Hurricane Gustav

Hurricane Gustav is approaching New Orleans, according to the New York Times and the Associated Press. This is the first evacuation warning that the bereaved citizens of New Orleans are receiving since the internationally watched evacuation during the Hurricane Katrina tragedy. This time the mayor of New Orleans, Ray Nagin, is not taking things lightly. According to him, Hurricane Gustav will be the “storm of the century,” unrivaled by the incredible power seen in Hurricane Katrina. Although his warnings are far more extravagant than the ones issued by the National Hurricane Center, they are meant to warn jaded residents who feel like they could just ride out the storm. People are taking the warning seriously and the evacuation is taking the form of hundreds of thousand New Orleans residents leaving their homes for safer pastures. The Gulf of Mexico is responsible for producing a large percentage of US bulk oil and this production will be deeply affected by the storm.

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Oil and Natural Gas Prices Rise as Gustav Threatens U. S. Gulf

Several of the largest oil manufacturers in the Gulf Coast area have evacuated their drilling rigs or are in the immediate process of doing so as Gustav is projected to be the worst Gulf of Mexico hurricane since Katrina. The Gulf of Mexico is home to 26% of United States bulk oil production, and the National Hurricane Center fears Gustav could accelerate into the hurricane category in that area by September 1.

Crude oil for October delivery rose about 1.5% to almost $120.00 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange this morning. Oil prices are about 66% higher than they were a year ago, and have gained about 3.3% since Gustav formed in the Caribbean on August 25.

Source: Bloomberg.com 8-28-08

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More About TC3-W Oil

Yesterday, I discussed the gradual phasing of TCW-2 into TCW-3 oil and answered a few questions about the use of the older oil, why and how it has evolved into TCW-3, etc. It was asked whether premixed TCW-3 oil could for other machines, such as chainsaws, motorcycles, and landscaping equipment without detriment. The “W” that is sometimes present in the name (there is also TC-3 oil) stands for “water-cooled” and is not necessary for an air-cooled engine. Another inquiry that arose was why TCW-3 oils sometimes showed color variations. The answer is that there are different suppliers who use different dyes, strictly for identification purposes, but the oils are formulated exactly the same.

Modern marine engine oil is carefully formulated for premium engine performance, environmental compatibility, and contains the additives now mandated by the federal government for clean, efficient and safe operation of your boat, as I discussed in yesterday’s blog. Many would recommend not cutting corners when it comes to oil, and I would agree with that assessment. Use the best within your budget, mixing it as directions dictate.

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A Fishing Club Can Save You Money On Oil!

One of the possible benefits of joining a fishing club is that members can get together and buy boat motor oil in bulk. Many people join a club initially to try tournament fishing without putting out a lot of money-some clubs even have openings for no-boat fishermen, so you don’t have to get a boat right away.

Different clubs have different formats. Some encourage fishing in teams, while others have individuals fishing alone in tournaments. Many clubs have a theme, such as bass or smallmouth fishing. It is common for fishing clubs to be active in conservation efforts. Some of them promote youth fishing by holding an event for children occasionally. Military bases and colleges often have nearby fishing clubs; there are also women’s fishing clubs, co-ed fishing clubs, and one national association for hearing-impaired bass fishermen with chapters in several states. Many fishing club websites include educational articles and archived newsletters for your information.

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Conflict Halts Last Week’s Decline in Oil Prices

Recent conflict between Russia and Georgia prevented the market from continuing last week’s 8% declines, and crude oil futures traded flat today. The accelerating conflict is over the Georgian province of South Ossetia and could threaten an oil pipeline in that region that produces 1 million gallons of oil each day.

The bulk oil market is also dependent on the value of the dollar. On Friday, the U. S. dollar was at its highest value against the euro in the last several months. However, some analysts see the weak economy as prevention from raised interest rates by the Federal Reserve, which would be essential to the dollar gaining positive momentum. It is feared that the price of oil could fall as low as $113.15 per barrel on Monday and eventually lead to further declines.

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Worldwide Oil Prices Holding Near $119 A Barrel

Oil prices held near $119 a barrel Wednesday as weekly data was being collected to further confirm declining crude oil demand in the United States. In Europe, New York and London, crude oil prices went down by margins from 53 cents per barrel to around $2.25 per barrel. Commodity market insiders speculated that oil prices would probably continue to drop unless the U. S. Energy Department’s Energy Information Administration’s weekly oil inventory report shows that gasoline stocks fell significantly as well.

The worldwide market appeared to be reacting to uncertain demand outlook in several countries. The U.S. Federal Reserve issued a statement Tuesday that its key interest rate would remain at 2 percent for the time being. In summation, the Fed statement said that higher energy prices were bound to affect the economy over the next few fiscal quarters, possibly lead to a marked reduction in the demand for bulk oil.

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Pump It Up

Pump It Up! Piston barrel pumps will aid you in getting your bulk motor oil from the barrels. Piston barrel pumps are useful for other products as well, specifically petroleum products such as antifreeze.

Different drum pumps are in production to provide compatibility with different types of liquids depending on the construction of the o-ring, gasket, hose material, and suction tube.

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Falling Oil Prices This Week

Oil prices fell to less than $122 a barrel this week, extending the decline of expectations that 2008’s rising energy costs are undercutting the demand for gasoline in the United States. The recent gradual strengthening of the U. S. dollar against the euro and the Japanese yen is also keeping bulk oil prices lower–investors tend to buy commodities when the dollar softens, selling when U. S. currency becomes healthier again.

Crude oil futures have declined significantly in the past three weeks. Prices remain about 60 percent higher than they were at this time last year.

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Two-Stroke vs. Four-Stroke Outboard Motors

When choosing between a two-stroke or four-stroke outboard motor for your boat, the features of each must be considered. Two-stroke outboard motors are lighter in weight, less expensive, and often faster. They are generally easier to repair and maintain, having a comparatively simple design that has been available for almost 80 years. Two-stroke outboard motors tend to hold their resale value, remaining in high demand in the used market. On the con side, a two-stroke outboard motor produces more pollution, smoke, are non-two cycle oil injection models, have a rougher idle than their four-stroke counterparts, and are sometimes harder to start.

Four-stroke outboard motors are cleaner, quieter, smoother, provide more fuel economy, and are often more reliable. They are preferred by some boaters who run in lakes and rivers because they are generally accepted at any body of water. They do not run on an oil and gas mixture or generate as much pollution. The negatives of four-stroke outboard motors include their high expense for purchase and repair and heavy bulk, which makes it complicated to transport or position in storage without the help of a stand. Because the design for a four-stroke outboard motor is more complicated than its two-stroke counterpart, there are more parts to malfunction. However, outboard motor production will be either four-stroke or very similar. The technology for the four-stroke outboard motor is always improving, and as time goes on, there is a higher percentage of qualified mechanics to perform any necessary repairs. The current used market is very limited for the four-stroke outboard motor, though this is also growing as technology and training improves.

*Note: this comparison does not include direct fuel-injected two-stroke models.

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How to Maintain an Outboard Motor

How to Maintain an Outboard Motor Just as it is important to maintain your car’s engine for optimum performance, your boat requires a certain amount of care for consistent and smooth operation. Since an outboard motor hangs outside the hull of a boat, it requires special attention to prolong its life. Caution when transporting your boat to the destination of your planned outing is extremely important. The motor and boat trailer should be braced securely so that the motion of land travel does not cause permanent damage.

Each time a boat is returned from a salt water excursion, the outboard motor should be flushed out with fresh water to prevent the pump and lines from corrosion. Outboard motor oil and gas lines should be drained and disconnected before storing your boat for an extended period of time to keep the carburetor clean. The area around the propeller and gears of the motor should be checked for cleanliness and excess water accumulation. The pump inside the motor should also be checked to ensure the impellers do not look worn. If all of these steps are taken regularly, your outboard motor should provide its best possible performance.

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Oil Prices Slide, Gas Prices Steady

Oil Prices Slide, Gas Prices Steady Once again, the prices of bulk oil have fallen, trading at $133.64 from nearly $140. Gas prices, however, remain around $4.11 per gallon. Though analysts suggest that the sporadic rise and fall of oil means that the previously mentioned breaking price of $150 per barrel will happen, the price jump has been a headache for many Americans, stifling traveling via plane or car; and even affecting the boating industry.

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Oil Production to Increase

Oil Production to Increase This weekend, it was announced that Saudi Arabia will increase oil output by an additional 200,000 barrels. This will make the daily total of bulk oil 9.7 barrels. The news caused a slight decrease in gas prices, though most analysts are saying that this will not cause a dramatic change in prices.

Despite this output, the White House is still championing an increase in U.S. supplies via off-shore drilling.

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bulk oil | Outboard Motor Oil - Part 27