Yamaha | Outboard Motor Oil - Part 21

Ethanol and Two Cycle Outboards Don’t Mix

Ethanol and Two Cycle Outboards Don't Mix

Because of EPA regulations, all gasoline must now contain 10% ethanol. While automobiles with their larger engines aren’t affected, outboard owners are finding that the new gasoline-ethanol mixture is causing damage to their smaller outboard engines. The fact is, the smaller two cycle outboards aren’t built to run on an ethanol based fuel, and can start to develop problems starting over time. For outboard owners, there are a few preventative steps that can help preserve the condition of their outboards. First, it’s important to install a water/fuel separating filter, and also use 10-micron cartridges. This will filter out the water and impurities better. It’s also a good idea to add the manufacturer recommended amount of fuel stabilizer whenever filling up. Make sure to have the proper fuel to two cycle outboard oil mixture in the tank as well, as an incorrect mixture can serve as a catalyst for more problems.

While it’s unlikely the government will reverse its stance on ethanol based fuel, outboard manufacturers are working on solutions to fix the problems that many owners are having.

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Tips for DIY Outboard Maintenance

Tips for DIY Outboard MaintenanceIf you’re the kind of person who likes to do it yourself, here are some suggestions for performing maintenance on your outboard motor. First, it’s important to note that present day marine equipment is quite sensitive, and represents advanced technological machinery. Make sure to have the proper training before performing maintenance on these sensitive technological systems. Don’t perform maintenance that’s not covered in the service manual unless aware of the procedures and precautions, otherwise, your safety could be at risk. There are simple procedures, like premixing fuel with gasoline and Yamaha 2S oil, which all outboard engine owners should know. However, the service manual is written for technicians who have received special training, and if the manual doesn’t make sense, it’s best not to attempt maintenance. Make sure to have the special tools and equipment needed for maintenance, and never substitute generic equipment (like wrenches, screwdrivers, or hammers) when a special tool is necessary.

For complex maintenance, it’s best to take in the outboard to a local dealer. All dealerships have qualified trained technicians, who can perform maintenance and even provide more advice on how to do it yourself.

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2 Stroke Engines vs. 4 Stroke Engines

2 Stroke Engines vs. 4 Stroke Engines

It’s estimated that about 70-80% of the outboard engines sold are 4 stroke engines, and much of the reason is due to a common misconception about 2 stroke engines. In the past, 2 stroke engines suffered from terrible fuel economy and were known for spewing exhaust and pollution. However, in the last decade, that traditional 2 stroke engine archetype has changed… a lot. Most of the old 2 stroke engines that were oversized gas guzzlers have been replaced with direct injected and fuel injected 2 stroke engines. These new engines are state of the art, and conserve fuel while offering great power.

While 2 stroke engines were worse off in several categories when compared to 4 stroke engines, there is one area in which the 2 stroke engine excelled. 2 stroke engines are more reliable than 4 stroke engines due to their more simplistic design. Owners who tend to their 2 stroke engine with proper care will have an engine that can last for a long time. The new 2 stroke engines are just as reliable as their older counterparts. The new direct injected and fuel injected 2 stroke engines use a metered stream of 2 stroke oil to lubricate all the rings and bearings, ensuring the engine remains in top condition while improving fuel economy. This innovation makes the 2 stroke the sheer winner over the 4 stroke engine.

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Yamaha to Go Green

Yamaha to Go Green

With people around the world concerned about the effect of pollution on the environment, Yamaha has committed itself to designing cleaner engines. In one of several steps towards clean energy, Yamaha has stated that it will manufacture electric motorcycles by 2010. These motorcycles will be able to travel about 60-70 miles on a single charge. In addition, Yamaha has extended efforts to make its existing technologies friendlier to the environment. For outboard motors, Yamaha has developed full synthetic outboard motor oil. This new Yamaha oil provides better engine performance, and is much easier on the environment. The new synthetic Yamaha oil is formulated for use in all kinds of Yamaha motors including outboards, motorcycles, WaveRunners, ATVs, and snowmobiles. Yamaha has also been at the forefront of designing cleaner and more efficient engines for almost a decade, and now has several available on the market.

Companies like Yamaha are designing the products that the modern consumer wants. In addition, with Yamaha products, consumers can rest assured that the product will still possess the same renowned quality expected from the Yamaha brand.

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Lotus Develops Next Generation Two Cycle Engine

Lotus Develops Next Generation Two Cycle Engine

Lotus is one of the premier automobile manufacturers in the world, and is well respected in the industry for their innovation. At the 2009 Geneva Auto Show, Lotus unveiled their next generation two cycle engine, named the Omnivore. This two cycle engine is the latest in fuel efficient engines and utilizes a variable compression ratio system paired with two cycle operation and direct fuel injection. These unique characteristics allow the engine better fuel efficiency with sustainable alcohol based fuels. The engine is quite an improvement over traditional two cycle engines that are known for their less efficient fuel consumption and pollution. The new Omnivore two cycle engine eliminates the need for gasoline and two cycle oil, and is a more sustainable technology.

In several years, we might see the Omnivore engine in Lotus models, and similar two cycle engines in other automobiles. While some people thought two cycle technology was a thing of the past, Lotus is proving that the two cycle engine still has a place in the future.

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WaveRunner Storage Information

WaveRunner Storage Information

When storing a WaveRunner for the off-season, it’s important to ensure that all the mechanical work is done beforehand. It’s a good idea to service the vehicle before it is stored (if the WaveRunner is due for its scheduled maintenance). It’s also essential to change the oil and filter before storage, as used oil can corrode the engine. Be sure to use Yamalube 2W oil in the engine, as this is the premium oil from Yamaha that is 100% safe and recommended for all WaveRunners. While changing the oil and filter, also top off essential fluids for the brakes, clutch, and hydraulics. For maximum security, replace all the essential fluids with a fresh supply to prevent corrosion and rust. Make sure to add stabilizers to all the fluids to prevent deterioration. Drain the cooling system and replace it with fresh coolant. It’s also a good idea to run the engine once to ensure the stabilizers work their way into the engine.

Taking these steps will ensure the WaveRunner is ready for use, and also preserve it for the future. Don’t forget to store the WaveRunner in a cool and dry place where it will be away from insects and other pests that could cause damage while the vehicle is unattended.

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The Differences Between Oil Brands

The Differences Between Oil Brands

When it comes to motor oil, no matter who slaps their label on it, the oil itself and the additive packages most often come from oil refineries. Most oil refineries are owned by third parties, and have little to no affiliation with the various companies that purchase their oil (except for a business affiliation). Thus the difference between Yamalube oil and Evinrude oil, if the two were purchased from the same oil refinery, might not be all that significant. However, one difference between the various brands of motor oil is the additives. The additives are what make different formulations of oil work better in certain kinds of engines. While some motor oil brands will purchase additive packages from the refineries that are quite similar if not identical to the competition, the big name brands, like Yamaha and Evinrude, often have their own special additives. These additives maximize the oil’s effectiveness in the Yamaha or Evinrude engines.

It’s important to be aware of the brand of oil in the engine, and not just stick in any motor oil that seems to work well. The effects of using one motor oil over another will manifest over time, and using the right oil will prolong the life of the engine.

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Choosing the Right Brand of Outboard Motor Oil

Choosing the Right Brand of Outboard Motor Oil

When it comes to outboard motor oil, not all brands are created equal. Provided the outboard motor oil is TC-W3 certified, the difference between Brand A and Brand B is most often the special additives which are unique to each brand. Most engine manufacturers have their own exclusive brand of outboard motor oil, which contains those additives that work best with their engine. However, a lot of the additives are the same. For example, most if not all outboard motor oil contains an additive that reduces and prevents water condensation in the fuel tank. If a boat owner were to use standard automotive oil in their outboard, it would work fine for a short time, but then the condensation in the fuel tank would start to contaminate the fuel, and the engine would begin to have trouble starting.

It’s important to choose the right outboard motor oil for the engine. For those who want to be safe, just purchase the manufacturer brand, or a brand recommended by the manufacturer. However, using a brand not recommended by the manufacturer won’t affect the manufacturer warranty in most cases, unless that brand is not TC-W3 certified. It’s also a good idea to purchase bulk outboard motor oil from the preferred brand, as this can save a lot on expenses over time.

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Sport Boat Maintenance Information

Sport Boat Maintenance Information

Unlike traditional boats, sport boats require a bit more maintenance and care to remain at peak performance. Because engine conditions in sport boats are much more intense, the engine requires special outboard motor oil. It’s important to use engine oil formulated for sport boats, like Yamaha 2M oil. This oil contains special additives that allow it to function better under more intensive engine conditions, in addition to providing all the standard benefits of premium outboard motor oil. It’s also important to perform more frequent maintenance on a sport boat, including flushing the engine on a regular basis, cleaning and scraping the hull, and replacing batteries, fuses, and lights. Keeping a sport boat in top condition is possible for all owners with a little bit of knowhow and elbow grease.

Make sure to keep a supply at home and on board the boat of those essential items that might need to be replaced on the fly. This includes an extra propeller, a limited supply of fuel and outboard motor oil, and spark plugs.

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Choosing the Right WaveRunner

Choosing the Right WaveRunner

WaveRunners were introduced by Yamaha in 1987 as their version of the personal watercraft. The Yamaha WaveRunner possessed several innovations over the more common Jet Ski and SeaDoo, and WaveRunners have continued to the premier personal watercraft. When thinking about purchasing a WaveRunner, it’s important to consider several factors before making a decision. First, WaveRunners can accommodate 1-4 riders, and it’s a good idea to think about occupants first. For people who don’t have families or prefer to ride alone, a single or double seat WaveRunner might work the best, for those who do want to involve their friends and family, a three to four seat WaveRunner will be better. It’s also a good idea to consider how the WaveRunner will be used in terms of recreation. If traveling significant distances, a fuel efficient engine with a large tank will be ideal. Storage is another factor to consider, as models with a whole lot of features and more sleek designs will have less storage.

Upkeep cost is one more factor to consider with WaveRunners, as some will require more fuel and maintenance than others depending on the engine. With high horsepower models that burn fuel fast, the expenses of gasoline and Yamaha 2W oil can add up.

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Weekly Maintenance for Frequent WaveRunner Users

Weekly Maintenance for Frequent WaveRunner Users

For people who use their WaveRunners often (at least once per week), it’s a good idea to perform a simple maintenance routine each week. The purpose of this routine is to prevent corrosion and wear to the WaveRunner, and extend its lifetime. The first step is to acquire the necessary supplies, which includes a compressed air canister, WD-40, engine grease, Soft Scrub (for engine soot), bilge solvent, and a few rags.

The first step is to set the WaveRunner at an incline and drain it, then degrease using solvent starting from the bow and working up towards the stern. Use the Soft Scrub to remove the soot from the exhaust area. Once completed, rinse the WaveRunner with fresh water, and air dry with the compressed air canister with a focus on the electric and mechanical components like the steering joint, throttle cable, spark plugs, oil pump, and battery. Once this is completed, lube the same areas with WD-40. Make sure to check the oil level, and refill with Yamalube 2W oil as necessary. It’s important to use only Yamalube 2W oil in WaveRunners as its unique formulation is designed to work best with Yamaha engines.

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2 Stroke Pollution Solution

2 Stroke Pollution Solution

In developing nations, 2 stroke engines are an integral part of transportation for both people and goods. In fact, over most of Asia, three-wheeled auto-rickshaws that utilize 2 stroke engines are some of the most popular means of transportation. However, with auto-rickshaws in excess of 1 million, these small vehicles can cause a significant amount of pollution due to their cheap engine design. While 2 stroke engines are reliable, cheap, and don’t require a lot of maintenance, the average 2 stroke engine produces twice or even three times as much pollution as a similar 4 stroke engine. The reason for this is because 2 stroke engines burn a mixture of gasoline and 2 stroke oil that is common to most if not all 2 stroke engines. The 2 stroke engine does not have fuel injection, and thus are central contributors to particulate pollution in the air.

However, there are several manufacturers of 2 stroke engines that are innovating and continuing to improve upon the design of 2 stroke engines with the goal of reducing pollution. Manufacturers like Evinrude, the premier designer of outboard motors, have created more efficient 2 stroke engines and also formulated 2 stroke oil to reduce particulate emissions. It is because of these innovations that 2 stroke engines will persevere for some time to come.

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