2 Stroke Oil | Outboard Motor Oil - Part 12

Are You Ready for Snowmobile Season?

snowmobile

Outdoors enthusiasts’ tastes change with the seasons. In summer, they can be found fishing from the deck of a small personal craft or perhaps splashing around shore on a waverunner. But as the air begins to take on that distinctive crispness and the leaves take on a reddish hue, their thoughts turn to other endeavors. The boats are stored safely and securely in an out building – away from those who would steal their valuable outboard engines.

But just as many boat owners are going about the painstaking process of winterizing their crafts, they are also thinking of taking the snowmobile out of storage. Before too long the ground will be covered in a powdery layer of fresh snow. Even though that first ride might feel far out of reach, it’s still best to make sure that a sled is in tip-top shape for snowmobile season.

Begin by checking the fuel and oil levels. If it isn’t already, be sure to top things off with some Yamaha 2s oil. People also have a tendency to forget about other crucial fluid levels such brake fluid and engine coolant. Brake fluid levels can be verified by taking a gander at the sight glass of the master cylinder. Anti-freeze can be viewed in the reservoir tank. As long as both of these fall somewhere between the “low” and “full” designations, you should be fine.

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Two-Stroke Engine Care with Yamalube

2strokeengine

Yamaha’s signature brand of oil is designed for the most grueling conditions both in and out of the water. Yamalube two-stroke engine oil is used in outboard motors, dirt bikes, lawnmowers, snowmobiles and several smaller gas powered appliances. Unlike other two-stroke engine oils, Yamalube oil is so potent that it can help to repair and prevent engine damage.

While all Yamalube oil is formulated for performance, the additive packages in different oil formulations are designed for specific stress loads. Each blend of Yamalube oil must accommodate the needs of the engine. For example, Yamalube two-stroke outboard oil needs to be able to lubricate the engine for hours of operation at full throttle and low throttle, while Yamalube two-stroke oil for dirt bikes needs to be able to stand up to frequent and intense acceleration.

For owners who want their two-stroke engine to operate at its best, Yamalube is the oil of choice. Those looking for a little extra kick would be wise to invest in Yamaha fuel additives, like the Yamaha Ring Free additive, which helps prevent ring stick and wear, while also cleaning carbon and varnish deposits from the engine.

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More Outboard Motor Thefts Reported

More Outboard Motor Thefts Reported

Less than a month after reports of widespread outboard motor thefts rocked the Florida Keys, boaters in Reno, Nev., are reporting similar troubles. According to local police and the Reno Gazette-Journal, at least eight outboards have been reported stolen in the last four months. Although authorities suspect a connection between the incidents, thieves were indiscriminant about stealing the motors. Five were taken from residences, one from a commercial business and two from storage yards.

As always, incidents like this should serve as a stern reminder – no pun intended – to keep meticulous watch over marine engines when they aren’t in use. There are a number of preventative steps boaters can take in order to deter theft. The most obvious and perhaps most effective measure requires that boat owners remove the motor from their boats and put them indoors for storage.

Other ideas include installing an outboard motor lock, putting a motion detector in the storage area, or even chaining the boat and the trailer to a permanent object. Boaters are always encouraged to take proper care of their outboard during the boating season by lubricating liberally with 2 stroke oil, but offseason care is just as important. Outboard motor theft is a very real threat, so take the time to protect your investment.

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Ethanol Issues, Continued

Ethanol Issues, Continued

Yesterday we established the potential problems with the Environmental Protection Agency’s push to mandate higher ratios of ethanol in outboard fuel mixes. Most notably, a 15 percent ethanol mix would prove harmful to carburetors and especially fuel tanks in small private crafts, costing the boating industry millions in the long run. Today, let’s look at a few other potential headaches E10 and especially E15 could cause boat owners.

For obvious reasons, a motor runs best on fuel that is consistent throughout – from the first drop to the last. The same is true for all machines that require 2 stroke oil: A lumpy mixture has a tendency to gum up the works, while a smooth, consistent blend will keep a motor running strong. When ethanol dissolves components from a fuel tank, those components flow along with the fuel into the rest of the system – including the engine. These chemicals congeal into black goo.

Even worse, E10 latches onto water molecules and holds them in a gelatinous state. This means just a little water in a fuel tank presents a unique problem with ethanol blends. The lumps of ethanol and water are more dense than the rest of the fuel, causing them to sink to the bottom of the tank. Over time, this sludge will build up and lead to additional problems. It goes without saying that an E15 mixture would only compound this already serious issue.

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Planning Ahead for Winter Fun

Planning Ahead for Winter Fun

August is just around the corner, and before we know it fall will be on the horizon. Most anglers and other boat enthusiasts can squeeze out a few more months on the lake, but what comes next? It’s never too early in the year to prepare for snowmobile season as you’ll want to spend every free moment tearing through the powder when the time comes.

Snowmobile manufacturers try to lure consumers with revamped designs and pleas for brand loyalty, but the primary feature that truly distinguishes snow machines is the engine. As is the case with outboard motors, the choice is fairly straightforward: 2-stroke or 4-stroke. Just when it appeared that 4-cycle motors would dominate the market for environmental reasons, Evinrude created the E-TEC direct-injection system for its outboard motors. Ski-Doo, one of the world’s leading snowmobile manufacturers, was intrigued with these new, cleaner-running 2-stroke engines and modified them for winter.

The 600 H.O. E-TEC 2-cycle produces fewer carbon monoxide emissions than any 4-stroke version on the market. It meets and exceeds all Environmental Protection Agency standards for snowmobiles and runs best on Yamaha 2s oil and other similar specialized products. Its popularity has made 2-stroke engines relevant once again in the cold winter months. Before the snow begins to fall, evaluate the bevy of wintertime options.

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Additives Explained

oil gunkBoat owners who regularly use small crafts might wonder why 2-stroke oil additives matter so much. In truth, the additives found in a fuel-oil mix are just as important as the quality of the oil itself. The chief goal of any outboard motor oil is to lubricate the engine and keep it running smoothly. That would not be possible without additives such as ashless detergents.

Carbon buildup is a natural byproduct of a 2-stroke engine’s combustion process. This residue – usually lacquer or varnish – needs to be cleared away so that it doesn’t completely gum up the works. Ashless detergents are made from organic compounds, whereas many fuel additives in the past were rendered from heavy metals. As such, newer 2-cycle oil additives leave no trace of ash when burned. Marine engine oil featuring these detergents is usually characterized by a distinctive ammonia odor.

All this talk about combustion and engine buildup might suggest a few environmental hazards; however, the Environmental Protection Agency has taken actions to ensure that 2-stroke marine oil conforms to rigid environmental standards. For instance, outboard motor oil contains biodegrading agents that allow microorganisms to cleanse the water of hazardous materials. Although these agents have little positive effect on an engine’s performance, they add to a boater’s peace of mind.

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Yamaha and the Transition to Motor Oil

Yamaha and the Transition to Motor Oil

Today, Yamaha is world renowned as a manufacturer of fine engines and accessories, but its origins are very different. As a fledgling company just getting off the ground in the late 19th century, Japan-based Yamaha entered the musical instrument market. Although it’s remained a high-profile proprietor of pianos, guitars and especially electronic keyboards, World War II changed the company’s focus significantly.

During wartime in Japan, musical instruments were seen as an extravagant luxury, whereas the industrial market became lucrative for obvious reasons. The YA-1, an innovative 125cc two-stroke motorcycle, became a best-selling product for Yamaha. Having gotten a taste for a new market, Yamaha Motor Company was born.

Yamaha is now one of the world leaders in marine outboard motor technology. As such, the company began offering its own line of specialized 2-stroke oil. Additionally, Yamaha formulated Yamalube 2s oil for snowmobiles, ATVs and motorcycles. It’s hard to believe that more than a century after its inception Yamaha has diversified into radically different markets and succeeded at every turn.

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A Yamaha 2-Stroke Innovation

A Yamaha 2-Stroke InnovationFor rapid acceleration and blazing speed, boaters the world over turn to lightweight, compact outboard motors. These motors have progressed by leaps and bounds – especially in the last 40 years – in terms of increased efficiency. By the late 1970s, the world was beginning to gain an environmental conscience. As a result, boaters began scouring the outboard motor landscape for engines that created less pollution.

The Yamaha High Pressure Direct Injection system was borne from these environmental concerns. As its name implies, the system sends gas directly to the combustion chamber. Outboard motors that utilize this system retain their compact appearance and impressive power, but they also gain fuel efficiency. All Yamaha 2-stroke engines require high-quality outboard oil. The VMAX line of motors, available in 150- and 300hp incarnations, continue to meet and exceed EPA emissions standards year in and year out. Where once certain marine engines got a bad rap for polluting lakes, rivers and oceans, the astonishing evolution of outboard technology has made 2-stroke engines more environmentally friendly than ever.

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Take to the Track

kart racingMany people experience the thrill of the open road every day without even pulling out onto a public street. Kart racing is a fun and affordable alternative to pricier motorsports that require an enormous financial investment. Some hobbyists revel in the chance to make physical alterations to their karts’ chassis, and others prefer to take a ready-made kart out for a spin.

Serious kart racers prefer water-cooled 2-stroke engines, which allow them to accelerate quickly and keep a lightning-quick pace around the track. A carefully regimented schedule of maintenance should include liberal dollops of 2 stroke oil. Electric karts are severely limited in their ability to sustain high speeds, so they are largely discounted by kart racers.

Kart racing is often used as a starting point for motorists who plan to take an eventual leap to other motorsports such as stock car racing. Still, kart racing is far from child’s play. It’s a serious sport with legions of followers who would happily leave their detractors in the dust.

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Tips for DIY Outboard Maintenance

Tips for DIY Outboard MaintenanceIf you’re the kind of person who likes to do it yourself, here are some suggestions for performing maintenance on your outboard motor. First, it’s important to note that present day marine equipment is quite sensitive, and represents advanced technological machinery. Make sure to have the proper training before performing maintenance on these sensitive technological systems. Don’t perform maintenance that’s not covered in the service manual unless aware of the procedures and precautions, otherwise, your safety could be at risk. There are simple procedures, like premixing fuel with gasoline and Yamaha 2S oil, which all outboard engine owners should know. However, the service manual is written for technicians who have received special training, and if the manual doesn’t make sense, it’s best not to attempt maintenance. Make sure to have the special tools and equipment needed for maintenance, and never substitute generic equipment (like wrenches, screwdrivers, or hammers) when a special tool is necessary.

For complex maintenance, it’s best to take in the outboard to a local dealer. All dealerships have qualified trained technicians, who can perform maintenance and even provide more advice on how to do it yourself.

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2 Stroke Engines vs. 4 Stroke Engines

2 Stroke Engines vs. 4 Stroke Engines

It’s estimated that about 70-80% of the outboard engines sold are 4 stroke engines, and much of the reason is due to a common misconception about 2 stroke engines. In the past, 2 stroke engines suffered from terrible fuel economy and were known for spewing exhaust and pollution. However, in the last decade, that traditional 2 stroke engine archetype has changed… a lot. Most of the old 2 stroke engines that were oversized gas guzzlers have been replaced with direct injected and fuel injected 2 stroke engines. These new engines are state of the art, and conserve fuel while offering great power.

While 2 stroke engines were worse off in several categories when compared to 4 stroke engines, there is one area in which the 2 stroke engine excelled. 2 stroke engines are more reliable than 4 stroke engines due to their more simplistic design. Owners who tend to their 2 stroke engine with proper care will have an engine that can last for a long time. The new 2 stroke engines are just as reliable as their older counterparts. The new direct injected and fuel injected 2 stroke engines use a metered stream of 2 stroke oil to lubricate all the rings and bearings, ensuring the engine remains in top condition while improving fuel economy. This innovation makes the 2 stroke the sheer winner over the 4 stroke engine.

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Yamaha to Go Green

Yamaha to Go Green

With people around the world concerned about the effect of pollution on the environment, Yamaha has committed itself to designing cleaner engines. In one of several steps towards clean energy, Yamaha has stated that it will manufacture electric motorcycles by 2010. These motorcycles will be able to travel about 60-70 miles on a single charge. In addition, Yamaha has extended efforts to make its existing technologies friendlier to the environment. For outboard motors, Yamaha has developed full synthetic outboard motor oil. This new Yamaha oil provides better engine performance, and is much easier on the environment. The new synthetic Yamaha oil is formulated for use in all kinds of Yamaha motors including outboards, motorcycles, WaveRunners, ATVs, and snowmobiles. Yamaha has also been at the forefront of designing cleaner and more efficient engines for almost a decade, and now has several available on the market.

Companies like Yamaha are designing the products that the modern consumer wants. In addition, with Yamaha products, consumers can rest assured that the product will still possess the same renowned quality expected from the Yamaha brand.

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