Boating | Outboard Motor Oil - Part 22

Jetting Your Carburetor: Part One

Changing your outboard motor oil and doing other routine maintenance is important, but if you want to get the most out of your vehicle, you are going to have to do more than just routine maintenance. One of the most important components of your engine, with regards to the smoothness and efficiency of your ride, is the carburetor. The carb controls the ratio of fuel and air mixture that your engine uses. Finding the proper balance of these two variables will give your machine optimal power and reduce its emissions. The next few days we will be going over how to jet the carburetor on your ATV.

Before we begin, it is important to understand that there are three main carb circuits, each of which controls a range of throttle positions. The main jet is used when the throttle is three-quarters to fully open. When the throttle is open one-eighth to three-quarters, the needle jet is used, and for the final positions, the pilot jet and screw come into play. Tomorrow we will go into more detail with these carb circuits and begin discussing how to jet the carb.

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How to Choose Your Outboard Motor Oil: Multi-Viscosity Oils

Yesterday we provided a brief overview viscosity and discussed why you it is important to consider it when purchasing Evinrude XD100, or any other oil, for your vehicle. Over the years, oil technology has advanced greatly, and one of the most important innovations is multi-viscosity oil. In order to allow the oil to maintain a higher viscosity in high temperatures, manufacturers add polymers to light base oils.

This means that the oil now has a range of viscosities. 20W-50, for example, will typically have a viscosity of 20, but it will not exceed 50 in excessive heat. When choosing multi-viscosity oils, you want the range to be as small as possible. As the range grows, more polymers need to be added to the oil, which jeopardizes the quality of the product.

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How to Choose Your Outboard Motor Oil: Viscosity

The viscosity is the most important spec to consider when purchasing outboard motor oil. Essentially, the viscosity is a measurement of how well the oil flows. As a rule of thumb, thick oils have a high viscosity, and vice-versa. If your oil’s viscosity is too low, it will lose strength at high temperatures, while if it is too high, the oil will not be able to pump to all of the necessary components of the engine.

The weight of the oil corresponds to the oil’s viscosity. Higher weights indicate greater viscosity in the oil. If there is a “W” next to the number, this signifies that the oil has been tested in cold temperatures and is approved for winter use. Tomorrow we will wrap up our discussion on viscosity and highlight multi-viscosity oils.

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How to Choose Your Outboard Motor Oil: Part One

For many people, their choice in boat motor oil hinges on what option is the cheapest. While this may be suitable for the casual motorist, those of us who put a lot of wear and tear on our vehicles need premium grade oil. Even if you know that you want the best, it can be difficult to distinguish between all of the options that are available.

There are several specifications to take into consideration when choosing your oil, and over the next few days, we will be providing information on viscosity, flash point and other measurements to take into consideration. Most oil companies provide products in several grades, and your specific oil needs will be dependent on your vehicle and how your use it. Tomorrow we will begin our series with an in-depth explanation of viscosity and the viscosity index.

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Gauging Your Spark Plugs: Part Two

Knowing how to evaluate your spark plugs is a useful skill for adjusting the flow of gasoline and outboard motor oil your vehicle’s engine burns and identifying other potential engine problems. Last time we went over what a normal and dry spark plug will look like, and today we will finish reviewing the various problems that the spark plug can indicate.

If the insulator is wet and black, it is a likely signal of wet fouling, which is caused by too rich of a fuel to oil ratio or unwarranted use of the choke. Chalky buildup or bumps on the insulator are caused from excess deposits, which are created due to poor fuel quality or bad oil. Lastly, a white and melted insulator shows that the engine is overheating. This is caused by too lean of a fuel mixture or problems with your spark plug placement and heat range.

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Outboard Motor Anatomy: Part Three

Now that we have gone over the two cycle oil and gasoline specifications, as well as the benefits of the outboard motor, it is time to determine which model is right for you. The motor that you choose will be largely dependent on the hull of the craft that you plan to attach it to. Every boat built in the US has a “Guard Rating Plate”; this shows the maximum horsepower for the motor, but you should also be sure never to go below 75 percent of this number.

The other main spec to take into consideration is the shaft length. On outboard motors, this measurement is customized to fit 15, 20 or 25-inch transoms (the stern of the watercraft). When the shaft length is too long, there will be drag, while if the shaft is too short, it could lead to ventilation or potentially the overheating of the engine.

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Outboard Motor Anatomy: Part Two

Yesterday, we highlighted the main difference between two and four stroke motors—the fact that you have to mix your Evinrude XD100 oil and gasoline—and today we will go into more detail on the anatomy of the outboard engine itself. The motor contains all of the essential components: the engine, gearbox and propeller. Not only does the motor give the boat its power, but it is also used for steering and handling.

While both inboard and outboard motor can be raised, outboard motors also tilt forward, making them ideal for navigating shallow waters. Outboard motors can also be removed more easily, which is convenient when it comes time for storage. This capacity for removal and their lightweight design also makes out outboard motors easy to repair.

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Outboard Motor Anatomy: Part One

The two-stroke v. four-stroke debate is an ongoing point of contention between boat owners around the globe. While four-stroke engines certainly have their advantages, two-strokes are ideal for small watercrafts. In the next couple of days, we will be going over the various elements of the two-stroke engine and in what ways it is superior to the four-stroke.

When comparing the two, the most discernable difference for most people is how you mix the gasoline and outboard motor oil. In a two-stroke engine, the oil and the gasoline are mixed together, whereas they are held in separate compartments in a four-stroke. This design makes the two-stroke simpler but provides better lubrication to the four-stroke.

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The Merits of the Outboard Motor

Our focus in this blog is obviously on oil, and, to a certain extent, outboard motors. When purchasing a new boat, one of the most crucial decisions is whether to go with an outboard, inboard or inboard/outboard motor. While the other two certainly have their merits, outboard motors are my weapons of choice for a variety of reasons.

First of all, and probably most importantly, they are the cheapest option. They also tend to be lighter, and you can easily remove them when not being used, making them simple to replace as well. Traditionally, outboard motors were two-stroke, which meant that you had to mix the outboard motor oil and the gasoline; however, today there are several four-stroke options.

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Pre-Season Boat Checks

I know that it is only March, but I am already beginning to prepare for the upcoming boating season. The weather here is already beginning to reach temperatures that make a weekend boating excursion look attractive. Of course, before I launch my watercraft for the first time, some routine maintenance and checks need to be done.

Before embarking on the first boating trip of the year, I always check the fuel line for cracks, wear and loose attachments. I also check the tanks for any damage and ensure that there isn’t any water in the fuel. And, of course, I always double-check the levels of fuel and outboard motor oil.

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Marine Engine Wear and Tear

Every engine needs oil to maintain proper lubrication and preserve the integrity of the various moving components. This is particularly important for marine engines because of two factors that cause an unusual amount of wear and tear. First of all, outboard motor motors constantly run at a high RPM, and, on top of that, have to maintain their torque through waves and adverse conditions.

The fact that boats often go weeks, months or, in some cases, even years between uses doesn’t bode well for them either. Because of these constant strains on the engine, it is crucial to perform routine maintenance and change your outboard motor oil frequently. This will not only improve your boat’s performance, but will also prolong its life.

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Mercury Marine Company Overview

While Evinrude may get a lot of publicity, Mercury Marine is actually the world’s leading manufacturer of marine propulsion engines. Unlike other companies that produce complete watercrafts, Mercury focuses exclusively on engines, providing units for recreational, commercial and government usage. The company creates both Mercury and Mariner engines.

You won’t see Mercury Marine on the NYSE, but that’s because they are a division of Brunswick Corporation, who also owns Bayliner, Sea Ray and other leading marine manufactures. In addition to their award-winning engines, Mercury also produces a wide line of accessories and Mercury oil. The Mercury Marines mission statement outlines their commitment to excellence and their customers.

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