September, 2011 | Outboard Motor Oil - Part 2

Mixing Fuel for Mercury Outboard

Newer Mercury two stroke motors have oil injection systems that keep the ratio of gasoline and oil correct. Older two stroke motors from Mercury do not have those systems, thus, the oil and fuel need to be mixed by hand. This is a task that is not too difficult.

Start by gathering an empty, clean gasoline container and two cycle outboard oil. Next, look at how much gasoline you pumped into the container. For each gallon of gasoline in the container add three ounces of motor oil. Close the container and shake the contents vigorously before adding the gasoline and oil mixture into the fuel tank.

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Selecting Two Cycle Oil

Two stroke engines, in contrast to four stroke engines, do not have a crankcase. Instead, a two stroke engine needs the proper mixture of oil and gas to function. The two stroke oil is crucial to keeping the engine lubricated so it doesn’t lock up.

It is important when conducting maintenance on a two stroke engine that the correct oil and oil ratio is used. Consult with the owner’s manual to figure out which two cycle oil the engine needs. If you have lost the owners’ manual, then search online or contact an oil wholesaler for their recommendation. You don’t want to ruin your engine with wrong or insufficient oil!

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Testing Synthetic Oil

Synthetic oil is made from synthesized and modified petroleum compounds as opposed to whole crude oil. In extreme temperatures, synthetic oil often works better than traditional oils. To figure out which synthetic oil outboard motor oil is right for your vehicle; spend some time testing different brands. The first step, of course, is to simply check the labels to see what additives are in the oil.

Next, you will want to test the viscosity of the oil by pouring the oil through a funnel into a canister. You’ll want to observe the thickness and flow of the oil. If the synthetic oil meets all of your standards, then you know that you have a winning brand on your hands!

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Testing Snowmobile Oil

Now that the summer season is over and I’ve made plans to winterize my boat, I’m turning my attention to winter. While the area that I live in has fantastic summers, we also get quite a bit of snow. Like most people in my neighborhood, I own a snowmobile for winter recreation.

If you’ve been reading this blog for any amount of time, you know that I’m pretty particular about the oil I use. I always conduct a paper test on snowmobile oil. I simply place a drop of the oil from the engine on a sheet of paper and then put a drop of oil from a new bottle next to it. I compare the two dots and look for black coloration in the oil engine oil. If the old oil has too much grit and color in it, then I know it’s time to change the oil.

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Winterizing a Boat Part II

Today we continue with information on how to winterize a boat. Winterizing the motor is a crucial step. First, fill the tank with fuel stabilizer and then with marine fuel. Run the motor long enough for the treatment to get into the fuel lines and engine area. The purpose is to keep fuel remnants from ruining the tank.

Next, flush out the cooling systems with a flushing kit. Add in some anti-freeze afterward to prevent ice from damaging the line. Spray the engine with fogging oil that will stick to the cylinders. Also take the opportunity to replace the outboard oil and filters. Give the prop and the rest of the boat one last look over before covering the boat.

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Winterizing a Boat Part I

This past weekend I took the family out to the lake for the last time this summer. The kids are back in school and my wife and I have work, so their just won’t be as much time or good weather to take the boat out. This upcoming weekend I plan on winterizing the boat.

The first thing I’ll do is thoroughly wash and clean the entire boat. I’ll make sure to leave the storage bins open so they don’t collect moisture and mold over during the off-season. Once the boat is completely cleansed, I’ll make a list of repairs that need to be taken care of before the boat is taken out again next season. Tomorrow I’ll address what to do with outboard motor oil.

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Reducing Emissions

According to the NMMA, the two-stroke engine industry wants to reduce emissions containing burnt and unburned oil. To do so, the development of high quality oil that sufficiently lubricates the engine, even at lower oil to gasoline ratio, is a must. It really is a win-win situation as the customer gets a quality product at the industry meets  regulations.

One product that has proven successful is oil TCW-3 Amalie. The trademarked lubricant has evolved through much testing and refinement. Now it sets the standard in the performance-based qualification program. If you’re looking for a more environmentally friendly lubricant, test out TCW-3 Amalie oil.

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Labor Day Weekend Plans

I am both looking forward to and dreading this coming weekend. Monday is Labor Day, which means the whole family will have off from work and school. Being able to spend a three-day weekend with my family is the aspect I’m looking forward to. What I’m not looking forward to is the fact that Labor Day weekend typically signals the end of the summer season.

I’m going to make the most of summer’s last hurrah. The whole family is going to take a trip to the lake for one last time this season. I’m actually checking the level of the Mercury outboard oil tonight to make sure everything is already for tomorrow’s trip. I hope all of our readers have a fantastic long weekend, too!

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Making Smart Business Purchases

A few years ago one of my friends opened up a boat rental business. He lives in a beach community in New Jersey that has a small year round population and a massive summertime crowd. His business is successful, but since most of his business is driven by summer tourists he has to be careful how he spends his money.

One of the ways he saves money is by buying in bulk. For instance, at the start of the summer season, he buys at least one Mercury oil 55 gallon drum. He saves a bundle by buying in bulk and he never has to worry about running out of oil to service his boats.

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