Outboard Motor Oil | Outboard Motor Oil - Part 10

Cleaning Mercury Marine Carburetor, Part III

In continuing from yesterday… Now that the carburetor is completely clean it’s time to reinstall all the parts that were removed. Start with the jets, then the fuel bowls and carburetor, and then tighten the screws. Check to make sure everything is secure and that none of the parts got dinged during cleaning.

Your carburetor should now function perfectly. Hopefully, while working on the carburetor you took a few minutes to check out other parts of your boat. Checking the level of Mercury 2 stroke premium outboard motor oil, for instance, is an important part of boat upkeep.

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Winterizing Small Boat Motor

I realize that it is only October, but the cool fall air and incessant holiday shopping commercials have already put winter on my mind. With colder temperatures brings the end of boating season. I know I’ll be spending the upcoming weekend winterizing my small outboard boat motor.

It doesn’t take too much to winterize a small boat motor – cleaning out the engine, adding fuel stabilizer and whatnot. It is such a simple task that it always amazes me when people fail to do it, knowing full well that an improperly cared for motor left to sit over the winter can lead to all sorts of problems. Hopefully this post has served as a reminder and all of you readers will go and winterize your boats in the coming weeks. While you’re at it, don’t forget to order bulk outboard motor oil for next season.

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Getting the Best Mileage, Part II

Continuing from yesterday’s post, here are a few more handy tips for getting the best mileage on the water. This may seem like a no-brainer, but make sure you use your GPS device. Backtracking or taking the “scenic route” wastes a lot of fuel, particularly if you have a definite destination.

Second, know your trim! Many boaters simply angle their outboard motor all the way down, but you can raise your motor a bit and without touching the throttle. You’ll reach and maintain cruising speed while using less fuel. Finally – and I can’t harp on this enough – use the proper boat motor oil. An improperly lubricated engine is just going to cause major financial headaches further down the road.

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Getting the Best Mileage, Part I

Let’s face it: boating is an expensive hobby and rising fuel costs don’t help. Here are a few tips to keep more cash in your pocket by getting the best mileage. Before you start any new routines, take an accurate gauge of how much fuel you use, specifically gallons per hour. Some boats come with a gauge that will tell you this amount, but if not you can keep track by calculating miles traveled divided by fuel used (this number may not be as accurate, but it gives you a starting point).

Next you will want to inspect all of your plugs. If they’re full of gunk, clean them. If they’re cracked or leaking, replace them. This will save you money in the long run. You also don’t want to skimp on engine oil; go for the best outboard motor oil you can find at a discount, as engine problems tend to be the most expensive boat repairs you can be plagued with.

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Dare To Dream

Boating enthusiasts should make a point of reading ‘Dare to Dream’ by Ia The book details the logistics of Thomson’s record setting solo circumnavigation of Australia. What’s most intriguing about the book is how candidly Thomson relates his mindset and motivations.

Another fascinating feature of the book and the trip is how quickly the journey came together. In January 2010 Thomson decided he wanted to undertake the journey, but didn’t even have a boat. Within months he was able to get a boat and equipment, and completed the journey by mid-June. I don’t think I’ll ever be as gutsy as Thomson, but perhaps I’ll plan to motor around the local lake in a two-stroke outboard motor, lubricated with Yamalube 2M oil.

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Preventing Oil Leaks

Outboard motors power watercrafts ranging from small pontoons to large fishing boats. Regardless of size, using the best outboard motor oil is a priority. What do you do then if your motor begins to leak? This can be detrimental to the motor’s performance and to the environment.

To prevent an oil leak, examine the fuel lines for cracks or breaks prior to heading out on the water. Also look over the oil tank for any cracks or holes. In both cases, replacing damaged parts is a must. Finally, check the engine block for corrosion and have trouble spots fixed by a professional.

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Outboard Engines vs. Air-Cooled Engines, Part 2

In our continuation of yesterday’s post, we will examine the differences between the oil specifications for two-stroke outboard engines versus two-stroke air-cooled engines. Outboard engines, because they are water-cooled, require oil with a high percentage of heavy oil to prevent piston scuffing. Oils with detergents should not be used as they may form ash deposits that can clog plugs. To compensate for lack of detergents, more dispersants and rust oxidation inhibitors to control deposits and rust are needed. Responsible owners of two-stroke outboard engines should give Mercury outboard oil a try.

Air-cooled two-stroke engines require much lower levels of heavy oils; in fact, too much heavy oil can cause piston rings to stick together. High detergent oil is preferable because air-cooled two-stroke engines operate at higher temperatures. The detergent keeps temperatures in check while the vibration of the engines keeps deposits from building up.

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Great Gifts for Boaters This Holiday Season: Part 3

Our next installment in gifts for boaters is something no modern boater should be without. We’re all familiar with those fancy GPS systems we have for our cars. They call out directions, display an interactive map and some can even keep up-to-date with construction areas and road closures. So, why should you go without one when you’re on the water? Just because there aren’t any road signs, traffic lights or huge intersections doesn’t mean you can’t end up heading in the wrong direction.

Marine GPS products offer a variety of versatile functions and features. From being designed specifically for being on the water to having interactive features for fishing and more, no boating enthusiast should be without one of these nifty gadgets. Some even provide sonar for illustrating depth contours and fish targets! Whether it’s for use on fresh water of off shore, the marine GPS unit is a must-have. And for the Yamaha owner check out a lasting supply of Yamalube 2M oil.

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Environmentally Friendly Boating Tip 4

Responsible and routine maintenance aren’t just important for the life and longevity of your boat but also for the environment. Keeping your boat and engine in optimum operating condition means you’re helping it maintain maximum fuel efficiency. Maximum fuel efficiency translates directly into lower emissions from your boat’s engine, which in turn means a healthier, happier environment.

One excellent method for achieving optimum fuel efficiency is to use the proper equipment, such as the right propeller for your boat and engine. An adjustable-pitch propeller or a modular prop could help increase fuel efficiency. Ensure that your motor reaches the proper wide-open-throttle RPM with the right combination of motor and propeller and you could save yourself even more money at the gas pump. This can also help you to burn less boat motor oil, ultimately saving you money when boating.

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Environmentally Friendly Boating Tip 2

Our second installment in our tips for eco-friendly boating is both simple and affordable. When buying cleaning products for your boat, be sure to look for the EPA-Certified “Design for the Environment” DfE on product labels and packaging. This certification can mean three things for you. First, it lets you know that the product will help you protect the environment when you use it. Second, it’s safe for you and your family. Third, these products have minimal environmental impact. All three are an important part of getting the most out of your boating experience.

Further, while painting your boat be sure to use bottom paints that are legal. Using biodegradable cleaning agents can also help you ensure that no paint or dangerous chemicals enter the water. With just a few easy steps you can help the environment when caring for your boat. Help ensure the safety of the environment and its stability for generations to come by doing your part and cleaning safely and responsibly. You can also help the fuel efficiency of your 2 cycle engine with the right 2 cycle oil.

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Environmentally Friendly Boating Tip 1

Our first tip is an obvious one. This one involves keeping your trash out of our waterways, out of our wetlands and off our shores and coastlines. Trash and debris are some of the biggest problems facing the world’s vast stretches of waterways. In recent years with the increase in consumption we’ve begun to see the al of the planet’s water becoming more and more polluted. As a result, habitats and their wildlife are suffering the most.

So next time you’re on the water make sure you’re keeping all of your trash on board with you. Don’t throw anything into the water. That means cigarette butts, water bottles, fishing line and any other garbage. And be sure to use those conveniently placed recycling bins at your local marina for all of your glass, paper and plastic. You can even recycle the plastic shrink wrap you use to store your boat for the winter. In addition, use a highly efficient motor oil such as Yamalube 2W oil for two cycle engines. And tune in next week for our next Environmentally Friendly Boating Tip.

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Fuel Economy Tip 5

The fifth installment of our fuel economy tips is something a lot of people simply don’t think about enough. Proper trimming ensures that water resistance is minimized in all circumstances. Although maintaining proper trim can sometimes be complicated, especially under certain water or weather conditions, it remains a critical aspect of maximizing your motor’s fuel efficiency.

Needlessly moving water through your props is a sure-fire way to cut down on fuel efficiency. When you’re moving water for no apparent reason, you’re also burning excess fuel for no apparent reason. Getting up on plane quickly and maintaining your optimum cruising speed is critical to proper trimming. In addition , you can maximize your efforts by ensuring that the weight on your boat is evenly distributed. You can also try Evinrude XD50 oil in your two-cycle outboard motor to increase fuel efficiency.

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