Yamalube | Outboard Motor Oil - Part 33

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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Yamalube 2M Oil for HPDI Engines

Yamalube 2M Oil for HPDI Engines

Without a doubt, Yamalube 2M is the oil to use in Yamaha HPDI engines. While it’s possible to use other brands of two stroke oil without voiding the warranty, Yamalube 2M oil is the clear choice of boat owners who want the most out of their engines. There are several subtle differences between Yamalube 2M oil and the oil of other leading competitors. One central difference is the additives in Yamalube 2M that reduce the buildup of carbon in the engine. In addition, there are other additives to reduce condensation in the gas tank, and ensure the engine continues to operate at peak performance. It’s possible to save some money purchasing a cheaper two stroke oil, but the money saved on purchasing an inferior brand of oil is far insignificant to the cost of boat ownership. Yamalube 2M oil preserves the condition of the engine, and overall the engine will require less maintenance over its lifetime.

Compared to other two stroke oils, Yamalube 2M oil also accomplishes more with less; most HPDI engines will use just a little oil compared to other engines, and due to this, the HPDI owner saves a lot with the reduced fuel consumption.

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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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Yamalube Oil: Formulated for Performance

Yamlube Oil: Formulated for Performance

Yamalube oil was designed to provide owners of Yamaha motors with a precision-blended oil to optimize performance. Yamaha selects from the best lubricants when formulating their oils, but the performance enhancing additives are what make Yamalube oil spectacular. These additives aren’t found in standard oils, and Yamalube uses more and better additives than their competition for optimized performance in all Yamaha engines. The additives in all Yamalube oil fight engine corrosion and varnish, prevent wear, and reduce friction. The result is an engine that performs at a higher level and has a longer life. In addition, all Yamalube formulas, including Yamalube 2S oil, 2M oil, and 2W oil, meet and exceed API certifications as recommended for use in Yamaha engines.

Yamalube oil is the choice amongst more than just Yamaha owners, as it can be used in all kinds of engines including weed eaters, outboard motors, and snowmobiles with the best results.

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Yamalube Highlights High Performance Oils

Yamalube Highlights High Performance Oils

In 2008, Yamaha introduced new packaging for their entire line of high performance motor oils. The Yamalube line of oil has represented the pinnacle of performance motor oil for more than a decade, and with their new packaging, Yamaha seeks to put the spotlight on their new oil. While Yamaha still manufactures two stroke motor oil, their new line of four stroke Yamalube motor oil is drawing the most attention. This new line of Yamalube oil offers conventional, hybrid, and synthetic oil for a full range of vehicles. Yamalube is the ideal oil for outboard engines, sportbikes, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, and much more. The new Yamalube oil is designed to meet stricter standards for the prevention of damage to the environment, and in addition, offer better performance. Newer Yamalube oils will now be contained in a bold new bottle with distinctive diamond plate and a custom 3-D mold.

The new Yamalube oils are available at dealerships across the country at the affordable prices expected from Yamaha. Because Yamalube oil is designed by the same engineers who create Yamaha’s engines, the oil features increased performance and will help the engine last longer.

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Benefits of Yamalube 2M Oil

Benefits of Yamalube 2M Oil

There are several popular brands of motor oil for use in sport boats, but Yamalube oil stands out amongst the competition for several reasons. Yamalube 2M oil, Yamaha’s motor oil formulated for sport boats, is well renowned for providing engines with superior performance. Yamalube 2M oil is TCW-3 certified, while other popular motor oils used for sport boats are often not. The 2M oil is formulated to perform under intense conditions of heat, and to provide the engine with better lubrication which results in increased speed, lower exhaust, and less engine wear. Yamalube 2M oil is the choice of numerous professional sport boaters, and is even used in some models of personal watercraft because it is formulated to perform under extreme conditions.

When switching from another brand of motor oil to Yamalube 2M oil, it’s important to remember to drain the engine of the other oil beforehand. It’s not a good idea to mix various brands of motor oil because the engine can suffer damage and decreased performance on the water.

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