Evinrude oil | Outboard Motor Oil - Part 33

Two Stroke Versus Four Stroke Engines

Two Stroke Versus Four Stroke Engines

When it comes to outboard motors, there are two essential categories: two stroke and four stroke. Both of these engine types have advantages and disadvantages, and the choice will depend on how you intend to use your outboard motor. For example, two stroke engines accelerate more quickly, and are faster. Two stroke engines are also often cheaper and tend to withhold their value during resale. Four stroke engines provide a smoother ride and are more economical. Because they move slower, four stroke engines are quieter and also cause less harm to the marine environment.

Four stroke engines are a bit newer in the market, and thus improvements are still being made frequently. Also remember with both kinds of outboard engines, you will need to special Evinrude oil, which is formulated for both two stroke and four stroke outboard motors.

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Oil Leaks in Outboard Motors

Evinrude-XD50-outboard-oil

When you turn on your outboard motor in or out of the water, you might notice a small amount of oil dripping out. Despite the implications of a busted engine, this doesn’t often spell disaster. When you haven’t used your outboard motor for a few months, or throughout an entire season like winter, there will often be a few drips of Evinrude outboard oil, or whatever brand you happen to use. It should stop dripping after running your outboard motor a couple times. If the problem persists, it could be an indication of a real problem.

Though the diagnosis can differ, your problem could be a leaking gearcase, or it’s possible that another essential component has a leak. Unless you’re comfortable with maintenance, it’s best to take the outboard motor to a professional at that point.

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Switching from Conventional to Synthetic

Evinrude-Johnson-oilWhen switching from conventional to synthetic oil in your outboard motor, there are a few potential issues of which you should be aware. First, recognize that once you start to use a synthetic oil, it’s near impossible to go back to a conventional oil. This is because synthetic oils swap themselves with the plasticizers in the seals; should the synthetic oil come out, the seals will shrink and crack because the plasticizers are gone. Depending on the type of outboard motor you own, using a full synthetic, like evinrude XD-100, can be better than a partial synthetic like evinrude XD-50. You should always be mindful to check with the manufacturer or consult an expert before switching.

Amongst synthetic oils, evinrude oil is one of the most renowned brands, with a proven track record of successes, and much preferred by outboard motor owners.

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A Brief History of Evinrude

2 stroke oil

Evinrude is a leading brand of outboard boat motors founded by Ole Evinrude in 1909, who designed his first two-cycle, water-cooled, forward-facing, single-cylinder engine that year. After improvements were made to Evinrude’s design, the motor went into production. The business changed hands a number of times over the years, and in 1936 became the Outboard Marine and Manufacturing Company after acquiring Johnson Outboards. Evinrude made motors for the armed services during WWII which were sometimes used to power rubber emergency rafts. When the war ended, Evinrude enjoyed great prosperity and continued to introduce new engines.

Evinrude is owned today by Bombardier Recreational Products, who also owns the Johnson Outboards brand. Evinrude outboards primary use two-stroke engines and 2 stroke oil in their larger models using 40 horsepower or above and four-stroke engines in most of their smaller models. Until the late 1990s, Evinrude outboard motors used carburetors, but advances in fuel injection technology prompted the adoption of E-Tec direct fuel injection, which improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, oil usage, noise levels and maintenance demands. Doubtless inspired by the company, Evinrude the dragonfly was a featured character in the Disney film “The Rescuers”, where he used a leaf as an airboat in several pivotal scenes.

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Evinrude E-Tec Motors

Evinrude E-Tec Motors

The power and performance of your boat’s outboard motor can make the difference whether your fishing trip is just average or one that you’ll always remember. (This memorable picture from last week, courtesy of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, shows David Hayes holding a 21-pound, 1-ounce channel catfish. His three-year-old granddaughter Alyssa holds the Barbie fishing rod Mr. Hayes used to catch this state record-breaker. She had asked him to hold her fishing rod for a minute!)

Evinrude E-Tec outboard motors do not need maintenance for the first three years or 300 miles of normal recreational use, including Evinrude outboard oil, oil filter, and gearcase lube changes during this initial warranty period. These engineers are lighter and quieter than previous models, start more easily, provide better fuel economy and lower emissions, and use an exclusive low-friction design resulting in very smooth performance.

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More About TC3-W Oil

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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TCW-2 Oil and Older Outboard Motors

TCW-2 Oil and Older Outboard Motors

Owner’s manuals for outboard motors made in 1992 or prior used to state that premium fuel was required for proper operation, because during that time, premium outboard motor fuel was manufactured containing additives that minimized the formation of deposits inside the engines. During those years, the best oil available was rated at TCW-2 and did not contain the detergents and carbon preservative ingredients that marine engine oil such as XD-30, XD-50, and XD-100 does today. The federal government ruled in the late 1990s that all grades of fuel were required to include identical additive ingredients, and the premium fuel requirement for outboard motors was discontinued.

If you still have some TC2-W outboard motor oil, it can still be used in a motor from 1992 or before. If you choose to use TC2-W oil in an older motor, Evinrude recommends addition of a product such as Carbon Guard to lessen carbon deposit formation. Be aware, however, that using TCW-2 oil in a motor that requires TCW-3 oil will void your warranty should any oil-related malfunction occur.

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Got Evinrude Oil?

Got Evinrude Oil?

If it is a new motor, and it is attached to a new Evinrude boat (or a new-to-you boat), congratulations! You may have a question or two about the best care and feeding for this fine machine. For instance, if you are dealing with a two-stroke Evinrude motor, you may be wondering what kind of oil to use. Their suggestions are XD30, XD50 and XD100 oil for two-stroke motors that are 1993 and newer. When it comes to the grade of Evinrude outboard oil to use, 87 octane is the current minimum, but 89 octane is actually preferred. Use of higher-octane fuels have not proven to provide any additional benefit, and may actually exacerbate hard starting conditions in hot weather.

If you are wondering about the proper ratio of fuel to oil for optimal performance in your Evinrude motor, a breakdown given on the company website is as follows: 1958 and prior used 20 parts fuel to 1 part oil; 1959-1963 used 24 parts fuel to 1 part oil; 1964 and newer use 50 parts fuel to 1 part oil. High performance racing usage requires a ratio of 25 parts fuel to 1 part oil. Finally, when it comes to gearcase oil type and capacity, refer to your owner’s manual for specifications.

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Happy 100th Anniversary, Evinrude!

Happy 100th Anniversary, Evinrude!

Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP), the private company that owns the Evinrude brand, kicked off a year-long celebration of Evinrude’s 100th anniversary on February 14, 2008 at the Miami Boat Show. Always on the cutting edge of boating innovation, Evinrude moves into the future with its line of E-Tec outboard motors, the most environmentally friendly outboard motor in the world. Evinrude also has a popular line of boat motor oil.

“By letting people throw away the oars, Evinrude outboard engines have introduced scores of people to the joys of boating and turned these people into lifelong boating enthusiasts,” Roch Lambert, vice president and general manager of the outboard motor division at BRP, said at the time. “Indeed, in its proud history, Evinrude has sold more engines worldwide than any other outboard manufacturer. People know that buying an Evinrude means buying a trusted brand name that delivers everything they want in an outboard engine,” Mr. Lambert continued.

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History of Outboard Motors

History of Outboard MotorsThe creation of the first practical outboard motor is often credited to Norwegian-American inventor Ole Evinrude in 1909.

Historically, a majority of outboards have been two-stroke powerheads fitted with a carburetor due to the designs inherent simplicity, reliability, low cost and light weight.

In the 1990s, U.S. and European exhaust emissions regulations led to the proliferation of four-stroke outboards. Though fewer in number, four-stroke outboards have always been with us.

Outboard motors benefit from the ability to draw coolant from the water, obviating the need for radiators and cooling fans, thereby simplifying the design and lowering component weight. The motors also have several brands (i.e. Yamalube, Mercury and the creator’s namesake, Evinrude) of oil to choose from, giving the consumer a seemingly infinite amount of options based on their needs.

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An Evinrude Testimonial

Evinrude oilIf this is your first season as a boat owner, you may be overwhelmed by the numerous brands and products out there to outfit your boat with. You’ll also no doubt be familiar with how to do basic maintenance on your boat. When it comes to engine oil, you’ll find that you have several choices, yet I would recommend Evinrude.

Evinrude oil will allow your boat to run well and will not cause any type of engine problems. It’s easily one of the top brands out there. Check it out for yourself and see how it fares this season.

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Shopping Around

YamalubeAs the specter of high oil prices looms throughout the summer, you can still find discounted boat oil online. Though many brands have slightly increased their prices, the internet has been a great resource of low priced oil. Name brands such as Yamalube and Evinrude can still be purchased at a low price, especially when compared to other retailers.

Do some research and you’ll no doubt find a great deal.

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