Yamaha | Outboard Motor Oil - Part 11

Mini-Ferry Links UW and South Lake Union

Out here in the Seattle area, ferries are quite common. It’s often much faster to commute via ferry than to drive all the way around Puget Sound to get to your destination. A new mini-ferry recently opened that runs between South Lake Union and the University of Washington, much to the delight of Husky fans.

For five dollars, commuters can get from one shore to the other in 22 minutes. This is ideal for UW employees who want to take a lunch break or run an errand on the opposite shore. It’s also ideal for football fans that are more likely to find parking further away from the stadium. I’m not sure what sort of motor Captain Matt Stark uses, but Yamalube 2W is usually among the best options.

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Yamaha Maintenance Tips

It’s important to inspect your boat every time you plan on taking it out on the water. You don’t want any surprises to crop up when you’re far from shore. One thing you should do is check the hydraulics and trim. Check specifically for power trim and tilt fluid; it should be even with the bottom of the plug.

Of course, checking engine compression is a must (check yesterday’s post for a how-to). Next, do a visual inspection for leaks – water, oil, or exhaust. If all is well, check the oil to make sure it is both clean and at the proper level. If the oil is low, refill the tank with Yamalube 2m oil.

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Check Your Engine for Compression

Compression is one of the four elements that a two stroke engine operates on. The other three elements are air, fuel, and spark. As a piston travels upward through the cylinder, it squeezes air and fuel into a dense mixture that forcefully ignites. This process is known as compression.

Compression can be lost when a seal is faulty between cylinder and piston or piston rings. Check for compression by removing and grounding all spark plugs, and attaching a compression tester into the spark plug hole. Twist the throttle to kick start the motor. Look at the readings; a proper compression rating needs to be at least 100 to 125 pounds per square inch. Test each cylinder, as necessary. While going over the engine, it would be wise to see if it is in need of Yamalube 2m oil.

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Outboard Battery Requirements for Yamaha

Traditional speed boat engines use a battery to kick start the engine and power boat accessories. A Yamaha two stroke engine with a 50 or below horsepower uses a battery that contains 245 cold cranking amps at zero degrees Fahrenheit and 323 marine ranking amps at 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

A two stroke Yamaha engine between 60 and 150 horsepower and a 2.6 liter 150 to 2000 horsepower outboard engine requires a motor battery that has 380 cold cranking amps at zero degrees Fahrenheit. At 32 degrees Fahrenheit there should be 502 marine cranking amps with a reserve of 124 capacity minutes at 25 amps. While checking out the battery on a two stroke, be sure to also examine the oil levels and top up with Yamalube 2-m oil if necessary.

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Two Stroke Motorcycles

Riding a two stroke motorcycle or puts a strain on the engine. Ideally, you should only need to change oil in once a season, but to be safe; I check the oil before every ride. When the oil needs to be replaced the process takes only a few moments of my time.

First I park the bike on a flat surface and place a drain pan under the engine block. Then I unscrew the drain plug and allow all the two cycle oil to drain out. I put the plug back in place, unscrew the top oil cap, and pour in new yamalube 2 cycle oil. Once the tank is full, I check the dipstick and screw the cap back in place.

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Used Outboard Motors: Good Idea?

When I shop for cars, I prefer to purchase slightly used or “pre-owned” vehicles. A new car loses its value as soon as you drive it off the lot. In my mind, there are only two reasons to purchase new: 1) if you are trying to build credit or 2) there are no quality used vehicles to be found. A friend of mine recently queried me as to whether I would buy a used outboard motor.

This one made me pause for a bit. Truth be told, I have always bought my outboard motors brand new. After considering his question, I concluded that yes, if the motor were in excellent condition, I would not be opposed to purchasing a used outboard. Of course, I would be sure to inspect the motor carefully, clean it, and fill it up with Yamaha outboard oil to ensure a long lifespan.

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Review: Yamalube 2W PWC Oil

While I’m going about the process of winterizing my boats, my friends and relatives down south are still enjoying the open waters (in between hurricanes). One of my friends has been raving about Yamalube 2W PWC oil. He uses the lubricant in his r and Sport Boat engines.

In his glowing review of Yamaha 2W oil he emphasized several key points. First off, the formula produces low smoke; in fact, my friend estimates that his visible smoke has been reduced by 50 percent. Second, the rust protection is phenomenal. Finally, the lubrication has helped significantly with everyday wear and tear.

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Tools for Yamaha Outboards

For any engine, having the right maintenance tools is a necessity. Yamaha has several specific tools that will keep outboards running in tip top condition. Take for instance, the Yamaha 10-micron fuel and water separating filter. The filter can be used for around 100 hours before needing replacement. The filter is critical to winterization setup.

A multimeter is another important tool to have in your arsenal. It is a device that is used to check electrical connections onboard and identifies problem areas. Though not strictly a tool, lubrication is vital to the function of a Yamaha outboard. Yamaha 4M oil is advisable for four stroke engines, and Yamaha 2M oil is advisable for two stroke engines.

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Changing Oil on a 2008 Yamaha Waverunner

For every 100 hours of use, the oil in a Yamaha Waverunner should be changed. The process of changing oil in a Waverunner is different from other vehicles because the oil has to be sucked directly out of the engine instead of draining into an oil pan. Begin by warming up the oil by running the engine for a few minutes. Then, place the Waverunner in a horizontal position.

Remove the oil filler cap and insert the oil changer tube. Next, siphon out the old gas into an appropriately sized container (figure enough to hold three quarts of oil). Remove the old oil filter with a wrench, and then install a new oil filter. Add in two and a half quarts of new Waverunner oil. Screw on the oil filler cap and you’re all set!

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Dare To Dream

Boating enthusiasts should make a point of reading ‘Dare to Dream’ by Ia The book details the logistics of Thomson’s record setting solo circumnavigation of Australia. What’s most intriguing about the book is how candidly Thomson relates his mindset and motivations.

Another fascinating feature of the book and the trip is how quickly the journey came together. In January 2010 Thomson decided he wanted to undertake the journey, but didn’t even have a boat. Within months he was able to get a boat and equipment, and completed the journey by mid-June. I don’t think I’ll ever be as gutsy as Thomson, but perhaps I’ll plan to motor around the local lake in a two-stroke outboard motor, lubricated with Yamalube 2M oil.

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Sydney International Boat Show

The 44th Sydney International Boat Show is set to begin on the 28th. If you happen to be down under this is a show you do not want to miss! There will be over 280 exhibitors, including the leading manufacturers in the industry.

In addition to the boats on display there will be various activities and authors on hand. Every day at noon there will be a boating safety class and following at two there will be a workshop on preparing yachts for long journeys. Ian Thomson, who holds the record for solo circumnavigating Australia, will sign copies of his book ‘Dare to Dream.’ If you do sail away with a new boat, be sure to purchase Yamalube 2-M oil.

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Compare/Contrast: Two Cycle Oil and Motor Oil

Not all motor oil is created alike. In fact, different motor oil is required for different engines. Today we will look at the difference between two cycle oil and motor oil.

Two cycle oil, like the Yamalube 2 cycle oil you might currently use, is needed, not surprisingly, for two stroke engines. These particular engines do not have a lubrication system so two cycle oil is mixed with gasoline to lubricate the engine while the fuel is used. Motor oil is used in four stroke engines and is typically kept in a separate reservoir from the gasoline. For lubrication, an oil pump transfers the oil to the engine.

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