Boating | Outboard Motor Oil - Part 21

Boat Engine Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Part Three

As the heart of the boat, the engine should be near the top of your maintenance hierarchy. Changing your 2 cycle oil is obviously crucial, but it’s not enough. Most marine engine damage stems from neglect of the cooling system. Since marine engines use the water they are in as a cooing agent, the contaminants in the water also flow through the cooling system.

The water filters are the most important component to maintain in the cooling system. Opt for the premium models with metal strainers instead of plastic. Maintenance of the cooling system is particularly significant if you are boating in salt water. If this is the case, check regularly for rust around the gaskets, which is an indication that salt water is leaking out of the system.

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TC-W3 Certification: The Testing

The National Marin Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the organization holding the trademark for TC-W3 and is responsible for all of the analysis. Each 2 cycle oil is put through a rigorous series of tests to ensure that it meets the highest lubrication standards under a range of conditions. A bench test is a trial conducted in a laboratory prior to a product being made available to the public.

To receive TC-W3 certification, every two-cycle oil must pass several bench tests, which include checks for viscosity, lubricity and fluidity, among others. Ring sticking and carbon buildup on the pistons are both checked for as well. Tomorrow we will look at the various engines that are used to test the oils and take a closer look at what it takes for an oil to be approved.

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TC-W3 Certification

Virtually all marine engines are two-stroke, which necessitates a particular type of motor oil. In a two-stroke engine, the fuel and oil are mixed so that the system is lubricated as it is supplied with gas. There are myriad reasons why two-strokes are superior for use on the water, but they also have their drawbacks. Because the oil is mixed with the fuel, two-stroke engines tend to emit an excess of burnt oil.

For manufacturers, the goal is to produce oil that can be used in a smaller proportion to the amount of fuel, such as Evinrude xd100. This will help eliminate much of the emissions that are created by excess oil in the system. Of course, this reduction in the oil to fuel ration can’t come at the expense of lubrication and performance. In order to develop criteria so that owners can recognize premium oils that meet all of this criteria, the NMMA developed TC-W3 certification, which we will be examining the rest of the week.

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Oil Spill Fuels Energy Debate

Most outboard motor oil today is synthetic, so drilling really has no direct impact on production or market value. However, since the catalyst of this blog is oil, the massive spill in the Gulf of Mexico bears mentioning. Of course, the oil spill will have massive ramifications for the wildlife and ecosystems in the region, but it will also provide a new talking point in the ongoing debate on offshore drilling and alternative

For the last several years, the mantra of the Republican Party has been, drill baby, drill. President Obama has even taken steps to appease the GOP faithful by including offshore drilling in his new energy proposal. In the wake of the current disaster however, it will be difficult to find continued bipartisan support for any legislation that promotes the proliferation of drilling. Although there hasn’t been a major offshore drilling fiasco in 40 years, the current crisis in the Gulf is sure to raise concerns about drilling safety and viability.

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How to Change Boat Motor Oil: Part Three

Now that we have familiarized ourselves with the two methods for extricating used oil, it’s time to go through the step-by-step process of actually changing your Yamaha 2w oil. You’ll want to start the engine before removing the oil, which serves dual purposes. Obviously this will heat the oil, making it easier to suck through the pump that you are using. Another reason for heating the engine is agitate the sediments that are dormant in the bottom of the oil pan, ensuring they will be sucked up through the pump.

When removing the oil, you will need a closeable receptacle to collect the fluid in. Look for a container that has a small opening for the hose and a sufficient volume—a milk jug is ideal. Remember, you can’t simply through away your used oil. It is important to take it to the marina or a service station that can recycle or dispose of the oil properly.

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How to Change Boat Motor Oil: Part One

Changing the oil in your boat’s engine is virtually guaranteed to be a messy and time-consuming chore, but it is essential to ensure high performance. For most boats, the manufacturer recommends changing the oil every 100 hours, which few boat owners actually do. There are a few different options when it comes to changing your outboard motor oil, and over the next few days, we will go through these processes step-by-step.

The first and most common way to drain your oil is through the drain plug. Start by placing a disposable container—a foil pan works fine—underneath the engine to catch the used oil. If you have limited space, you can attach a hose to the drain plug and transfer the oil into any container of your choosing. The main downfall to utilizing the drain plug is that it is often difficult to access and space to catch the oil may be limited.

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Preseason Boat Maintenance: Part Four

For most of us, many of the components of the boat motor and inner workings of the craft are arcane and obscure. Even so, there are a few critical parts that every boater should check before the season, and if there is something that you are unsure of, be sure to take your craft to a qualified professional. Of course, the first aspect of the motor to inspect is the fuel line; make sure that the line is intact and that there are no signs of wear. Also check the fuel primer bulb and look for any loose fittings or leaks.

After you’ve inspected the fuel line, move to the tank and check for corrosion, rust and any leakage. Once the fuel tank and line are cleared, make sure that the battery holds a charge and has the proper fuel levels. Finally, change your Evinrude XD 100 and top off the other essential fluids, such as coolant.

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Preseason Boat Maintenance: Part Three

One of the paramount tasks in any preseason maintenance routine is a thorough eye-inspection; it doesn’t matter if your outboard motor oil is topped off and your battery is charged if there is damage to the body. Many people assume that damage to their boat is due to weathering stormy conditions and blasting through choppy water. In fact, many of the repairs that you have to perform will be a result of mooring.

As such, it is important to check the hull of the ship and areas that have a propensity of contacting the dock. It is also advisable to double-check your lines when you tie up your ship to ensure there is minimal slack, which will prevent damage in the future. During this basic inspection, also check for any loose fittings and other parts that may have worn down during last season.

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Oil Spill Scars Large Section of Great Barrier Reef

Despite efforts to safeguard shipping and transportation of oil, instances of oil spills and environmental trouble stemming from the mishandling of shipments are still all too common. A few days ago, a Chinese ship carrying bulk oil hit the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, causing damage along two miles of the natural wonder. The magnitude of the disaster was amplified when it was discovered that part of the damage occurred in a natural sanctuary, where young seabirds and turtles are expected to hatch soon.

Cleanup crews have already begun a concerted effort to minimize the damage, but experts predict that it will take 20 years for the Reef to repair all of the damage. After crashing aground, tides carried the boat along the reef, increasing the extent of the damage. The incident is currently under investigation by Australian authorities, but the ship’s owner is adamant that there was no illegal activity and that the incident was the result of a careless mistake.

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Preseason Boat Maintenance: Part Two

If you’ve had a boat for several years, making a checklist of your maintenance routine may seem superfluous. You are probably saying to yourself, “How could I forget to top off my Evinrude xd100 oil!?” The truth is that all of us, no matter how qualified, will inevitably overlook minute details every now and again. A recent book by Atul Gawande, ‘The Checklist Manifesto’, expounds the merits of checklists, using doctors as a primary example.

For those well versed in the nuances of boat maintenance, it is probably safe to generate your own checklist to go through. However, there are several websites where you can find convenient comprehensive lists that can be printed off. Another option is to compile the tips and advice from this blog to create your own custom list.

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Preseason Boat Maintenance: Part One

Although it will be several weeks or months—depending on where you live—until boat season is in full swing, it is never to early to start tuning up your craft and preparing for some fun on the water. Personally, I like to go through my checklists and make any necessary repairs well before I take out my boat. This is ensures that I don’t lose valuable time on the water to mundane maintenance.

Over the next few days, we’ll review all of the key components and systems you should insect prior using your boat—from changing the outboard motor oil to inspecting the motor for damage. One of the most important aspects to boat care, and one which is often overlooked, is the necessity of keeping your boat clean. Maintaining a clean craft and applying a good coat of wax will help minimize the damage that is inflicted during normal use.

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An Oil Education

I have to admit; the first time that I went to purchase outboard motor oil, I was overwhelmed by the wealth of options that were available. Not only were there different brand names, but there were also a myriad of options within each brand. After staring blankly at the crowded shelf, I decided to seek some assistance. I told one of the staff at the store what type of boat I had and he was able to be of some assistance.

Now that I have a more thorough understanding of engines, I know what to look for in oil and other products. Economical oils were my M.O. back in those early days, but now that I have invested in a top-tier watercraft, I want to ensure its longevity. I look for oils that have a high viscosity and flash point, such as Evinrude XD 100.

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