Boating | Outboard Motor Oil - Part 28

Spirit of Invention

Spirit of Invention

Innovation is almost always born out of necessity. History’s great tinkerers and inventors used the limited knowledge at their disposal to solve modern problems. And we in turn reap the benefits of those breakthroughs. The work of boat engine mogul Ole Evinrude is a perfect example. One hundred years ago this month, Evinrude changed the American boating landscape by inventing what is now called the outboard motor.

In August of 1909, Ole Evinrude wasn’t exactly a household name. He had distinguished himself as a machinist while employed for a number of machine tool companies in the Midwest, but he probably would have never dreamed of attaining fame in the boating world. On a fateful August day, Evinrude was enjoying a picnic with his girlfriend on a small island in the middle of a lake. The girl suddenly mentioned her hankering for ice cream, and Evinrude was eager to please. He rowed across the lake to an ice cream shop, bought the confection and turned back.

Before he reached the island, however, the ice cream had melted in the sun. This gave him an idea: Why not attach a motor that would propel his boat without the need for rowing? From there, Evinrude began to tinker until he came up with a workable model. He wouldn’t approve an engine design unless it worked perfectly. This attitude has remained an integral part of the company a century later. The Evinrude brand has expanded to include a variety of specialized engines, tools, and high-quality 2-cycle oil such as Evinrude XD100 oil. There’s no telling what innovations the next 100 years will bring.

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Considering Boat Insurance

Considering Boat Insurance

As summer begins to wind down, many boat owners begin taking stock of their vessel – seeing to any late-season repairs and making plans for the offseason. In the wake of a recent rash of outboard motor thefts in the Florida Keys, boat owners are taking extra care to ensure that their investments remain protected for the years to come. In many cases, this requires exploring the ins and outs of boat insurance.

It’s a common misconception that boat insurance covers the craft exclusively. Depending on the plan, boat owners can cover practically any unfortunate eventuality. The most basic plans cover collision damages, fire and lightning. Beyond that, most plans also protect against the threat of vandalism and theft. But that’s just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Many policies extend far beyond the boat itself to cover machinery, outboard motors, boat trailers and personal property that may be attached.

Now that August has arrived and many seasonal boat operations will be ceasing within a few months, it’s as good a time as any to assess the state of your small boat. Whether or not you invest in an insurance plan, it’s always a good idea to keep your boat and its components well maintained. Providing the motor with satisfactory lubrication – as provided by Mercury engine oil – can effectively extend its life. That means more time to have fun in the sun.

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Dealing with Saltwater Corrosion

Dealing with Saltwater Corrosion

For those who make a habit of using their small boats in salt water, a unique problem begins to crop up. Although most quality outboard motors are built to run in any water conditions, they become susceptible to the effects of wind and weather over time. Even if your engine is initially protected by a few coats of primer and paint, the elements have a way of getting through. Despite your best efforts at keeping an engine running smooth with Yamaha 2m oil, there are other factors that also must be considered.

Now that summer is beginning to wind slowly to a close, it’s a good time to check your outboard for outward appearances of wear. Saltwater corrosion starts as an aesthetic problem, but it can spiral into a mechanical one in no time. Take a close look at the paintwork, inspecting for blisters or bubbles. You might notice that some of these irregularities are solid, and others have burst to emit slight trails of whitish aluminum oxide.

In order to remedy this problem you’ll need to remove the engine and place it on dry land. Using a degreasing agent, remove all traces of dirt. After it dries, take an electric drill and a heavy brush and eliminate any flaking paint, rust and salt deposits from the engine’s surface. Fill in any dents or dings with putty, and then sand the result until it appears consistent. Finish by adding primer and final coats of paint.

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Keep an Eye on Your Outboard

Keep an Eye on Your Outboard

A recent influx of outboard motor thefts in the Florida Keys has served to remind boaters to remain vigilant on dry land. According to the Miami Herald, bandits have been targeting high-quality Mercury and Yamaha outboards. In this calendar year alone, there have been 53 cases of marine engine theft, and the vast majority of them have gone unsolved.

Officers working on the cases have said that the robbers are anything but brazen; in fact they have been known to strike only when a motor is left unattended and readily accessible. It stands to reason, then, that small boat owners would benefit by storing their boats in garages after use, or, in some cases, detaching the motor and stowing it away inside. It’s not unusual for the motor to be far and away the most valuable part of a boat, and crooks are not ignorant of that fact.

Although this problem has been particularly rampant in Florida, it’s important for all owners of small craft to remain alert. It’s best to think of outboard engine security as simply another facet of day-to-day maintenance. Just as you would provide your engine with quality boat motor oil to keep it running strong and smooth, you should keep an eye on your outboard.

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Cleaner Outboards Down Under?

Cleaner Outboards Down Under?

Last week, we took an extensive look at the Environmental Protection Agency’s call for an increased ethanol presence in domestic outboard fuel. In the wake of this news, motor manufacturer BRP Evinrude has proposed that Australia adopt America’s current outboard emission standards. If implemented, the plan would ban importation of high-emission technology engines as early as next year.

Australia has been notoriously lax about regulating non-road engines, but there has been a clamor of late down under to improve air and water quality. Many older non-compliant two-stroke engines are high polluting, according to Evinrude, and they are costing the country’s health industry billions of dollars. Environmental concerns have achieved a new level of awareness in Australia following a 270-ton oil spill off the coast of Brisbane.

If passed, the proposed regulations would copy the EPA 2009 emissions limits and testing procedures. Newer outboards manufactured by such companies as Yamaha, Evinrude and Mercury comply with these standards and use efficient, eco-friendly boat motor oil. If the Australian government decides to adopt these standards, it will set an interesting precedent for outboard fuel discussions in the U.S.

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Comparison Shopping for Used Outboards

Comparison Shopping for Used Outboards

If you’re new to the boating scene or have recently decided to buy your own boat, it’s tempting to go for a “package deal.” These are the small boats that come with outboard engines included, and they can be pricy. Used motors provide an alternative for thrifty shoppers – although you should always do your homework before buying and attaching one to your vessel.

In the outboard motor market, brand names mean a great deal. Yamaha, Evinrude and Mercury have come to be known for their reliability and generous warranties. It’s always advisable to shop around for the motor that suits your budget as well as your practical boating needs. It goes without saying that you’ll want to find a used motor with all of the relevant features – perhaps an electric start or a steering cable attachment.

Perhaps the most important consideration when comparing used outboards is the amount of wear and tear. Boat motors should be judged not by their age but by the number of hours they’ve been run. Just as you would most likely prefer a Corvette that’s been parked in a garage for five years over one that’s been driven hard for three, an engine that’s seen less use will require less maintenance. In many cases, used motors are less efficient than new ones and therefore require plenty of lubrication with quality oils such as Yamalube. Just remember that it’s possible to find a quality outboard on a budget.

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Mercury Marine Motors: Then and Now

Mercury Marine Motors: Then and Now

It should come as no surprise to outboard engine owners that Mercury Marine grew out of the seeds of hard work and innovation. After all, the company continues to display those traits to this day. It all started in the late 1930s, in a sleepy Wisconsin burg. Company founder Carl Kiekhaefer saw potential in a failing outboard motor manufacturer and rescued its supply of originally “rejected” motors.

In those days, Kiekhaefer still had modest dreams: naming the company after himself, he hired a small crew of workers to repair the 300 or so motors and sell them to the original buyer. This retailer was so pleased with the crew’s work that they turned around and ordered another batch. Around this time, Kiekhaefer began to envision designs for a refurbished outboard engine that would put power and reliability before all other considerations.

By 1940, the company had been renamed Mercury and was creating a whole new line of engines featuring an innovative fuel system and a housing to protect the drive shaft and exhaust from water damage. As America entered World War II, public attention turned away from the outboard industry. Mercury sought and won a government contract to make 2-stroke chainsaw motors.

In the post-war years, the recreation industry boomed and people returned to lakes and rivers with one thing on their mind: relaxation. Mercury resumed outboard production and would later introduce its own line of 2 cycle oil. Today the company has expanded to put its stamp on a wide variety of products for boat enthusiasts, including propellers, electric controls and inboard engines.

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Time to Inspect for Oil Leaks?

Time to Inspect for Oil Leaks?

Most outboard motor manufacturers recommend that boat owners inspect their engines once a year – if not more often – and perform some routine maintenance as needed. If your outboard has seen a lot of action this summer, take some time to ensure that it continues to operate smoothly. To begin this process, grab a screwdriver, an adjustable wrench, an industrial container, pliers, a hammer, some two cycle outboard oil and your owner’s manual.

The first step is to make sure you don’t void your warranty by mistake. Scour the manual for tips on which lubricants and replacement parts to use. Next, study the motor for signs of lubricant leaks. Don’t be alarmed if you spot a bit of oil below the fill screws, but a large running stain is cause for concern. In the case of excess oil leakage, set up an appointment with an outboard mechanic. At least you caught the problem early instead of finding out about it when your engine shuts down in the middle of the lake.

Consult your manual again to see if lubricant changes are recommended for the engine’s lower unit. If so, drain the old lubricant into the industrial container and replace it with a recommended brand. Squirt some lubricant into the gear case with the applicator until the oil starts to come out of the top fill hole. Put the top plug back on and wipe away leftover lubricant with a cloth.

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More Ethanol Is Not the Answer

More Ethanol Is Not the Answer

Newspapers and network news programs have been trumpeting the arrival of renewable energy for years now. Likewise, the topics has been on the tongues of politicians serving locally and nationwide. Their point is well taken: Fossil fuels are harmful to the planet, and green-friendly options are available. Ethanol, an alternative fuel made from corn and other natural products, isn’t exactly a godsend to the outboard motor industry, however.

In theory, ethanol mixes with gasoline to create an eco-friendly blend that burns cleaner than standard fuel-oil combinations. That may be true up to a point, but higher ratios of ethanol leave a sludgy byproduct in carburetors and fuel injection systems. Even worse, ethanol is chemically structured in such a way that it dissolves fiberglass fuel tanks. Most of these problems are held in check when outboard motor oil contains 10 percent ethanol or less.

The Environmental Protection Agency is on the verge of upping the standard amount of ethanol in gasoline from 10 percent to 15 percent – a possibility that would prove disastrous for the boating industry as we know it. The Boat Owners Association of the United States and several other consumer advocacy groups are livid about these plans. They are arguing that many boat fuel system warranties would become null and void if 15 percent ethanol fuels are used. Outboard motor oil, they say, must strike a careful balance that weighs environmental concerns with boating performance.

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Bringing a Dunked Engine Back to Life

Bringing a Dunked Engine Back to Life

Accidents happen out on the open water – whether they owe to operational error or forces beyond our control. Either way, nobody’s perfect. If you operate a small craft such as a dinghy or perhaps an inflatable boat, chances are you’ve dropped an outboard motor into Davy Jones’ locker.

Small vessels – especially inflatables – ride low in the water, which means there’s very little room between the engine and the murky depths. One false move, and that motor takes an unwanted plunge. But resuscitating an outboard motor isn’t rocket science. In fact, you don’t even need to be a trained professional to bring that engine back to life.

If you dropped the engine in salt water, begin resuscitation by washing it thoroughly with fresh water. Next, remove the primer hose and spark plugs. Disconnect the rubber plug from the cylinder head. Begin draining water from the engine by laying it on its back and cranking the motor as many times as needed. Turn the engine upright and add one tablespoon of quality fuel/oil mix – Yamalube 2m oil does the trick nicely – into each spark plug hole.

Flush the carburetor by squeezing the primer bulb a few times. You’ll need to jettison all the moisture from the engine’s electrical components. Try some WD-40 or other de-watering fluid. Finally, reconnect the rubber plug on top of the cylinder head and restart your engine. Keep it running for a sustained period of time, say 30 minutes, to ensure that it’s working properly.

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More than 100 Years of Evinrude

More than 100 Years of EvinrudeSince its inception 102 years ago, Evinrude has been a pioneer in the outboard motor market. Surprisingly, the first outboard motor built by company founder Ole Evinrude in 1907 wasn’t all that different from today’s 2-cycle engines. The components remain the same, but new Evinrude engines feature significantly increased speed and efficiency.

By 1930, Evinrude – or the Outboard Motor Company, as it was then known – had introduced the first electric-start outboard motor. A year later, Evinrude’s ingenuity paid off as it became the world’s largest outboard motor producer. During WWII, Evinrude secured a government contract to manufacture airplane parts in addition to its standard line of sturdy, dependable outboards. The company hit the ground running at war’s end, increasing production domestically.

Throughout the company’s history, Evinrude has continued the tradition of building and improving quality 2-cycle engines. In 2005, the Environmental Protection Agency presented the Evinrude E-TEC 2-stroke with its Clean Air Excellence Award. The E-TEC set a new standard for fuel efficiency and eco-friendly performance, and it runs best when well-lubricated with Evinrude oil. There’s no telling what this dynamic company will do next, but one thing is certain: Boaters will benefit.

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Personal Watercraft Safety

Personal Watercraft Safety

WaveRunners and other personal water craft promise hours of enjoyment on the open water – whether you’re taking a weekend trip to the lake or visiting friends at their seaside getaway. Just like all waterborne vessels, WaveRunners should be operated in a safe, responsible manner. As long as you keep a few basic safety tips in mind, you’re virtually guaranteed a carefree marine experience.

First and foremost, wear a life preserver. People who forgo life jackets out of pride are only doing themselves a disservice. Most states mandate life preservers, and the choice is a no-brainer anyway. Keep your vision from becoming obscured by donning a pair of goggles. You may also prefer to wear gloves, thereby ensuring a solid grip on your craft’s movements.

When other watercraft or swimmers are nearby, you should maintain at least 100 feet of distance. The worst WaveRunner accidents are undoubtedly head-on collisions.
Be sure to keep your personal water craft topped off with oil – that way the engine won’t overheat while you’re out tearing up the waves. High-quality 2-cycle bulk oil can keep your engine running smoothly all summer long.

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