2 Cycle Oil | Outboard Motor Oil - Part 2

Starting an Outboard Motor

Yesterday, as the kick off for Refresher Week, I wrote a brief post about storing bulk oil. Today I’m specifically posting for boating beginners by covering how to start an outboard motor. Now, if you seasoned boaters are laughing, keep in mind that learning how to master an outboard is no easy task. Here are some step by step directions:

Start by facing the motor and checking to see if the motor back is in the locked up position. If it is, proceed by opening the tank vent and then moving the gearshift lever to neutral. Next, set the choke between half and full, adjust the throttle to start, and prime the fuel system until it feels firm. Now, pull the starter chord (or press the starter button if you have an electric starter). Reduce the choke and throttle once the motor gets going.

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San Juan Islands

Prior to moving to Port Townsend, WA, my aunt and uncle lived on Lopez Island, which is one of the larger islands that make up the archipelago known as the San Juan Islands. For years they had extolled the beauty of the islands and urged me to make the trip up from Seattle. I finally carved some time out of my schedule to go visit the islands.

All I can say is: breathtaking. The islands are truly a wealth of natural beauty and the residents do their utmost to keep it that way. I now take frequent boating trips out to the islands. In fact, I plan on putting some 2 cycle oil  in my boat for an outing this weekend

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Stand-Up and Sit-Down PWC

There are two main types of personal watercrafts: stand-up and sit-down models. Stand-up models tend to be small, single person watercrafts. They also tend to be used for aerial tricks, but can pose problems to professional riders who prefer sit down controls. Overall, stand-up models tend to be cheaper than sit-down models.

Sit-down personal watercrafts gained popularity in the 1980s when the U.S. developed an interest in family-friendly water sports. Sit-down models can seat one to two passengers depending on the model. They are less efficient when it comes to fuel consumption, but they are easier to steer than stand-up models. Yamalube 2W oil can be used for both models to keep the gears operating smoothly.

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Being Safe on PWC

My wife was nervous the first time my kids expressed an interest in personal watercraft. We know some kids who have seriously injured themselves going too fast on the water and losing control. Others have hurt themselves attempting stupid tricks.

We did finally consent to letting the kids’ use our PWC, but they had to prove they were responsible first. They had to demonstrate their knowledge of the machine and its maintenance, including demonstrating how to replace the Yamalube 2W oil. They also had to take a safety course at the marina and pass with a 100 percent. Finally, they had to sign contracts with me and their mother stating that any violations of our rules would result in a lifetime ban from using the PWC. No warnings, no strikes, one mistake and they’re cut off. Thus far my kids have obeyed the rules and stayed safe.

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Outboard Motors

Owning a boat can be quite costly. Maintenance supplies and licenses can be a bit much for someone who doesn’t spend a lot of time on the water. If, on the other hand, you’re essentially a fish without gills, then you should invest in the best boat maintenance supplies available.

Best is not automatically synonymous with most expensive. For example, I keep my Yamaha outboard motor well lubricated with Yamalube 2-M oil. It’s not the most expensive stuff on the market, but it is the most effective. Trust me; I’ve tried all the oil brands and I only trust Yamalube to keep my outboard humming along.

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Trusty Yamalube 2 Cycle Oil

After slogging through a dreary winter, I cannot wait for spring to arrive so I can get out on the water. Over the years I’ve acquired a number of toys: speed boats, WaveRunners, wake boarding accessories and more. When it comes to keeping my toys in good working order, I turn to Yamaha products.

Yamalube oil has served me well over the years. I use it in conjunction with my personal watercrafts and it has never given me anything other than smooth sailing, so to speak. Once I tried a cheaper brand, but, as the saying goes, you get what you pay for. I immediately drained the cheap stuff out and went back to Yamalube.

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Yamaha 50 TLR Specs

The Yamaha 50 TLR has a three-cylinder, two-stroke motor that weighs approximately 189 lbs. It has a bore that is 2.6-inches, a stroke that is 2.6-inches, and a 20-inch long shaft with power trim and tilt. Water is run through a thermostatic control to cool the motor.

A minimum octane content of 87 is needed in the gasoline that powers a 50 TLR. The ignition system is electric and the induction system is a charged carbureted loop (exhaust goes through the prop). Yamaha 2M oil is the recommended lubricant used with the Yamaha 50 TLR.

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Teaching Proper Maintenance

Yesterday, I wrote about teaching my kids pride in ownership. I’ve been reflecting on that topic a bit since then. I’ve tried evaluating how well I’ve instilled those values in my children. Have I driven home the point?

I hope so. Just in case, I think I’ll add boat maintenance to the list of chores they’re responsible for. After all, if they’re more than willing to take the boat out for a spin, then they should be willing to help with its upkeep. Teaching them how to replace XD1 Evinrude ETec outboard motor oil is sure to be a skill they can use throughout their lives.

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Trimming Back Trees

In addition to my weed whacking and edging duties, I’m also responsible for trimming back trees. Dead tree limbs that could crash onto the roof are the first to be taken apart with a chainsaw. Branches that cross property lines are the next to go. Finally, I do some general trimming for aesthetics.

I used to buy the two cycle oil needed for the chainsaw down at the hardware store. Then, I discovered that the two cycle outboard oil brand I use for my boat also carries a line of general two stroke oil. The shop where I purchase my boat oil is now my destination for my chainsaw and weed whacker oil, too. I’d rather they have my money than a big box chain store.

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Getting the Garden in Shape

Spring has sprung which means a lot more yard work for me. Even though my wife is the one who plants all the flower beds, I somehow wind up responsible for their upkeep. Part of that upkeep involves weed whacking and edging.

To make the work a bit easier, I use a two stroke weed whacker. It’s pretty state of the art in that I can get up really close to the edges of the flower beds without risking chopping off the heads of the flowers. Plus, it doesn’t cost too much to maintain the weed whacker; all I really spend money on is some two cycle oil at the beginning of the season and some fuel when it’s needed.

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Reducing Outboard Smoke

For a long time I swore by using mineral oil in my outboard motor. Year after year I experienced zero issues with the particular brand of motor oil I used. I’m not sure if the brand changed their formula or if my engine simply succumbed to its age, but the outboard started smoking far more than usual.

To reduce the outboard smoke, a mechanic friend of mine suggested I use synthetic oil outboard motor instead. I was reluctant but eventually did make the switch. Much to my surprise, the synthetic oil did the trick! From that point on I didn’t have any further issues with a smoking outboard.

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No Crankcase Here!

Chainsaws, trimmers, and outboard motors are likely equipped with 2 stroke engines. Unlike their 4 four stroke counter parts, 2 stroke engines do not have a crankcase. To provide proper engine lubrication, 2 stroke engines require a mix of specially formulated synthetic 2 stroke outboard oil.

Equipment manufacturers typically work with the oil industry to develop these specialty 2 stroke oils. To find out which 2 stroke oil is recommended for your motor, take a look at your owner’s manual. If you can’t find your manual, then check out the manufacturer’s website.

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