Two Cycle Sparkplug Replacement

Two Cycle Sparkplug Replacement

With several two cycle outboard motors, there are known issues with the sparkplugs becoming saturated with gasoline. This in turn causes the sparkplugs to foul, and the motor to fail after it warms up. While this could be an indication of a more serious issue with the motor that will require professional intervention, often the problem is caused by one of two factors: incorrect spark plugs, or incorrect gasoline/oil ratio. It’s important to check that you are using the correct spark plugs for your outboard motor, as the wrong sparkplugs will cause the engine to fail. It’s also a good idea to check that you’re using the correct gasoline to two cycle outboard oil mixture, as this can cause the spark plugs to become saturated.

If one of these two problems doesn’t fix your engine, it’s probably time to consult a professional about what else could be wrong. If you know a thing or two about outboard motors, you can always check around online for other owners who have had the problem and make an attempt to perform maintenance yourself.

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Common Motorcycle Problems

Common Motorcycle Problems

There are numerous common issues that arise when servicing dirtbikes and motorcycles, and one such issue occurs when the spark plug becomes saturated with oil and then fouls. This often occurs because of use of incorrect 2-stroke oil used in the engine. In most standard 2-stroke engines, Yamalube 2R or Yamalube 2S oil work the best. To correct the problem, drain the old oil from your injection tank before you add the new Yamalube oil. If the problem doesn’t correct, it could be due to other factors including:

~Spark plug too cold
~Oil injection pump adjusted incorrectly
~Air filter is soiled
~Carburetor adjusted incorrectly

For information on fixing these common problems, check online or with your mechanic. Most problems can be fixed without professional intervention.

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Best Oil for Snowmobiles

Best Oil for Snowmobiles

If you’re lucky enough to own a snowmobile, chances are you’d like to know a little about the ideal oil to maintain performance and reduce emissions. The standard 2 stroke oil used in other engines won’t work as well for a snowmobile. It’s important to use 2 stroke oil that is suited for snowmobiles. For example, Yamalube 2R oil is intended for high performance racing. This oil contains the additives necessary to lubricate the engine under high stress conditions, and in addition, it produces less exhaust making cleaning the exhaust valves a breeze.

There are several different opinions on which oil works best in snowmobiles (like all kinds of engines), and often it’s a good idea to ask around about what different people have found works best. It’s a good idea to ask fellow snowmobilers what to use in your snowmobile as results often depend on the model.

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Manufacturer Recommended Motor Oil

motor oils

When you purchase an outboard motor, motorcycle, waverunner, or any of a number of small vehicles and appliances that use motor oil, often the manufacturer will recommend the use of their branded motor oil. In some cases, the manufacturer might even tell the customer that the engine will wear down if a specific motor oil brand isn’t used. In most cases, this is not true. While the manufacturer’s branded motor oil can contain special additives that will help the engine run at its best, most motor oils intended for the same purpose will achieve the same effect. For example, a Yamaha dealer might recommend their Yamaha 2M oil for use in a Yamaha outboard motor, but an outboard motor oil from Evinrude or Mercury will work just as well.

Knowing that you can use other motor oils can save you a lot of money in the long run. Don’t just buy at the dealership either, shopping around at local marinas or online you can find better deals on motor oil.

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History of the Two-Stroke Engine

two-stroke-engine

The two-stroke cycle engine was invented more than a century ago, but is still used today in outboard motors, dirt bikes, and chainsaws. The two-stroke engine is renowned for its simple design and high power to weight ratio. But because these engines mix fuel and 2 cycle oil for lubrication, their emissions are more than normal. To power larger devices, two-stroke engines have been replaced by four-stroke engines which are more complex designs that have cleaner emissions because fuel and oil are not mixed.

The two-stroke engine is most often attributed to Dugald Cleark who invented it in 1880. However, it was other engineers that perfected the engine by creating the charging pump and the piston controlled inlet port. Two-stroke engines were used in automobiles until the 1960s, which were then replaced by the four-stroke design.

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Changing Waverunner Oil

Waverunner

Changing the oil in a Waverunner is a relatively simple process, and it should be done about once every 100 hours of use. You’ll need a few basic items: an oil extractor (from your local marina), an oil rag, and your Waverunner user’s manual. The first step is to locate your oil filter using your user’s manual. Next, with the oil extractor, pump out about 2.5 quarts of oil. Next remove the old filter. Take your new filter and lube the O-ring with fresh oil, then tighten it down. Next add your standard Waverunner oil; Yamaha 2W oil for example. Make sure you don’t put too much oil in your Waverunner, or you can cause serious damage.

Once you’ve refilled the tank, hook up the water and run the Waverunner for about a minute. Check the dipstick when you’re done and make sure the tank is filled only to about the halfway mark.

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When a Marine Engine is Overfilled

When a Marine Engine is Overfilled

Most people know what happens when an engine doesn’t have enough oil (it breaks down!) but fewer people know the dangers of overfilling your engine. What happens when you fill your marine engine with too much oil is the pressure inside the engine begins to build due to the windage in the crankcase and the oil pump. This places great strain on rear main bearing seal. Even after just a couple uses, the seal breaks and the engine will start to leak marine engine oil. If the rear seal is not fixed, the front seal will also rupture, which then begins to gush oil.

This is a situation you want to avoid by all means, thus it’s important to get accurate measurements. This most often happens when you top off a warm engine because of an incorrect dipstick reading. It can also happen when you change the oil by yourself.

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Don’t Treat Your Boat Like a Car!

Don't Treat Your Boat Like a Car!

Marine engines are quite different from automobile engines, and because of this, require special care. Marine engines and outboard motors are asked to perform like automobiles never could; for example, when a boat plows through the wake of another boat or a wave, the engine strains to keep its RPM output consistent. We would never do something similar to this to an automobile engine, because it would breakdown fast. It’s important to take care of your marine engine or outboard motor through changing the oil often, and ensuring that you are using the proper Yamaha oil with specific additives to reduce condensation in the fuel tank and clean the injectors.

It’s important that you avoid using automobile oil and that you treat your marine engine our outboard motor like it should be treated. Because we expect so much more out of our boat than we do our car, it deserves a lot more than just the standard 3000 mile oil change.

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Water Cooled and Air Cooled Engines

Water Cooled and Air Cooled Engines

When it comes to two cycle engines, there are two distinct types and each type uses oil with some similar and some different additives. When comparing two cycle engines, an outboard motor is considered a water cooled engine, and is characterized by its constant and high speed. Fresh water is circulated throughout the engine to keep it cool, and heavy oil is necessary to prevent the pistons and cylinder walls from scuffing. With air cooled engines, like chainsaws, heavy base oils can cause engine deposits of ash and soot to form on the engine walls. These deposits can later cause serious problems including spark plug failure, loss of torque, and engine block damage.

When choosing two cycle oil, it’s important to know the correct gasoline/oil mixture, and also to use oil with additives intended to work with your two cycle engine. If necessary, a two cycle engine can use any two cycle oil for a short period of time without harmful side effects, but over time, the incorrect oil can cause damage to the engine.

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Daily Outboard Maintenance

Daily Outboard Maintenance

Outboard motor owners should be aware of a few simple daily checks that will preserve the condition of your engine. First, it’s important to check the outboard motor oil levels in your engine before you intend to use it. Outboard motors can burn through oil much quicker than automobiles, so frequent checks are necessary. You should also ensure that you have adequate fuel for your trip, and more importantly, that your fuel tank vent is open. Check your propeller and ensure that nothing is tangled with it, even fishing line needs to be removed as this can cause serious problems later.

Lastly, make a smell check for potential fuel leaks and oil, and also if you tow your boat on a trailer, and run it in salt water, flush the cooling system with fresh water. Performing these simple checks will increase the longevity of your outboard motor and increase its overall performance too.

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Yamaha Launches Four-Stroke Oil Line

Yamaha Launches Four-Stroke Oil Line

Yamaha, the leading manufacturer of all kinds of sporting vehicles, recently announced its new line of four stroke oils. The Yamalube brand of oil, licensed by Yamaha, is a well recognized brand in the industry, and with the new line of Yamalube four stroke oils, the company has advanced into the twenty-first century. Yamaha’s Yamalube four stroke oil is designed to endure the stress and accelerated performance of four stroke engines. In addition, all of the Yamalube four stroke oils are JASO rated based on their application and enhance the performance of all Yamaha engines.

Whether you have an outboard motor with a four stroke engine, or a Yamaha motorcycle, Yamalube oil is the best formulated oil for all your needs. Yamalube contains special additives that work best with Yamaha engines, so for maximum performance, it’s important to use the best Yamalube four stroke oil!

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Common Ailments of Outboard Motors

Common Ailments of Outboard Motors

While there are a number of serious problems that can be attributed to a malfunctioning outboard motor, here are some of the common problems for when the motor appears to be running rough:

~Burnt Spark Plugs – spark plugs need to be replaced about once a year, and are easy for an owner to replace without professional help.

~Malfunctioning Carburetor – this often happens in older outboard motors, but isn’t uncommon in newer motors either. It’s best to consult a professional if you think a busted carburetor is what ails the engine.

~Dilapidated Oil Filter – it’s a good idea to replace your oil filter at least once per year, should you not, it can cause oil to turn to sludge and eventually seize your engine.

~Incorrect Gas Mixture – older two cycle outboard motors often require premixed gasoline and oil, thus it’s important to ensure you have the proper ratio of two cycle outboard oil to gasoline for the best performance.

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