Yamalube | Outboard Motor Oil - Part 33

Snowmobile Tune-up II: Visual Inspection

gettingairToday we pick up right where we left off in our preseason snowmobile maintenance process: the visual inspection. Having checked for cracks in the hood, we now turn our attention to the upholstery. Seat covers may become nicked and scratched with use, and in some cases they might slip right off the mounting. These details might seem trivial or superficial, and it’s true that your snow machine can operate no matter the state of the seating. Now is a good time to shore up any aesthetic flaws, however. Try gluing a similar fabric underneath hole in the leather or synthetic seating.

Now it’s time to get a look at the underbody of your snowmobile – specifically, the track and the rear suspension. Check for bent or broken suspension parts and ensure that the sliders haven’t deteriorated. When inspecting the track, think about it the same way you would the tires on a car. The slightest sign of wear is more than enough evidence in favor of replacement. Driving with a worn track is basically tempting fate; you could end up walking several miles back to civilization through deep snow.

Tip the sled onto its side to get a glance at the skis and runners. Again, you simply have to check these parts for serious signs of wear. Steel skis should last you many years provided they aren’t bent or allowed to corrode. Plastic skis could be cut or otherwise impacted rather easily, so check them with added prejudice. If you haven’t already done so, top off the engine with Yamalube 2s oil. Tomorrow we’ll go under the hood!

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More Battery Tips

boatpush

We recently discussed the importance of packing multiple battery systems for fishing excursions. One system should be devoted to the general operation of the boat – the cranking function that starts it up – and the other should be relegated to smaller tasks like keeping the radio, radar and GPS juiced up. You might be wondering how it’s possible to prevent one battery from being used up by providing power to all of the boat’s electrical needs.

Yamaha’s battery isolator system has the ability to recharge multiple batteries right onboard the boat. This is especially handy because it’s crucial to keep the cranking battery operational for the duration of a trip. There’s nothing worse than finding out that an outboard engine won’t restart during the middle of your journey. The battery isolator system senses which battery has the least energy and supplies it with a charge. If both are equally tapped or equally full, they each receive the same amount of power.

Note that batteries should always be mounted a safe distance away from the boat’s fuel system. Fuel lines, gas tanks and outboard motor oil in general should be kept separate from electronic components. By keeping these and other safety measures in mind, you can ensure a fun, relaxing late-season boat trip.

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Fishing Tips from a Yamaha Pro

fishingboat

For boat owners lucky enough to live in areas where the sun shines year round, fishing season is anything but over by mid September. According to professional angler Clark Wendlandt, many fishermen overlook one of the most bountiful places to catch a sizeable dinner – or maybe even a genuine trophy fish or two. If you begin and end your day of boating in a marina, you may not have to go far to find fish.

Rocky stretches of shoreline, and even man-made rock walls, are excellent hideouts for certain types of forage bass. The algae that grows along those rocks marks the bottom of the food chain, and small minnows gather to feast on the sustenance. Crawfish also prefer tiny crevices where they can hide from predators, and all of these elements combine to bring bass from miles around.

Wendlandt, who relies on Yamalube oil to help propel his boat around the lake, recommends fishing rocks early in the morning. That’s when the bass stay in relatively shallow water. He tends to use crankbaits when fishing rocky stretches and then, if that doesn’t work, switches to worms or even jigs. You don’t need to be a professional to recognize a great opportunity to catch fish.

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Cleaning the Carburetor

carburetor

Carburetors, which pull in air to be combined with a fuel/oil mixture, are essential to any smooth-running outboard motor. It’s a pity that these finicky devices are commonly associated with engine trouble. By the very nature of their operation, carburetors are often gummed up; they require cleaning on a regular basis. There is, however, one simple way to keep the carburetor clean as long as possible – that’s by sticking with a high-quality fuel/oil mixture such as Yamalube.

When gas evaporates, it tends to leave behind a gummy residue. If you don’t take preventative measures to discourage that buildup, you may have a sticky situation on your hands. Although many fuel additives claim the ability to clean an outboard carburetor, many of them actually contain strong solvents that will do lasting damage to the fuel system (just as ethanol would).

Rather than cleaning in the carburetor during the course of operating the outboard motor, you’ll likely need to disassemble it. Allow the carburetor to soak in some specially formulated cleaning fluid. Once reassembled and ready to go, you should notice an immediate difference in terms of engine performance.

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The Many Functions of Oil

yamaha-2w-oil

Last Christmas my family and I voyaged to the exciting land of Zimbabwe. It was our goal to focus on the true spirit of the season – loving and caring – instead of becoming caught up in presents and Santa Clause like the rest of the population. We figured it was about time to spend time with some people who were less fortunate than us, and strive to make a difference in their lives. Looking back now, it was them who inspired us.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by the leader of the tribe, Mocco Umbaba. He showed us to our sleeping quarters, which were tents made out of burlap canvas and oil barrels. As it turns out, Zimbabwe can get rather windy from time to time and the weight of the oil containers keeps the cloth tents from collapsing. I was completely blown away by the simplicity and functionality of their solution. After returning to the United States, I purchased several gallons of Yamaha 2w oil – I knew its heavy-duty composition was right for the job – and began testing ways I could use my purchase for something other than its intended function.

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Two-Stroke Engine Care with Yamalube

2strokeengine

Yamaha’s signature brand of oil is designed for the most grueling conditions both in and out of the water. Yamalube two-stroke engine oil is used in outboard motors, dirt bikes, lawnmowers, snowmobiles and several smaller gas powered appliances. Unlike other two-stroke engine oils, Yamalube oil is so potent that it can help to repair and prevent engine damage.

While all Yamalube oil is formulated for performance, the additive packages in different oil formulations are designed for specific stress loads. Each blend of Yamalube oil must accommodate the needs of the engine. For example, Yamalube two-stroke outboard oil needs to be able to lubricate the engine for hours of operation at full throttle and low throttle, while Yamalube two-stroke oil for dirt bikes needs to be able to stand up to frequent and intense acceleration.

For owners who want their two-stroke engine to operate at its best, Yamalube is the oil of choice. Those looking for a little extra kick would be wise to invest in Yamaha fuel additives, like the Yamaha Ring Free additive, which helps prevent ring stick and wear, while also cleaning carbon and varnish deposits from the engine.

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TC-W3: Setting the Standard

Yamalube oilIf you’ve been shopping around for outboard oil lately, you’ve probably noticed a small indicator on the label, proclaiming that the oil meets “TC-W3” standards. But what does this designation really mean? As one might expect, TC stands for two-cycle. The W is merely standing in for water-cooled. And the 3 simply means that it’s the third formulation of oil for two-cycle, water-cooled engines.

Now that you’ve learned to crack this cryptic motor oil code, it’s time to look in depth at how the TC-W3 standard is determined and which outboard oils make the grade. Two-stroke marine engines are characterized by the way they blend oil and fuel, thus providing lubrication for the engine even as it’s functioning. For many years, people mistakenly believed that this oil-fuel mixture would become archaic due to its environmental impact.

Luckily, the big-time competitors in the two-cycle market – Yamaha, Evinrude and Mercury – took the issue to heart and worked to create an oil formulation that would reduce mixture ratio to fuel and keep an engine running strong. That new formulation is known as TC-W3, and today’s Yamaha oil easily makes the grade. Bear in mind that the old motor oil lying around in your garage or shed might not be appropriate for outboards made after 1992. Consult the outboard manual for more information on the topic of oil compatibility.

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Comparison Shopping for Used Outboards

Comparison Shopping for Used Outboards

If you’re new to the boating scene or have recently decided to buy your own boat, it’s tempting to go for a “package deal.” These are the small boats that come with outboard engines included, and they can be pricy. Used motors provide an alternative for thrifty shoppers – although you should always do your homework before buying and attaching one to your vessel.

In the outboard motor market, brand names mean a great deal. Yamaha, Evinrude and Mercury have come to be known for their reliability and generous warranties. It’s always advisable to shop around for the motor that suits your budget as well as your practical boating needs. It goes without saying that you’ll want to find a used motor with all of the relevant features – perhaps an electric start or a steering cable attachment.

Perhaps the most important consideration when comparing used outboards is the amount of wear and tear. Boat motors should be judged not by their age but by the number of hours they’ve been run. Just as you would most likely prefer a Corvette that’s been parked in a garage for five years over one that’s been driven hard for three, an engine that’s seen less use will require less maintenance. In many cases, used motors are less efficient than new ones and therefore require plenty of lubrication with quality oils such as Yamalube. Just remember that it’s possible to find a quality outboard on a budget.

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More Ethanol Is Not the Answer

More Ethanol Is Not the Answer

Newspapers and network news programs have been trumpeting the arrival of renewable energy for years now. Likewise, the topics has been on the tongues of politicians serving locally and nationwide. Their point is well taken: Fossil fuels are harmful to the planet, and green-friendly options are available. Ethanol, an alternative fuel made from corn and other natural products, isn’t exactly a godsend to the outboard motor industry, however.

In theory, ethanol mixes with gasoline to create an eco-friendly blend that burns cleaner than standard fuel-oil combinations. That may be true up to a point, but higher ratios of ethanol leave a sludgy byproduct in carburetors and fuel injection systems. Even worse, ethanol is chemically structured in such a way that it dissolves fiberglass fuel tanks. Most of these problems are held in check when outboard motor oil contains 10 percent ethanol or less.

The Environmental Protection Agency is on the verge of upping the standard amount of ethanol in gasoline from 10 percent to 15 percent – a possibility that would prove disastrous for the boating industry as we know it. The Boat Owners Association of the United States and several other consumer advocacy groups are livid about these plans. They are arguing that many boat fuel system warranties would become null and void if 15 percent ethanol fuels are used. Outboard motor oil, they say, must strike a careful balance that weighs environmental concerns with boating performance.

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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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