Yamalube | Outboard Motor Oil - Part 24

Repairing a 2-Stroke Float Valve

The float valve is an essential component of any outboard engine because it controls the level of fuel present in a carburetor’s float bowl. If the levels are incorrect, the engine may flood out or starve for fuel. Repairing and adjusting a  is fairly simple.

Start by turning the carburetor float bowl upside down, so the float hangs free. Using a six-inch machinist’s ruler, check to see if the float is correctly set. If not, bend the small metal tab between the hinge and body of the float, so that is lies at the correct level. Don’t forget to check the levels of Yamaha oil when you’re done tinkering with the float bowl!

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2007 Yamaha GP1300R

The 2007 Yamaha GP1300R is loaded with impressive features. My particular favorites are the environmentally-conscious innovations. The GP1300R employs technologies that don’t compromise performance while reducing emissions output and noise levels. The Sound Suppression System targets the noisiest culprits: intake, exhaust, and vibration.

Another superb feature is the Yamaha Platinum plus System. It is a “high-tech catalyst that is artfully integrated into the exhaust system.” It garners a California two-star rating for its low emissions. Yamaha 2W oil is the only oil recommended for use with the Platinum System.

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Fishing in Arkansas, Part II

Another fish my uncle is partial to fishing is catfish. Generally I’m not a fan of catfish – their ugly faces are so off-putting – but they do taste excellent when fried just right. Arkansas offers many lakes for catching catfish, including Lake Atalanta, White Oak Lake, and Lake Hinkle.

Of course, the biggest catfish can be found in the might Mississippi river. World-record big channel, blue, and flathead catfish are bountiful in the river that runs the length of Arkansas’ eastern border. I’d love to fill a boat up with Yamaha 2M oil, head out on the Mississippi River, and catch some big catfish!

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WaveRunner Oil

A WaveRunner can provide endless summer thrills. Properly maintaining a WaveRunner isn’t too difficult, particularly when it comes to replacing dirty oil. All you need is the owner’s manual, an oil extractor, a rag, an oil filter, and replacement oil.

Start by extracting the oil (typically 2.4 quarts) from the engine. Consult your owner’s manual to find and remove the oil filter using your rag. Next, apply oil around the outside ring of the new filter and put the filter in place. Add replacement WaveRunner oil, turn the engine on and let it run for a few minutes, then check use the dipstick to check the oil levels.

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Two and Four Stroke Oil Formulas

Yesterday we tackled the reasons why 2 cycle and 4 cycle oils are not interchangeable. Today I will explain how the formulas differ. For starters, 4 cycle oil is specifically manufactured with additives, like viscosity index improvers, to inhibit oil consumption. In other words, the formula makes oil harder to burn.

On the other hand, 2 stroke oil is specifically formulated to burn away, leaving minimal residue on spark plugs, cylinders, and exhaust ports. Another aspect of the formula is to inhibit pre-ignition. The formula also protects against rink sticking and crankcase sludge.

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Nautical Theme Party

We spend most of the summer at the beach, so I wasn’t surprised when my eight year old asked for a nautical theme birthday party. (Okay, he actually asked for a pirate birthday party). We had a lot of fun picking out and creating different decorations, like treasure chests full of gold and eye patches for the kids to wear instead of party hats.

For the place cards, we folded paper boats. Each child’s name was written on the flag atop the main mast. The nautical/pirate theme was a great success. Perhaps when he’s old enough to know how to change the Yamalube oil, I’ll let him have a real boat party.

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Boat Safety

When my boys were old enough to get their boating license, I made them jump through all sorts of hoops before I would give my consent. First, they had to take a . I quizzed them on what they learned, especially Coast Guard recommended safety precautions.

I then had them promise me that life vests would be worn at all times. They assured me and went one step further by showing me where and how they looked up weather reports before each outing. The final step was to make sure they knew all about boat maintenance, including how to check and replace Yamalube 2W oil. Both of them met my expectations and were allowed to apply for their boating licenses.

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Mini-Ferry Links UW and South Lake Union

Out here in the Seattle area, ferries are quite common. It’s often much faster to commute via ferry than to drive all the way around Puget Sound to get to your destination. A new mini-ferry recently opened that runs between South Lake Union and the University of Washington, much to the delight of Husky fans.

For five dollars, commuters can get from one shore to the other in 22 minutes. This is ideal for UW employees who want to take a lunch break or run an errand on the opposite shore. It’s also ideal for football fans that are more likely to find parking further away from the stadium. I’m not sure what sort of motor Captain Matt Stark uses, but Yamalube 2W is usually among the best options.

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Yamaha Maintenance Tips

It’s important to inspect your boat every time you plan on taking it out on the water. You don’t want any surprises to crop up when you’re far from shore. One thing you should do is check the hydraulics and trim. Check specifically for power trim and tilt fluid; it should be even with the bottom of the plug.

Of course, checking engine compression is a must (check yesterday’s post for a how-to). Next, do a visual inspection for leaks – water, oil, or exhaust. If all is well, check the oil to make sure it is both clean and at the proper level. If the oil is low, refill the tank with Yamalube 2m oil.

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Check Your Engine for Compression

Compression is one of the four elements that a two stroke engine operates on. The other three elements are air, fuel, and spark. As a piston travels upward through the cylinder, it squeezes air and fuel into a dense mixture that forcefully ignites. This process is known as compression.

Compression can be lost when a seal is faulty between cylinder and piston or piston rings. Check for compression by removing and grounding all spark plugs, and attaching a compression tester into the spark plug hole. Twist the throttle to kick start the motor. Look at the readings; a proper compression rating needs to be at least 100 to 125 pounds per square inch. Test each cylinder, as necessary. While going over the engine, it would be wise to see if it is in need of Yamalube 2m oil.

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Outboard Battery Requirements for Yamaha

Traditional speed boat engines use a battery to kick start the engine and power boat accessories. A Yamaha two stroke engine with a 50 or below horsepower uses a battery that contains 245 cold cranking amps at zero degrees Fahrenheit and 323 marine ranking amps at 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

A two stroke Yamaha engine between 60 and 150 horsepower and a 2.6 liter 150 to 2000 horsepower outboard engine requires a motor battery that has 380 cold cranking amps at zero degrees Fahrenheit. At 32 degrees Fahrenheit there should be 502 marine cranking amps with a reserve of 124 capacity minutes at 25 amps. While checking out the battery on a two stroke, be sure to also examine the oil levels and top up with Yamalube 2-m oil if necessary.

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Two Stroke Motorcycles

Riding a two stroke motorcycle or puts a strain on the engine. Ideally, you should only need to change oil in once a season, but to be safe; I check the oil before every ride. When the oil needs to be replaced the process takes only a few moments of my time.

First I park the bike on a flat surface and place a drain pan under the engine block. Then I unscrew the drain plug and allow all the two cycle oil to drain out. I put the plug back in place, unscrew the top oil cap, and pour in new yamalube 2 cycle oil. Once the tank is full, I check the dipstick and screw the cap back in place.

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