2 Cycle Oil | Outboard Motor Oil - Part 24

Is Ethanol Cleaner Than Traditional Gas?

two-cycle oil

Q: What are the exhaust emissions of straight gasoline, and how do they compare to those from gas with ethanol?

A: Ethanol is being used to reduce the amounts of tailpipe emissions and therefore plays a role in controlling air pollution. And though ethanol is being promoted by the Environmental Protection Agency as a cleaner-burning fuel choice, its actual impact on the environment is still largely unknown.

Gasoline containing as low as 10 percent ethanol can drop fuel mileage in cars, and can also harm engines that use two-cycle oil, such as chainsaws and weed-whackers.

However, evidence shows that ethanol evaporates more rapidly than gasoline, thus making it more volatile. The result of this chemical reaction is an increase in compounds that lead to the formation of smog, among other things.

Still, scientists disagree on the clean-burning effects of ethanol. Even the process of turning corn into ethanol takes energy that releases carbon monoxide into the atmosphere, even after the EPA ordered factories to install pollution-control equipment in 2002.

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The Mercury Trailer Boat at Rest

The Mercury Trailer Boat at Rest

If your Mercury boat takes you into salt water, it is recommended that you park with the outdrive in the down position. This prevents barnacle formation on the bellows; if barnacles form, they can cut into the bellows and ultimately sink the boat. There have been many recent instances in the Midwest where beavers have eaten enough boat bellows to sink the craft and render it useless. If your Mercury outboard is stored in the sun with the outdrive down, it will also alleviate the effects of dry rot on the bellows.

Bellows should not have to be replaced more than once every five or six years, barring formation of a leak or hole. When performing preventative maintenance on the bellows, you may have more success with Mercury parts-they have a bellows kit-the Mercury shop manual, and/or Mercury’s Master-certified mechanics. There are special tools, a thread lock and a certain adhesive you will need for bellow replacement. Once all this is done and it’s time to go out on the water again, stock up on Mercury engine oil and happy boating!

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Yamalube Outboard Motor Oil

Yamalube Outboard Motor Oil

Yamalube outboard motor oil, including Yamalube 2m oil and the company’s entire outboard motor oil product line, has been designed to withstand the most strenuous conditions your outboard can take.

Each Yamalube oil is made from components specific for the application-Yamalube oil for outboard motors is very different from the Yamalube oil for motocross motorcycles, even if both have a liquid-cooled 2-stroke engine. Each of these engines has a different stress load and the appropriate oil for each machine has a different lubrication formula.

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More About TC3-W Oil

More About TC3-W Oil

Yesterday, I discussed the gradual phasing of TCW-2 into TCW-3 oil and answered a few questions about the use of the older oil, why and how it has evolved into TCW-3, etc. It was asked whether premixed TCW-3 oil could for other machines, such as chainsaws, motorcycles, and landscaping equipment without detriment. The “W” that is sometimes present in the name (there is also TC-3 oil) stands for “water-cooled” and is not necessary for an air-cooled engine. Another inquiry that arose was why TCW-3 oils sometimes showed color variations. The answer is that there are different suppliers who use different dyes, strictly for identification purposes, but the oils are formulated exactly the same.

Modern marine engine oil is carefully formulated for premium engine performance, environmental compatibility, and contains the additives now mandated by the federal government for clean, efficient and safe operation of your boat, as I discussed in yesterday’s blog. Many would recommend not cutting corners when it comes to oil, and I would agree with that assessment. Use the best within your budget, mixing it as directions dictate.

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Got Evinrude Oil?

Got Evinrude Oil?

If it is a new motor, and it is attached to a new Evinrude boat (or a new-to-you boat), congratulations! You may have a question or two about the best care and feeding for this fine machine. For instance, if you are dealing with a two-stroke Evinrude motor, you may be wondering what kind of oil to use. Their suggestions are XD30, XD50 and XD100 oil for two-stroke motors that are 1993 and newer. When it comes to the grade of Evinrude outboard oil to use, 87 octane is the current minimum, but 89 octane is actually preferred. Use of higher-octane fuels have not proven to provide any additional benefit, and may actually exacerbate hard starting conditions in hot weather.

If you are wondering about the proper ratio of fuel to oil for optimal performance in your Evinrude motor, a breakdown given on the company website is as follows: 1958 and prior used 20 parts fuel to 1 part oil; 1959-1963 used 24 parts fuel to 1 part oil; 1964 and newer use 50 parts fuel to 1 part oil. High performance racing usage requires a ratio of 25 parts fuel to 1 part oil. Finally, when it comes to gearcase oil type and capacity, refer to your owner’s manual for specifications.

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The Debate Rages On

The Debate Rages On
A few days ago in this blog, I compared 2-stroke and 4-stroke outboard motors. In the news this week, another question arose. The year 2006 was the original deadline the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) gave for all outboard motors in use to meet new, more stringent emission requirements-levels so low that many consumers believed that 2-stroke motors would have to be done away with altogether, simply because they did not have the technology the EPA guidelines would require. However, almost three years later, two-stroke outboard motors are still being sold, even though statistics have shown that up to 40% of the gas and oil in a two-stroke motor’s gas tank enter the water unburned. One study suggests that a 70-horsepower outboard motor emits as many hydrocarbons per hour as the average automobile driven about 5,000 miles.

There are currently no regulations demanding the disposal of two-stroke outboard motors, which are still acceptable in all but a very few situations. Some of these motors are over 25 years old and still running smoothly, but their overall fan base is dwindling due to environmental concerns. The real issue is not with all two-stroke motors, but with the older models that are not directly oil- or fuel-injected, where the outboard motor oil and fuel are mixed in a can prior to use.

 

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Racing Outboard Motor Oil

Racing Outboard Motor Oil

Two cycle oil for high-performance racing motors needs to contain a heavier synthetic base than most to protect the pistons and bearing that are under more strain from the rigors of racing. High performance two cycle motors can include stock or modified motors, including snowmobiles, personal watercraft, Moto X motorcycles, ATVs, go-carts and certain outboard motors.

Performance motor oils need to reduce friction and burn clean, because high performance two cycle motors run hotter than recreational outboard motors. The properties of appropriate performance motor oil will also provide some protection against wearing of essential engine components.

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Two-Stroke vs. Four-Stroke Outboard Motors

Two-Stroke vs. Four-Stroke Outboard Motors

When choosing between a two-stroke or four-stroke outboard motor for your boat, the features of each must be considered. Two-stroke outboard motors are lighter in weight, less expensive, and often faster. They are generally easier to repair and maintain, having a comparatively simple design that has been available for almost 80 years. Two-stroke outboard motors tend to hold their resale value, remaining in high demand in the used market. On the con side, a two-stroke outboard motor produces more pollution, smoke, are non-two cycle oil injection models, have a rougher idle than their four-stroke counterparts, and are sometimes harder to start.

Four-stroke outboard motors are cleaner, quieter, smoother, provide more fuel economy, and are often more reliable. They are preferred by some boaters who run in lakes and rivers because they are generally accepted at any body of water. They do not run on an oil and gas mixture or generate as much pollution. The negatives of four-stroke outboard motors include their high expense for purchase and repair and heavy bulk, which makes it complicated to transport or position in storage without the help of a stand. Because the design for a four-stroke outboard motor is more complicated than its two-stroke counterpart, there are more parts to malfunction. However, outboard motor production will be either four-stroke or very similar. The technology for the four-stroke outboard motor is always improving, and as time goes on, there is a higher percentage of qualified mechanics to perform any necessary repairs. The current used market is very limited for the four-stroke outboard motor, though this is also growing as technology and training improves.

*Note: this comparison does not include direct fuel-injected two-stroke models.

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How to Maintain an Outboard Motor

How to Maintain an Outboard MotorJust as it is important to maintain your car’s engine for optimum performance, your boat requires a certain amount of care for consistent and smooth operation. Since an outboard motor hangs outside the hull of a boat, it requires special attention to prolong its life. Caution when transporting your boat to the destination of your planned outing is extremely important. The motor and boat trailer should be braced securely so that the motion of land travel does not cause permanent damage.

Each time a boat is returned from a salt water excursion, the outboard motor should be flushed out with fresh water to prevent the pump and lines from corrosion. Outboard motor oil and gas lines should be drained and disconnected before storing your boat for an extended period of time to keep the carburetor clean. The area around the propeller and gears of the motor should be checked for cleanliness and excess water accumulation. The pump inside the motor should also be checked to ensure the impellers do not look worn. If all of these steps are taken regularly, your outboard motor should provide its best possible performance.

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Boat Motor Oil Viscosity

boat motor oilThe viscosity of boat motor oil is one of its most important properties, as it measures how any given oil will flow. Thicker oils will generally have a higher viscosity than thinner oils. The viscosity of boat motor oil is essential for productive engine operation.

The numbers and letters on boat motor oil packaging refer to measurements that have been taken at specific temperatures. A “W” means the oil meets viscosity specifications for winter use. Multi-viscosity boat motor oils prevent the oil from thinning as it warms up because polymers have been added to prevent the oil from thinning. It is wise to use multi-viscosity boat motor oil with the narrowest span of viscosity for the temperatures you will encounter-in the winter, for the lowest expected temperature, and for the summer, for the highest temperature anticipated.

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Varied Uses

Varied Uses

Two cycle oil isn’t always just relegated to being used for boats. Some brands of 2 cycle oil that are marked as “multi-use” can be used for some types of motorbikes. If you are a person with several different vehicles – or, for this example, a boat and a smaller pocket bike – you can purchase some outboard motor oil and use it for something else other than a boat.

Before you do this, you’ll want to make sure that the oil is usable for your other vehicle. You can find this out by asking other motorbike enthusiasts, or reading the label.

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