The lake is also the northern border of the Nantahala National Forest. Water levels fluctuate throughout the year, but during the summer months the lake is about 17 miles long and perfect for boating activities.

In fact, Fontana Lake provides the only access (other than a grueling multi-day hike) to Hazel Creek, which is one of the most remote areas of Great Smoky Mountains National park. The lake is dotted with inlets, coves, and islands that are worthy of exploration. Labeled my locals as one of the most beautiful lakes in the southeast, Lake Fontana is home to walleye, smallmouth bass, and lake trout. It’s certainly worthy of using some of your bulk oil supply to explore.

Did you like this? Share it:

Fish Checklist

In perusing the Great Smoky Mountains National Park website I came across a long list of native and non-native fish that are found in the waters running through the park. As mentioned previously, the park is known for its rainbow, brown, and brook trout (of which only the brook trout is considered native, meaning the species lived in the waters prior to European settlement). Other native species include logperch, gilt darter, olive darter, and tangerine darter fish.

TN snubnose darter, Swannanoa darter, wounded darter, and banded darter are also native (are you seeing the trend?). Among non-native species found are walleye, yellow perch, fathead minnow, and sunfish. I’m eager to visit the park to do some fly fishing for these many species, as well as take my boat out in the surrounding areas. First I need to get my shipment of bulk motor oil!

Did you like this? Share it:

2011 Evinrude 115 ETEC

Have you taken a look at the 2011 Evinrude 115 ETEC outboard motor? It can reach a top speeds between 37.3 mph and 46.7 mph, depending on the boat it’s paired with. Plane speed, which is measured in seconds, ranges from 3.5 seconds to 5.5 seconds.

What I like best about this particular motor is its fuel efficiency. On one tank of gas, the Evinrude 115 can squeeze out 170 miles (when driven at approximately 22.3 mph, of course). The engine takes XD1 Evinrude ETEC outboard motor oil to keep all its parts operating smoothly.

Did you like this? Share it:

Parts of a Two Cycle Outboard

I’ve been asked to give a brief refresher course as to how a two cycle engine works. There are three main components of a two cycle engine: spark plugs, compression, and power valve system. The spark plugs ignite the combustion mixture, thus generating power in the combustion stroke. The igniting spark plugs move the pistons up and down, compressing the crankcase mixture, and opening the exhaust port so a fresh supply of fuel can be taken in.

As the piston moves down toward the spark plug, the combustion mixture is compressed, thus creating a vacuum in the crankcase. The vacuum in turn causes the reed valve to open, the combustion mixture to be drawn out, and the cycle is then started over. The power valve system closes the exhaust port during piston cycles for better low-speed engine power. Now that you have a better understanding of how a two cycle engine works, you’ll know better than to supply the engine with anything other than premium two cycle outboard oil.

Did you like this? Share it:

Sport 340 Inflatable Boat

I read another pithy tagline for inflatable boats, this time for the Sport 340 soft bottom inflatable boat. The tagline read, “Capable. Very Capable.” It’s not quite as catchy as the tagline I mentioned in Monday’s post, but it still made me snicker.

The Sport 340 is described as a boat that can go the distance. It can be used as a fishing, cruising, family fun, or ship-to-shore tender boat. The trick is in the design of the boat: It has a lower center of gravity and high-strength floors with seating for up to five people. Throw an outboard on the back, some Mercury outboard oil, and some gasoline and you’ll be good to go.

Did you like this? Share it:

Synthetic Blend Outboard Oil

According to Mercury Marine, their synthetic blend Verado outboard motor oil is far superior to a popular 15W 50 full synthetic oil. Verado, they claim, has better shear stability and volatility. It also has a higher viscosity and HTHS after shear.

Improved bearing protection is a result of the superior HTHS after shear. In difficult situations, the Mercury synthetic outboard motor oil blend holds its viscosity better. Mercury Marine’s synthetic Verado blend consumes less oil than the popular brand. I’m inclined to believe the claims made about Verado given Mercury Marine’s reputation and staying power in the industry.

Did you like this? Share it:

Slip Sliding in the Snow

I read another pithy tagline for inflatable boats, this time for the Sport 340 soft bottom inflatable boat. The tagline read, “Capable. Very Capable.” It’s not quite as catchy as the tagline I mentioned in Monday’s post, but it still made me snicker.

The Sport 340 is described as a boat that can go the distance. It can be used as a fishing, cruising, family fun, or ship-to-shore tender boat. The trick is in the design of the boat: It has a lower center of gravity and high-strength floors with seating for up to five people. Throw an outboard on the back, some Mercury outboard motor oil, and some gasoline and you’ll be good to go.

Did you like this? Share it:

Fleet of Inflatable Boats


Boat rentals are a big business during the summertime. The more I learn about inflatable boats the more I’m intrigued by the idea of starting my own rental company. Eventually I could work my way up to an entire fleet of inflatable boats that can be used for fishing or simply cruising.

I’ve already found some sites that offer good deals on inflatable boats, particularly if they are bought in bulk. I imagine I could likewise strike a deal for engines. As far as oil, I already know that I can easily get my hands on Mercury oil 55 gallon drum for not too much money. I think I’ll mull the idea over this winter and decide one way or the other in time for the summer boating season.

Did you like this? Share it:

Inflatable Ocean Runner

Sometimes when ad men try to be clever it actually works out. I was reading a review for the Ocean Runner inflatable boat and the tagline read, “Nothing dinghy about it!” Sure it’s a pretty bad pun, but it’s not inaccurate.

The Ocean Runner is an affordable Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB). The sandwich-laminated fiberglass hull has incredible maneuverability and performance. The deck is non-skid, the bow locker is integrated and securable, and it has a spacious interior for seating the whole family. It can also handle a four-stroke engine, lubricated, of course, by Mercury oil.

Did you like this? Share it: