TC-W3 Oil Certification

TC-W3 Oil Certification

It’s often that outboard motor owners ask “Do I have to use the manufacturer’s brand oil in my two stroke outboard motor?” There’s not a clear answer for this, but here are the facts. From the manufacturer’s point of view, they apply their brand name to two cycle oil manufactured by oil companies like Penzoil, Texaco, Exxon, and that oil might contain different additives depending on the manufacturer’s standards. However, most two cycle oil must also meet the TC-W3 certification test that is administered by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). There are few recorded incidents when an owner found that using any TC-W3 certified oil in their two stroke outboard motor resulted in noticeable decreased performance or damage to the engine.

In general, it’s fair to say that as long as the two cycle oil you’re using is TC-W3 certified, you’re making the most of your outboard motor. However, for those more particular outboard motor owners, the different additives in manufacturer branded oil might offer slight increases in performance, though depending on who you talk to, this might or might not be true.

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When to Replace Your Outboard Motor

When to Replace Your Outboard Motor

It’s always exciting to purchase a brand new outboard motor, but sometimes it can be difficult to recognize when it’s time to replace your old one. There are several problems that can arise in older outboard motors, some of which can be fixed, and some of which cannot. Common problems that can be fixed include broken propeller, busted water pump, and non-functional recoil spring. These items can be replaced with newer parts, and done by the owner with a little effort and a repair manual. Problems that cannot be fixed, or are not worth fixing, tend to involve the condition of the actual engine; for example, if the engine block is cracked, it’s best to purchase a new outboard motor. It can be difficult for an owner to diagnose more serious problems, and sometimes it’s necessary to consult a maintenance technician.

In order to keep your new outboard motor in top condition, make sure to perform regular tune-ups including oil changes (just as you would with a car). It’s also pertinent to use high performance outboard motor oil, like Yamaha 2M oil for two stroke engines. This will help your outboard motor to last longer and receive more usage.

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Accessories for New Boat Owners

Accessories for New Boat Owners

When purchasing a new boat, there are a number of peripherals and accessories that you may also want to purchase right away. Sometimes these accessories will come with the boat, and sometimes not (mostly dependent on whether it is new or used). Here’s a sample list of boating accessories you might consider:

~Anchor (often comes with the boat)
~Outboard Motor Oil (Yamaha 2S oil, or Yamaha 4 Stroke oil depending on engine)
~Boat Hook
~Dock Rope
~Life Vests and Life Preserver
~Depth/Fish Finder
~GPS Unit

The current market for boats and boating supplies has been weakening, and some dealerships are offering amazing deals; it’s a great time to buy!

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Two Stroke Oil Differences

Two Stroke Oil Differences

When it comes to two stroke oil, there are different formulations depending on the kind of engine in which it is used. For example, two stroke oil designed for use in outboard engines (often called outboard oil), is formulated to operate with water present. In contrast, two stroke oil designed for use in a standard lawnmower will not be formulated in this manner. It’s important to double check the formulation of two stroke oil before you put it in the engine. While it might not be so dangerous for oil in a lawnmower to contain an additive allowing it to function with the presence of water, if oil bereft of this additive was used in an outboard engine, it could cause serious problems.

Most of the different formulations of two stroke oil are available in hardware stores, but if you’re looking for a specific brand it’s best to check in a location that sells similar engine products; for example, a gardening store will likely have two stroke oil for use in lawnmowers, weed cutters, and chainsaws.

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Yamalube 2M vs. 2W

Yamalube 2M vs. 2W

Yamalube oils offer unrivaled quality and ensure that your engine remains in excellent condition throughout its lifespan. However, when it comes to comparing two Yamalube oils, like Yamalube 2M oil and Yamalube 2W oil, it’s not so easy to make a distinction. When selecting a Yamalube oil for your engine, first consider the kind of engine you have, and how you will be using it. For example, the Yamalube 2W oil contains large amounts of metallic additives, which is necessary for the constantly changing RPMs on a personal watercraft. Yamalube 2M is more designed for outboard motors, and is intended for use in extreme engine conditions, such as rapid acceleration in sports boats, or trolling on fishing boats.

Different formulations of outboard motor oil are intended to be used during different engine conditions. It’s also wise to check with the manufacturer of your engine and ensure that the kind of oil you are using will not void its warranty.

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Benefits of Yamalube 2-S Oil

Benefits of Yamalube 2-S Oil

The Yamalube brand of motor oil for use in snowmobiles, ATVs, and motorcycles has a number of unique benefits that conventional motor oils do not. Yamaha formulated their Yamalube 2S oil to withstand intense conditions, and help to preserve the longevity of the engine. Here are a few of the more well documented benefits of Yamalube 2S oil:

~Low Smoke – Yamalube 2S oil can reduce visible smoke by up to 50%; meaning less smoke when starting up and moving.

~Reduce Engine Wear – by using special additives, carbon build-up in the engine can be reduced by up to 40%, translating into extended engine life and better performance.

~All-Weather Performance – Yamalube 2S oil contains an additive to help maintain liquidity and prevent gelling in freezing conditions.

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Fuel Efficiency with Yamaha WaveRunners

Fuel Efficiency with Yamaha WaveRunners

Yamaha is the leading manufacturer of personal watercraft in the world, and has taken great effort to design fuel efficient and clean burning engines. The Yamaha WaveRunner brand of personal watercraft has changed the face of the industry, with newer models capable of saving consumers hundreds of dollars each year in fuel costs compared to competitor models. The WaveRunner offers this kind of fuel efficiency without sacrificing speed due to Yamaha’s innovative engine design. Yamaha 2W oil is the company’s specially formulated brand of motor oil for use in their WaveRunner personal watercraft; this motor oil combined with WaveRunner engine technology allow for increased fuel efficiency and longevity.

Yamaha designs several different WaveRunner models, with most having higher top speeds than competitor models despite consuming less gallons of gasoline per hour of use. Some WaveRunner models also offer performance level quality and run on regular unleaded gasoline.

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Purchasing Motor Oil in Bulk

Purchasing Motor Oil in Bulk

When purchasing motor oil by the drum, it’s important to be aware of a few key factors. First, recognize that as with most items purchased in bulk, it is possible to receive a discount when purchasing bulk oil. However, you wouldn’t want to purchase oil in bulk unless you intend to use it; oil drums are difficult to store (they’re heavy and unwieldy). Another common misconception about purchasing oil in bulk is in regards to purchasing online; often customers think that shipping on an oil drum will be extremely expensive and not worth it. However, depending on where you’re ordering your oil drum from, it can be in the moderate price range of about $30-40 for shipping. Since you’re probably spending a few hundred on the drum itself, if you have use for this much oil and find a good deal, it’s probably worth it.

You can purchase oil in drums from the manufacturers, or from various vendors at their physical stores, or online.

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Smoking Yamaha Engines

Smoking Yamaha Engines

Now and then your Yamaha outboard motor will produce an excessive amount of smoke while it’s starting up, and can draw unwanted and chiding attention from other boaters at the marina. For certain older outboard motors, most often the cause is due to an incorrect gasoline/oil ratio if the engine uses premixes. This can be corrected by simply adjusting your premixed ratio, adding more gasoline. It’s also a good idea to check the plug caps, fuel pumps, and valves. Also be sure to check the oil level in your outboard motor, and change the oil if necessary using Yamaha oil approved for your engine type.

If your outboard continues to smoke despite these fixes, consult a licensed maintenance technician who can diagnose more serious problems.

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Importance of Using Outboard Motor Oil

Importance of Using Outboard Motor Oil

I’ve been asked several times whether or not it’s okay to use the standard auto oil in your outboard engine; the answer is a bit hazy. It is possible for the outboard engine to run off standard automobile oil, however, you wouldn’t want to do it for long. The problem is regular oil doesn’t contain the rust inhibitors which prevent marine engines from accumulating rust. In addition, it causes a lot more wear on an engine to operate in a marine environment versus on a relatively flat surface like a road, and normal oils aren’t formulated to withstand that kind of punishment.

The National Marine Manufacturers Association has introduced multiple tests to probe the quality of oil for marine engines, and as it turns out, only marine engine oil is strong enough to withstand the stress. Thus, if you’re in a situation where you absolutely need to use your boat and don’t have marine engine oil on hand… it’s okay, but afterward it’s best to flush your engine and replace the oil. There’s still risk involved regardless.

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Boats and Recreation

Boats and Recreation

Pulling water skis, inner tubes, or wake boards behind your boat is a great way to enjoy warmer weather and the water. However, there are a few safety precautions you should take to ensure an enjoyable experience for all involved. First, if you are pulling a person behind your boat, it is important to have another person (not the driver) as a flagger. There are specific flag signals that signal to other boaters in the area the status of the person being pulled behind your boat; this works to prevent boats driving too near a downed waterskier, innertuber, or wakeboarder. It’s also important to be careful of shallow areas indicated by buoys, and avoid making sharp turns.

You will also want to perform all the standard checks on your boat’s engine, including gasoline, outboard motor oil, and coolant levels.

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Yamalube Oil Used by Motocross Superstars

Yamalube Oil Used by Motocross Superstars

Recently Yamaha announced its 2009 motocross race teams, signing a number of prestigious riders that earned a great deal of acclaim the previous year. One such rider, James Stewart, was signed to the team hot off his perfect outdoor season including a US Open victory and an excellent Bercy Supercross performance. James will be riding the Yamaha Z450F, and also be outfitted in all the latest Yamaha motocross gear. Yamaha’s Yamalube brand of motor oil is utilized to achieve maximum performance in all of Yamaha’s sponsored bikes.

Yamalube 2W oil, as well as 2S, 2M and all of its 4-Stroke brands are relied on to operate in intense conditions, and are the industry choice for use in garden appliances, ATVs, snowmobiles, outboard motors, and motocross bikes.

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