Motor Oil | Outboard Motor Oil - Part 33

Testing Synthetic Oil

Synthetic oil is made from synthesized and modified petroleum compounds as opposed to whole crude oil. In extreme temperatures, synthetic oil often works better than traditional oils. To figure out which synthetic oil outboard motor oil is right for your vehicle; spend some time testing different brands. The first step, of course, is to simply check the labels to see what additives are in the oil.

Next, you will want to test the viscosity of the oil by pouring the oil through a funnel into a canister. You’ll want to observe the thickness and flow of the oil. If the synthetic oil meets all of your standards, then you know that you have a winning brand on your hands!

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Winterizing a Boat Part II

Today we continue with information on how to winterize a boat. Winterizing the motor is a crucial step. First, fill the tank with fuel stabilizer and then with marine fuel. Run the motor long enough for the treatment to get into the fuel lines and engine area. The purpose is to keep fuel remnants from ruining the tank.

Next, flush out the cooling systems with a flushing kit. Add in some anti-freeze afterward to prevent ice from damaging the line. Spray the engine with fogging oil that will stick to the cylinders. Also take the opportunity to replace the outboard oil and filters. Give the prop and the rest of the boat one last look over before covering the boat.

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Winterizing a Boat Part I

This past weekend I took the family out to the lake for the last time this summer. The kids are back in school and my wife and I have work, so their just won’t be as much time or good weather to take the boat out. This upcoming weekend I plan on winterizing the boat.

The first thing I’ll do is thoroughly wash and clean the entire boat. I’ll make sure to leave the storage bins open so they don’t collect moisture and mold over during the off-season. Once the boat is completely cleansed, I’ll make a list of repairs that need to be taken care of before the boat is taken out again next season. Tomorrow I’ll address what to do with outboard motor oil.

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Reducing Emissions

According to the NMMA, the two-stroke engine industry wants to reduce emissions containing burnt and unburned oil. To do so, the development of high quality oil that sufficiently lubricates the engine, even at lower oil to gasoline ratio, is a must. It really is a win-win situation as the customer gets a quality product at the industry meets  regulations.

One product that has proven successful is oil TCW-3 Amalie. The trademarked lubricant has evolved through much testing and refinement. Now it sets the standard in the performance-based qualification program. If you’re looking for a more environmentally friendly lubricant, test out TCW-3 Amalie oil.

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Why Not Use Car Oil?

In the past, boat owners have used automobile oil to lubricate their outboard motors. If you really care about your boat, then it is best to use marine engine oil. Simply put, cars and boats have to operate in different environments and need oil that suits those environments.

To elaborate, boats, unlike cars, have a closed loop cooling system. Water causes corrosion, not to mention running a boat for an extensive amount of time can cause water and fuel build-up. That’s why marine engine oil, unlike automobile oil, has higher anti-corrosion properties

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The Environment and Evinrude

At the turn of the 21st century the Outboard Motor Corporation was not doing too well. As a result, the company was taken over by BRP. As part of the rebuilding effort, there was a re-focusing on making Evinrude motors more environmentally friendly, in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the .

The company did so well, in fact, that in 2005 the EPA awarded them the Clean Air Excellence Award for the advancements in Evinrude E-Tec technology. Evinrude has continued on the path of excellence. To maintain your Evinrude motor, be sure to use Evinrude XD100 oil.

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Troubleshooting Johnson Outboard Engine

Wear and tear occurs with any piece of seaworthy equipment, even equipment made by Johnson. Troubleshooting a Johnson outboard engine is fairly simple. Start by checking the fuel tank for low fuel, broken or damaged lines, and test the rubber fuel primer bulb for hardness.

If that all checks out, then take a look at the motor’s spark plugs for corrosion or buildup. Replace any dirty or damaged parts. Run a compression pressure check; any reading below 60 PSI means that you should hire a mechanic because you have larger problems. Of course, replacing the oil with Evinrude Johnson 2 stroke outboard oil is an excellent means of keeping your engine in working order.

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Reduce Outboard Smoke

At some point, every outboard motor smokes. To reduce the amount of smoke and the frequency in which it appears there are a few steps responsible boat owners can take. The first step is to add fresh fuel to the fuel tank.

The next step, and perhaps the most effective, is to change the motor’s oil. Replace old mineral oil with synthetic oil, like the Evinrude 2 cycle oil XD100. Synthetic oil runs cleaner, thus immediately reducing smoke. De-carbonizing the outboard motor also reduces the carbon build-up that causes smoking and poor performance.

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What to Do with Used Oil

Over 180 million gallons of motor oil are disposed of illegally each year. This number should be zero, but many people do not know the rules of what to do with used oil. Simply put, motor oil should always be recycled and never go into land fills or down the storm drain.

As previously stated, motor oil is 100 percent recyclable. When you go to replace your oil with some from your store of bulk outboard motor oil, make sure to save the old oil. You can either drop it off at an oil change center or auto parts store; they’ll add it to their own collection of used oil and drop it off at the proper recycling center. You can also call your local waste hauler and find out if they offer curbside collection – then you don’t even have to leave your own driveway!

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Storing Bulk Oil

We previously posted about the savings associated with purchasing motor oil in bulk, but what do you do once you have a 50 gallon barrel of oil? Obviously, you’re not going to use the motor oil all at once, so you need to properly store it. A shed or sheltered facility that is cool and free from moisture is an ideal storage spot.

Oil drums can leak, so you may want to store your bulk oil in an oil tank. These tanks tend to be more durable. Still, leaks can occur so check your oil tanks regularly for leaks. Clean up all spills immediately and replace or patch up leaking containers.

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Getting the Best Mileage, Part II

Continuing from yesterday’s post, here are a few more handy tips for getting the best mileage on the water. This may seem like a no-brainer, but make sure you use your GPS device. Backtracking or taking the “scenic route” wastes a lot of fuel, particularly if you have a definite destination.

Second, know your trim! Many boaters simply angle their outboard motor all the way down, but you can raise your motor a bit and without touching the throttle. You’ll reach and maintain cruising speed while using less fuel. Finally – and I can’t harp on this enough – use the proper boat motor oil. An improperly lubricated engine is just going to cause major financial headaches further down the road.

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Getting the Best Mileage, Part I

Let’s face it: boating is an expensive hobby and rising fuel costs don’t help. Here are a few tips to keep more cash in your pocket by getting the best mileage. Before you start any new routines, take an accurate gauge of how much fuel you use, specifically gallons per hour. Some boats come with a gauge that will tell you this amount, but if not you can keep track by calculating miles traveled divided by fuel used (this number may not be as accurate, but it gives you a starting point).

Next you will want to inspect all of your plugs. If they’re full of gunk, clean them. If they’re cracked or leaking, replace them. This will save you money in the long run. You also don’t want to skimp on engine oil; go for the best outboard motor oil you can find at a discount, as engine problems tend to be the most expensive boat repairs you can be plagued with.

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