The Differences Between Oil Brands

When it comes to motor oil, no matter who slaps their label on it, the oil itself and the additive packages most often come from oil refineries. Most oil refineries are owned by third parties, and have little to no affiliation with the various companies that purchase their oil (except for a business affiliation). Thus the difference between Yamalube oil and Evinrude oil, if the two were purchased from the same oil refinery, might not be all that significant. However, one difference between the various brands of motor oil is the additives. The additives are what make different formulations of oil work better in certain kinds of engines. While some motor oil brands will purchase additive packages from the refineries that are quite similar if not identical to the competition, the big name brands, like Yamaha and Evinrude, often have their own special additives. These additives maximize the oil’s effectiveness in the Yamaha or Evinrude engines.

It’s important to be aware of the brand of oil in the engine, and not just stick in any motor oil that seems to work well. The effects of using one motor oil over another will manifest over time, and using the right oil will prolong the life of the engine.

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Stealth Operation for Outboard Motors

Experienced fishermen know that some of the most prized fish can be quite skittish in the water. In addition, the noise of the standard two stroke outboard motor can be quite successful in scaring fish. However, for the fishing enthusiast who can’t stand to switch over to a four stroke model, the E-TEC two stroke outboard motor from Evinrude offers superior stealth with its quiet motor, while still boasting the performance one would come to expect from Evinrude. In addition to being much quieter than other two stroke outboard motors, the E-TEC engine is also much better for the environment, requiring less gasoline and outboard motor oil during use, and producing less exhaust. E-TEC engines are perfect for fishermen who want to sneak up on their catch while ensuring our lakes, rivers, and oceans remain in pristine condition.

For the best results, ensure that the boat’s hull is free from debris and grit, ensuring that it slips over the water with ease and doesn’t disturb the fish. Remember, fish can hear and see underwater, and could be frightened off if the boat causes a lot of commotion.

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Choosing the Right Brand of Outboard Motor Oil

When it comes to outboard motor oil, not all brands are created equal. Provided the outboard motor oil is TC-W3 certified, the difference between Brand A and Brand B is most often the special additives which are unique to each brand. Most engine manufacturers have their own exclusive brand of outboard motor oil, which contains those additives that work best with their engine. However, a lot of the additives are the same. For example, most if not all outboard motor oil contains an additive that reduces and prevents water condensation in the fuel tank. If a boat owner were to use standard automotive oil in their outboard, it would work fine for a short time, but then the condensation in the fuel tank would start to contaminate the fuel, and the engine would begin to have trouble starting.

It’s important to choose the right outboard motor oil for the engine. For those who want to be safe, just purchase the manufacturer brand, or a brand recommended by the manufacturer. However, using a brand not recommended by the manufacturer won’t affect the manufacturer warranty in most cases, unless that brand is not TC-W3 certified. It’s also a good idea to purchase bulk outboard motor oil from the preferred brand, as this can save a lot on expenses over time.

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Sport Boat Maintenance Information

Unlike traditional boats, sport boats require a bit more maintenance and care to remain at peak performance. Because engine conditions in sport boats are much more intense, the engine requires special outboard motor oil. It’s important to use engine oil formulated for sport boats, like Yamaha 2M oil. This oil contains special additives that allow it to function better under more intensive engine conditions, in addition to providing all the standard benefits of premium outboard motor oil. It’s also important to perform more frequent maintenance on a sport boat, including flushing the engine on a regular basis, cleaning and scraping the hull, and replacing batteries, fuses, and lights. Keeping a sport boat in top condition is possible for all owners with a little bit of knowhow and elbow grease.

Make sure to keep a supply at home and on board the boat of those essential items that might need to be replaced on the fly. This includes an extra propeller, a limited supply of fuel and outboard motor oil, and spark plugs.

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Yamalube 2M Oil for HPDI Engines

Without a doubt, Yamalube 2M is the oil to use in Yamaha HPDI engines. While it’s possible to use other brands of two stroke oil without voiding the warranty, Yamalube 2M oil is the clear choice of boat owners who want the most out of their engines. There are several subtle differences between Yamalube 2M oil and the oil of other leading competitors. One central difference is the additives in Yamalube 2M that reduce the buildup of carbon in the engine. In addition, there are other additives to reduce condensation in the gas tank, and ensure the engine continues to operate at peak performance. It’s possible to save some money purchasing a cheaper two stroke oil, but the money saved on purchasing an inferior brand of oil is far insignificant to the cost of boat ownership. Yamalube 2M oil preserves the condition of the engine, and overall the engine will require less maintenance over its lifetime.

Compared to other two stroke oils, Yamalube 2M oil also accomplishes more with less; most HPDI engines will use just a little oil compared to other engines, and due to this, the HPDI owner saves a lot with the reduced fuel consumption.

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Performing Maintenance on a Mercury Engine

When performing maintenance on a Mercury outboard engine, it’s important to be aware of a few safety precautions. First, make sure to read the Owner’s Manual and shop manual before any kind of maintenance is performed, and ensure all safety precautions noted in the manual are observed. These safety precautions include:

_Removing all fuel vapors from the bilge.
_Working in a well ventilated area
_Having a fire extinguisher near in case of fire.
_Wearing safety goggles or glasses.
_Avoiding sparks or open flames.

In addition to these precautions, it’s important to have the correct tools for maintenance, work in a clean area, and avoid getting fuel, Merucry engine oil, and other lubricants on the skin, as these can prove dangerous to health. It’s also a good idea to ensure that maintenance is performed at the regular required intervals, often based on how often the engine has been used or its age. Taking the proper maintenance precautions will ensure the safety of the owner, and the livelihood of the engine.

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Synthetic Oil Reduces Maintenance Needs

Let’s face it, outboard maintenance can be quite expensive, and most of the time, the need for maintenance could have been prevented with proper care. In order to prevent damage and wear to the outboard motor, there are a number of smart practices to take into consideration. For example, a practice as simple as switching from conventional two cycle outboard oil to synthetic outboard oil can have a dramatic effect on preserving the condition of the engine. Synthetic two cycle outboard oil, like Evinrude XD100 oil, is better for the environment and better for preserving the life of the outboard motor.

When boating, it’s also a good idea to take a few additional practices into consideration for preserving the condition of the outboard motor. This includes finding the ideal cruising speed, scraping the hull on a regular basis (to reduce drag), and not being hard on the engine. It’s also a good idea to perform regular maintenance checks, and ensure the motor is taken in for service on its service schedule. Don’t forget to winterize during the off season as well!

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E10 Gasoline Causes Problems for Outboard Motors

E10, the ethanol and gasoline fuel that is now the standard at most fuel pumps, often works fine with automobiles but doesn’t translate as well to outboard motors. E10 contains 10% ethanol, and in order to reduce environmental pollution, the government has mandated that all gasoline fuel must contain at least 10% ethanol. But several boat owners have found that the fuel doesn’t work as well in their outboard motors. The reason is that ethanol separates from the gasoline and moves to the bottom of the fuel tank when the boat sits still for an extended period of time. While at the bottom of the tank, water vapor or condensation can build up inside the tank, and the ethanol absorbs it. When water becomes absorbed into ethanol, it becomes a mass of watery ethanol that sits at the bottom of the fuel tank, and then upon ignition, the watery mass is sucked into the carburetor and it sputters and plugs up.

Ethanol clogs are a common problem that outboard servicers are finding more often in outboard motors. The solution is to use the manufacturer recommended fuel stabilizer, and also to ensure the proper boat motor oil is being used. Boat motor oil is formulated with additives to reduce water condensation in the engine, and can assist in preventing break downs.

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Mercury Develops New Pro Kicker Engine

Mercury’s Pro Kicker series of outboard motors are some of the most in demand motors amongst fishermen. The Pro Kicker series offers a sleek and functional design accompanied with a clean and fuel efficient engine. Perhaps the most appealing feature of the Pro Kicker engine is its unique quiet motor. Having a motor that doesn’t make a lot of splashing or sound makes it ideal for fisherman. In addition, the Mercury Pro Kicker provides hundreds of different features that make it a diverse outboard motor suited for all kinds of different purposes in the water.

Mercury has been the manufacturer of choice amongst fishermen for decades, and even some of the most aged Mercury engines are still in service amongst fisherman all over the world. In order to get the most out of your Mercury engine, be sure to use Mercury oil, which is formulated to provide superior performance, cleaner emissions, and help the engine to last. Mercury oil is also the preferred outboard motor oil for the Pro Kicker series; the oil ensures fishermen get the most out of their Mercury engines.

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Servicing an Evinrude Engine

In addition to engines and motor oil, Evinrude is the premier manufacturer of numerous products for engine maintenance. Evinrude is committed to being a full service provider for all manner of engine cleaning and maintenance products. Performing regular maintenance with Evinrude products will protect the engine and the investment. Evinrude emphasizes prevention before potential damage occurs with all their engine care products. For example, Evinrude offers two and four stroke engine fuel conditioner, which will keep engines free of build up. It’s good to use fuel conditioner during times where the engine is unused, during the winter for example. Evinrude also offers products like the Carbon Guard which is an additive for the gasoline that will decrease carbon build up and remove existing build up inside the engine.

Evinrude also offers a wide range of products that can help protect the exterior of the engine, including their anti-corrosion spray to prevent rust and corrosion in marine environments including salt water. Evinrude also offers marine grease for boat trailer wheel bearings and other components that require lubrication and are exposed to the water. For all Evinrude engines, it’s best to use Evinrude oil because the additives are designed to keep the engine running at top performance.

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Preventive Maintenance for Outboard Engines

It’s important to keep an outboard engine in the best condition for superior performance, and with this goal comes a number of annual checks that will ensure clean and efficient operation. Take these annual steps to keep the outboard running at its best:

_Lower Unit: change the gear lubricant in the lower unit on an annual basis, and inspect the old outboard motor oil for metal fragments (if found disassemble the gearbox and for maintenance) and evidence of water intrusion (if water is found replace the seals).

_Water Pump Impeller: it’s best to replace the water pump impeller at least once every two years, or each year if the engine is exposed to salt water. Inspect the pump housing, and replace it if damaged, and also inspect the old impeller for missing pieces, and remove from engine as necessary.

_Powerhead: do a full inspection of the powerhead on an annual basis. Make sure to check the engine wiring for corrosion, inspect the fuel lines, replace the spark plugs, check all the fasteners, and lubricate the essential engine components as needed.

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Outboard Engines More Popular in Foreign Countries

While we often like to think of North America as the native market for outboard motors, in truth, outboards are much more popular in foreign countries. Sales of outboard motors in North America account for around 35% of the annual world outboard motor sales, or about 300,000 of the 850,000 units produced. The markets where outboard motors are the most popular include European nations where pleasure boating is a common pastime, and developing nations where outboard motors are used for work including fishing, transportation, and diving. In Europe, most of the outboards used for pleasure boating are attached to inflatable watercraft and have just a fraction of the horsepower of the average outboard sold in North America. In developing nations, it’s important for outboards to be reliable and low cost, which includes upkeep costs like fuel, marine engine oil, and occasional maintenance.

While there are a number of popular outboard motor brands, Yamaha, Mercury, and Evinrude tend to stand out with the highest numbers in customer satisfaction, sales, and units produced on an annual basis.

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Boating | Outboard Motor Oil - Part 30