Motor Oil | Outboard Motor Oil - Part 46

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.

Did you like this? Share it:

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.

Did you like this? Share it:

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.

Did you like this? Share it:

Additives Explained

oil gunkBoat owners who regularly use small crafts might wonder why 2-stroke oil additives matter so much. In truth, the additives found in a fuel-oil mix are just as important as the quality of the oil itself. The chief goal of any outboard motor oil is to lubricate the engine and keep it running smoothly. That would not be possible without additives such as ashless detergents.

Carbon buildup is a natural byproduct of a 2-stroke engine’s combustion process. This residue – usually lacquer or varnish – needs to be cleared away so that it doesn’t completely gum up the works. Ashless detergents are made from organic compounds, whereas many fuel additives in the past were rendered from heavy metals. As such, newer 2-cycle oil additives leave no trace of ash when burned. Marine engine oil featuring these detergents is usually characterized by a distinctive ammonia odor.

All this talk about combustion and engine buildup might suggest a few environmental hazards; however, the Environmental Protection Agency has taken actions to ensure that 2-stroke marine oil conforms to rigid environmental standards. For instance, outboard motor oil contains biodegrading agents that allow microorganisms to cleanse the water of hazardous materials. Although these agents have little positive effect on an engine’s performance, they add to a boater’s peace of mind.

Did you like this? Share it:

How Much Horsepower Do You Need?

How Much Horsepower Do You Need?

Summer is in full swing, and there’s a frenzy of watercraft activity in lakes and rivers nationwide. If you want to add your craft to the mix, it’s important to choose an outboard motor that’s powerful enough to keep you in control but also environmentally friendly. First consider your boating needs, and then select an engine accordingly.

Small sailboat owners will want to stick to a light-weight, compact motor in the 2-3.5 hp range. Larger engines tend to hold these smaller vessels back. For small fiberglass boats and aluminum jon boats, an 8-10 hp outboard motor should pack plenty of power. Larger sailboats and longer fiberglass boats require more horsepower – something closer to the 15-20 hp range.

When selecting the proper outboard motor for your boat, bear in mind that 2-stroke engines are now much more environmentally safe than they were only a few years ago. Rigid EPA standards have helped clean up the waterways and improved outboard efficiency. As such, most standard 2-cycle oil makers have stepped up their game as well. Mercury oil is just one of several types that surpass safety standards with ease.

Did you like this? Share it:

Know Your Oil Viscosity

Know Your Oil Viscosity

Viscosity is a measure of friction. Specifically, the term refers to a fluid’s resistance to flow when subjected to external pressures. You can also think of viscosity in reference to a liquid’s thickness at a specified temperature. Molasses is a famously viscous liquid; just try to coax a dollop or two out of the bottle for proof. Pure water sits at the other end of the viscosity spectrum, flowing freely at room temperature.

Viscosity is a particularly important measurement in motor oil. As oil heats up, it thins out; likewise, oil thickens in cold temperatures. Boat owners with outboard motors will want to choose an oil with enough viscosity to lubricate a hot engine, but if the oil is too viscous it won’t be thin enough for cold starts.

To test a fluid’s viscosity in a rather rudimentary way, try stirring it with a spoon. The molecules in viscous liquid are bunched tightly together, so they provide more resistance to stirring. This concept can be carried over to 2 cycle oil in outboard motors. High-viscosity oils prevent metal-on-metal contact inside an engine by providing adequate lubrication. However, too much viscosity can gum up the works, decreasing energy efficiency and making your boat slow as molasses.

By selecting oil with the proper amount of viscosity, you can prolong the life of your outboard motor.

Did you like this? Share it:

Tips for DIY Outboard Maintenance

Tips for DIY Outboard MaintenanceIf you’re the kind of person who likes to do it yourself, here are some suggestions for performing maintenance on your outboard motor. First, it’s important to note that present day marine equipment is quite sensitive, and represents advanced technological machinery. Make sure to have the proper training before performing maintenance on these sensitive technological systems. Don’t perform maintenance that’s not covered in the service manual unless aware of the procedures and precautions, otherwise, your safety could be at risk. There are simple procedures, like premixing fuel with gasoline and Yamaha 2S oil, which all outboard engine owners should know. However, the service manual is written for technicians who have received special training, and if the manual doesn’t make sense, it’s best not to attempt maintenance. Make sure to have the special tools and equipment needed for maintenance, and never substitute generic equipment (like wrenches, screwdrivers, or hammers) when a special tool is necessary.

For complex maintenance, it’s best to take in the outboard to a local dealer. All dealerships have qualified trained technicians, who can perform maintenance and even provide more advice on how to do it yourself.

Did you like this? Share it:

The Life Expectancy of an Outboard Engine

The Life Expectancy of an Outboard EngineThe average outboard engine runs for about 1,500 hours before requiring significant maintenance. While this number might seem a little surprising, the average owner only uses their outboard for about 200 hours per year, thus, the average outboard motor can be expected to last 7-8 years, which isn’t an unreasonable amount of time. However, it is possible to ensure an outboard lasts much longer with regular maintenance, and a few due diligence practices. For example, with two stroke outboard engines, it’s important to have the right mixture of gasoline to marine engine oil. When two stroke outboard engines don’t have the proper gasoline to oil mixture, it can cause the engine to wear down much faster. Winterizing the engine when not in use is a good idea, and ensuring that the engine is stored in a proper location is also important.

With proper maintenance, it’s possible to extend the life of an engine by a considerable amount, up to 500 hours for regular maintenance, and even up to 1,000 hours for those boaters with the utmost dedication. Maintenance and care will prolong the life of the engine, and overall, save a lot of money.

Did you like this? Share it:

Honda Marine Introduces New 60HP Outboard

Honda Marine Introduces New 60HP Outboard

Honda Marine, one of the premier manufacturers of outboard motors, introduced it’s all new BF60 outboard engine at the end of May. This new outboard is ideal for pontoons, skiffs, inflatables, and aluminum bass and walleye boats. The new BF60 provides excellent fuel efficiency, consuming less gasoline and boat motor oil than most other outboard engines of the same class. In addition, the BF60 runs quiet, making it the ideal outboard engine for fishermen. The new BF60 is also great for trolling as it has a superior battery capacity to keep electronics charged all the time. In addition, the engine weighs just 239lbs, making it one of the lightest engines in its class.

Honda designed the new BF60 with the environment in mind as well, and the engine has low emissions and meets the rigorous standards of the California Air Resources Board (CARB). In addition to this new engine, all Honda outboard engines meet CARB standards, and with models ranging from 2 to 225 horsepower, there’s an outboard engine for all boaters from Honda Marine.

Did you like this? Share it:

Yamaha to Go Green

Yamaha to Go Green

With people around the world concerned about the effect of pollution on the environment, Yamaha has committed itself to designing cleaner engines. In one of several steps towards clean energy, Yamaha has stated that it will manufacture electric motorcycles by 2010. These motorcycles will be able to travel about 60-70 miles on a single charge. In addition, Yamaha has extended efforts to make its existing technologies friendlier to the environment. For outboard motors, Yamaha has developed full synthetic outboard motor oil. This new Yamaha oil provides better engine performance, and is much easier on the environment. The new synthetic Yamaha oil is formulated for use in all kinds of Yamaha motors including outboards, motorcycles, WaveRunners, ATVs, and snowmobiles. Yamaha has also been at the forefront of designing cleaner and more efficient engines for almost a decade, and now has several available on the market.

Companies like Yamaha are designing the products that the modern consumer wants. In addition, with Yamaha products, consumers can rest assured that the product will still possess the same renowned quality expected from the Yamaha brand.

Did you like this? Share it:

Weather Effects on Outboard Performance

bad weather boatingEven the most resilient outboard engines can be affected by weather conditions, and if not prepared, these weather conditions can cause the outboard to fail. For example, with two stroke outboard engines, cold weather can cause the spark plugs to foul. This situation would be caused by an improper gasoline to oil mixture, or using an inferior brand of outboard oil. While it’s hard to go wrong with oil that is TC-W3 certified, not all oils are created equal. The additives in certain brands of outboard oil can protect the engine against cold weather conditions. It’s also possible for the engine to overheat if the right outboard oil isn’t being used. Engines that overheat can be a serious problem, and during the summer, it’s all too common. Ensure that the correct outboard oil is being used in the engine to avoid overheating and the potential for significant damage to the engine.

It’s also a good idea to stick with one brand of outboard oil, as opposed to switching between multiple brands depending on what is the cheapest. This will preserve the condition of the engine, and ensure that it has a longer life.

Did you like this? Share it:

Great Deals on Evinrude Outboards

Great Deals on Evinrude Outboards

In these tough economic times, recreation often takes a back seat to basic essentials. But it’s still important for people to be able to partake in boating recreation even if times are tough, thus Evinrude is now offering discounts on all its outboard motors. Evinrude two stroke outboard engines, which rank highest in customer satisfaction with J.D. Power and Associates, are now available from Evinrude with some excellent incentives. For example, on Evinrude’s website, the company is offering extended warranties and cash back incentives for purchases on new outboard motors. Now is a great time to upgrade to a new Evinrude outboard motor. But don’t wait too long, because the offers won’t last far beyond the beginning of summer.

When purchasing a new Evinrude outboard motor, be sure to stock up on essential engine maintenance supplies like Evinrude oil. For use in all kinds of two stroke Evinrude outboards, Evinrude oil boasts superior engine performance under even the toughest conditions.

Did you like this? Share it: