2 Cycle Oil | Outboard Motor Oil - Part 21

Fuel/Oil Mix Ratio in Small Engines

Fuel/Oil Mix Ratio in Small Engines

Smaller two cycle engines often use a mixture of standard fuel and two cycle oil, and the ratio tends to be different based on the engine. The standard ratio for most small engines is 32:1, or 32 parts fuel to 1 part two cycle oil. However, this ratio won’t work for all small engines and in fact, using the incorrect ratio can cause the spark plugs to foul (become saturated with gasoline). Replacing the spark plugs is no big deal, but it can be a pain if it needs to be done all the time. There’s a much decreased chance that the spark plugs will foul if the correct fuel to two cycle oil mixture is being used. While mixing the fuel and 2 cycle oil can seem like a pain, a small engine that is run only on gasoline won’t make it through a full tank before seizing, which can cause serious damage.

Lawnmowers, leaf blowers, and weed whackers are some of the most common smaller two cycle engines. These engines can all run on the standard 32:1 fuel to two cycle oil mixture, but some specific brands have different needs. It’s best to check the manual for the ideal fuel mixture before refueling a small engine. This will save money and ultimately preserve the life of the engine.

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Yamaha Develops New Synthetic Oil

Yamaha Develops New Synthetic Oil

In their continued efforts to provide their customers with the highest quality vehicles, engines, parts, components, and fluids, Yamaha recently developed a new line of synthetic oil. The new Yamalube oil is a full synthetic designed for high performance in snowmobiles. The 0W-40 oil features high grade lubricants and provides unrivaled lubricity, helping the engine to function at peak performance. The new oil bonds with metal engine components to create a shield against wear and also resist thermal breakdown under high heat conditions in snowmobiles. This new Yamalube oil is just one of many innovations from Yamaha, a company known for bold new thinking.

The Yamaha Parts and Accessories Group, where the new Yamalube oil was developed, worked closely with the Yamaha Factory Snocross Team to develop the new synthetic oil. Sub-zero temperatures combined with professional snowmobilers make for extreme engine conditions, and the Yamaha Factory Snocross Team only uses Yamalube oil in their snowmobiles.

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Reasons for Fouled Spark Plugs

Reasons for Fouled Spark Plugs

One of the most common issues with two cycle outboard motors occurs when the spark plugs become saturated with gasoline, and foul out. When it seems like no amount of replacement plugs can fix the issue, it might be due to a number of factors. Most often fouled spark plugs are noticed when the engine starts fine, runs fine for a while, but then bogs down, starts to lose RPM, and dies. If this occurs a number of times after the spark plugs have been replaced, the engine is flooding with gasoline.

The most common cause of this issue can be attributed to incorrect spark plugs, so be sure to check that the right spark plugs are being used first. The other issue could be an incorrect gasoline/two cycle outboard oil mixture. More serious issues are also plausible, for example, the choke or cold start enrichment circuit could be failing to switch on and off. If the engine requires actual maintenance, it can become expensive fast. When purchasing a two cycle outboard engine, it’s important to check customer reviews and even consult other boaters first. Two cycle outboards from brands like Yamaha, Mercury, and Evinrude have proven track records of success, while other brands might not enjoy much in terms of industry respect.

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The Purpose of Marine Engine Oil

The Purpose of Marine Engine Oil

While most all boat owners recognize that oil serves some purpose and must be changed now and then or pre-mixed into the gasoline, some don’t know what oil does inside the actual marine engine. The oil’s job is to stop all the metal surfaces in the engine from grinding together and becoming damaged from friction. Most people recognize that oil serves as a lubricant, but oil also needs to hold in suspension the byproducts of combustion like silica and acid. Oil cleans the engine of these chemicals, because otherwise build-ups would occur and wear down the engine at a remarkable pace.

Oil needs to lubricate and clean the engine under tremendous conditions of heat and pressure. Several engine oils, like outboard motor oil, contain special additives that help the engine work better under specific conditions. For example, outboard motor oil contains an additive to reduce condensation in the engine. For this reason, it’s important to use premium outboard motor oil in outboard engines.

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Two Cycle Oil Certification Parameters

Two Cycle Oil Certification Parameters

Before 1975, there was no system in place for rating the effectiveness of various two cycle oils. But with the combined efforts of the Society of Automotive Engineers, the American Society for Testing and Materials, and the American Petroleum Institute, a series of industry accepted lubrication specifications were developed. There were several barriers that prevented the establishment of standards, but the greatest problem was posed by the two cycle oil being mixed with gasoline for combustion. Because of the need for a mixture of two cycle oil and gasoline, there were problems determining the ability of the oil to mix with the gasoline and the ability of the oil to flow in oil injection systems.

Eventually, a system was developed to classify the different kinds of two cycle engines. The designations are:

TA (small engines, less than 50cc)
TB (loaded small engines, 50cc to 200cc)
TC (high performance engines, 50cc to 500cc)
TD (outboard engines)

The oil’s performance rating is determined by a three part engine test that evaluates anti-scuff characteristics, ring sticking and engine cleanliness, and pre-ignition.

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How 2 Cycle Engines are Lubricated

How 2 Cycle Engines are Lubricated

2 cycle engines are unique from 4 cycle engines in several ways, but the most notable is the absence of an oil sump on the 2 cycle engine. Because there is no oil sump, lubrication is done by mixing 2 cycle oil with the fuel. The 2 cycle oil is burned upon combustion of the air and fuel mixture. Direct Injection engines differ from this model because the fuel is injected into the combustion chamber while the oil is injected into the crankcase. Direct Injection engines have a higher power density than most two cycle engines due to this fact.

Because 2 cycle engines use a mixture of 2 cycle oil and gasoline, their lubrication system is considered a “total-loss” type. Direct Injection engines have higher combustion temperatures, which causes them to require more lubrication than traditional 2 cycle engines that use the oil/gasoline mixture.

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Reducing Outboard Motor Emissions

Reducing Outboard Motor Emissions

It’s well known that the two cycle outboard motor, because of its design, produces more pollutants than the standard four cycle engine. In fact, a two cycle engine using conventional mineral oil can produce almost fifty times the CO2 as a four cycle engine. This is an alarming fact, but with new technology, these emissions can be cut by a significant amount. Synthetic two cycle outboard oil has been available for a while now, and in comparison to mineral oil, it is much less harmful. In addition, there are new two cycle engine oils that are derived from animal fats and other renewable resources that have the same effect on performance in outboard motors but cause much less exhaust.

In these times when the condition of the environment is of chief concern to millions of Americans and people around the world, it’s important to embrace new green technologies for the betterment of the environment as a whole.

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Precautions for Personal Watercraft

Precautions for Personal Watercraft

Personal watercraft, also known as Jet Skis and WaveRunners, are enjoyed by millions of people around the world. But when riding a personal watercraft, it’s important to have fun, but also to be aware of safety precautions. The most important safety precaution for all personal watercraft riders is wearing a life jacket. In the event of an accident, a life jacket can save your life. It’s also important to maintain a keen sense of spatial awareness; be aware of boats, swimmers, and other personal watercraft at all times. Carrying a whistle is also a good idea in case of an emergency.

Your personal watercraft should be well maintained; it’s important to winterize it in the fall, and replace all essential fluids, including Yamalube 2W oil, during the spring before taking it out on the water. If you’re not an expert on personal watercraft, having your machine checked by a mechanic every couple years is not a bad idea either.

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Interesting Information about Oil Tankers

Interesting Information about Oil Tankers

The tank ship, often referred to as a tanker, was conceived in the later years of the 19th century. Prior to this, it wasn’t practical to transport liquids over significant distances, but with the invention of the tanker, substances like oil, chemicals, fresh water, and molasses could be transported over the ocean. The oil tanker is one of the most common tank ships because most countries around the world need crude oil for refinement and all sorts of industry. However, there are dangers posed by tank ships that involve spillage of the liquid cargo in the open ocean. Bulk oil spills, like that of the Exxon Valdez, caused significant environmental damage and generated controversy around the world.

However, provided the proper precautions are taken, tank ships allow transport of all kinds of valuable liquid cargo, including bulk oil. Tank ships are essential to the health of the world economy.

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Lawnmower Won’t Start!

Lawnmower Won't Start!

When a lawnmower engine won’t start, there’s no need for distress… yet. The most common reason a lawnmower engine fails to start can be attributed to bad gasoline or an incorrect gasoline mixture. For two cycle lawnmower engines, it’s important to create the proper mixture of gasoline and two cycle oil. You should never use old or leftover gasoline, and never store gasoline inside the lawnmower. It’s not at all uncommon for gasoline to sour over the winter, so be sure to start fresh in the spring.

If you are storing gasoline or two cycle oil, be sure to store it in a cool, dry place away from any kind of sparks or flame. For gasoline cans, be sure to keep all the vents closed during storage. For two cycle oil, make sure you are using the right type, and make sure it is clean.

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Where to Purchase Oil for a Jetski

Where to Purchase Oil for a Jetski

There are a lot of places you can find the two stroke oil necessary for Jetskis and WaveRunners, but to purchase the best quality oil, you need to know where to buy. In general, department stores like Wal-Mart have a good selection of products, but don’t carry the specialized oil needed for optimal Jetski and WaveRunner performance. There are several brands to consider, but Mercury Quicksilver, Yamalube 2W, and Yamalube 2M oil are all safe bets. You want to ensure that your oil is TC-W3 certified, regardless of which brand you use. Most of the time however, if an oil is from a reputable manufacturer like Yamaha, Evinrude, or Mercury, you can rest assured it is TC-W3 certified even if it’s not listed on the bottle.

The best places to buy two stroke oil are small marinas or online. If you live near a marina, you can purchase there, but if you want to save yourself some time, purchasing online is a way to buy as well.

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Two Stroke Engine Advantages

Two Stroke Engine Advantages

While representing a much older technology, two stroke engines still have some significant advantages over their more advanced four stroke counterparts. The three main advantages include:

1.) Two stroke engines weigh less: two stroke engines don’t have valves, which simplifies their construction and reduces total weight.

2.) Two stroke engines have more power: two stroke engines fire once every revolution while four stroke engines fire once every other revolution.

3.) Two stroke engines work in all orientations: a two stroke engine works the same right side up as it does inverted, sideways, or diagonal, four stroke engines have trouble functioning if they’re not right side up.

These advantages make two stroke engines a simpler and at times more effective option for a motor. However, two stroke engines also cannot provide enough power to much larger objects. Two stroke engines all use two cycle oil for lubrication. The oil itself is formulated to cope with the intense conditions under which two stroke engines operate.

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