Yamalube | Outboard Motor Oil - Part 32

Early Season Snowmobile Maintenance: Part One

snowmobile-accident

While I was taking out my snowmobile over the weekend, I noticed that it wasn’t running as well as it should. That’s when I decided that it was probably time to give my machine an early season tuning. It is always important to do basic checks before every ride and more thorough maintenance on a regular basis. Since I was short of time on Saturday, I decided to just do a basic check and make sure that the Yamalube oil and other fluid levels were sufficient.

While most riders remember to check the two basics-fuel and oil-some of the other main fluids are oft overlooked. It is also important to ensure that the engine coolant and brake fluid are properly filled. To check the brake fluid, look in the sight glass in the master cylinder. The anti-freeze will be in the reservoir tank, and both only take a few seconds to check. Tomorrow we will go into more in-depth maintenance and diagnostics.

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How to Winterize Your Boat

snowsceneEven the if you think that your baby is indestructible, all boats need primo care. With winter upon us, it is time to start winterizing your boat and reading up on the precautions you need to take to ensure a long life for your craft. Below is a step-by-step guide to winterizing your boat, but before you begin, drain the gear case and check for excessive moisture in the motor.

Then, flush engine with fresh water using flush muffs or similar device attached to the raw water pickup. Let all water drain from the engine. Wash engine down with soap and water and rinse thoroughly. Disconnect fuel hose and run engine until it stops. It is important to follow a step-by-step process to make sure that all fuel is drained from the carburetor to prevent build-up of deposits from evaporated fuel. Use fogging oil in the cylinders to lubricate the cylinder walls and pistons. Apply water resistant grease to propeller shaft and threads. Change the Yamalube 2W oil in the lower unit. Lastly, lightly lubricate the exterior of the engine or polish with a good wax.

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Want an ATV?

atvIt has been about 30 years since the first ATV was introduced to the market, and since then they have become more and more popular every year. Just what is the appeal of these three and four wheel machines, could it be just the excitement that riding them creates? Nowadays you will find entire families enjoying the excitement and riding as a family activity. But there is always down sides to things, and riding ATVs is no different. Many accidents happen each year to people riding ATVs, keeping a few things in mind and following some simple safety procedures could keep you in the safe zone at all times.

One of the first rules that you will want to follow is as a new rider, always head out to the trails with an experienced rider, in fact even an experienced rider should always have a partner with them. If at all possible before you buy your own ATV rent one or use a friends to see if this is something that you are really going to like. Once you determine that you enjoy the hobby, then start recording what type of riding you like to do and what trails you will be frequenting the most.

It is usually recommended that beginners not go off and buy a new ATV, rather become familiar with the sport first, try out some different style machines such as utility ATV’s or Sport ATV’s and determine what feels most comfortable to you. After you get your first machine it is always advisable to take a safety course. You can find ATV safety courses that will meet once a week for a couple of hours that is spread out three or four weeks. Not only will they review basic safety precautions, but you will also learn fundamental maintenance for your vehicle, like how to change the Yamalube 2S oil. This is not mandatory, but I believe is well worth your time and money.

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Fishing Memories

yamalube 2m oilI can’t think of anything that reminds me more of summer than cruising around the lake on a fishing boat with my dad. He owned a beautiful Eagle 190, one of many G-3 boats in the Yamaha line. Before hitting the lake every year, we would set aside a day to do some basic tune-ups and maintenance, like flushing the engine and replacing the Yamalube 2M oil.

He would take as many people as could fit on the boat (and sometimes more), and we’d fish until it was pitch dark outside. Most days, we didn’t catch a single thing. I’d usually be so excited by the smallest nibble that I’d yank my pole too quickly and lose the fish altogether, which never ceased to make him laugh. He would swear up and down that he landed huge fish in the lake before, but I certainly never saw one!

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Routine Engine Upkeep

yamalube 2w oilWhether you are an avid boater or just occasionally go out for recreation, it is important to understand the basics of boat maintenance. While the task of performing repairs on your craft may seem daunting, most preventative measures and basic maintenance is easy for anyone with a set of tools. By taking a little time to inspect your boat after every outing, you can avoid having to dole out big bucks later.

Flushing the engine is a good idea after every boat trip, whether it’s in fresh or salt water. If the water is hot during this process, it is usually an indication that you have some debris in your system. When this happens, simply insert a piece of wire into the flow tube and dislodge the clog.

It is important to make sure that all of the moving components of your engine are well-lubed at all times. On a regular basis you should check for cracks and excessive wear on the engine. Of course, you always want to have a good level of quality oil; I use Yamalube 2w oil in my boat.

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Guide for Selecting a Used Outboard Motor

outboard motor oilIn a perfect world, we would all be able to afford precisely what our hearts desire. There wouldn’t be much diversity in the boating world, as we’d all be cruising past each other in top-of-the line boats with high-end outboard motors attached to the transom. Just think of all the luxury and convenience we would experience on a daily basis. Unfortunately, we would also miss out on many of the great stories that make boating so much fun. Old, well-worn boats have a certain character that their new counterparts lack. To an extent, the same could be said for outboards themselves.

There are several considerations to make upfront when selecting a used outboard motor for your vessel. They fall into three main categories: age, accessories and brand reliability. First, be sure you understand the difference between age and use. An eight-year-old outboard that has lain dormant inside a garage will be in much better shape than a four-year-old engine that has been run hard and denied basic maintenance. Check to ensure that the motor in question operates with a TC-W3 formulation of outboard motor oil.

Choose the accessories that best complement your pre-existing boat. For instance, find a motor that features cable steering, an electric start and other features that make boating more simple if you have a boat that allows for it logistically. As a final consideration, do some research about the specific brand of motor in which you want to invest. The big names in outboards have remained the same for decades: Yamaha, Evinrude, Mercury.

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Snowmobiles Explained: Powering the Sled

racing_snowmobileLast week we presented a four-part series on seasonal snowmobile maintenance – the kind of repair work that should be done even before the best powder begins to fall. This week, we’ll take it back to basics, explaining the ins and outs of the snowmobile from its drive system to its steering system, from environmental impact to safety tips. For those of you who already go snowmobiling on a regular basis in winter, this should prove a valuable refresher. For beginners, it aims to serve as a good informational starting point.

The sled’s drive system can be broken down into four essential parts: engine, clutch, track and skis. While some four-stroke engines are available in professional snowmobiles, lightweight models feature a powerful two-stroke. The engine links to the internal track drive, which in turn causes the tracks to rotate. In a way, snowmobile tracks are like those of a Sherman tank – except scaled down considerably, of course. Snowmobiles always benefit from a fresh supply of Yamalube oil.

The clutches are really a glorified pulley system that connects to the track drive and tightens the belt around the track. Most snowmobiles have a primary and secondary clutch. The secondary clutch comes into play once the sled has accelerated; it “shifts into another gear” once the wheels begin to turn and less effort is required on behalf of the motor. The skis are fastened at the front of the sled to provide stability. We’ll talk more about them in the entry on steering.

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Snowmobile Tune-up II: Visual Inspection

gettingairToday we pick up right where we left off in our preseason snowmobile maintenance process: the visual inspection. Having checked for cracks in the hood, we now turn our attention to the upholstery. Seat covers may become nicked and scratched with use, and in some cases they might slip right off the mounting. These details might seem trivial or superficial, and it’s true that your snow machine can operate no matter the state of the seating. Now is a good time to shore up any aesthetic flaws, however. Try gluing a similar fabric underneath hole in the leather or synthetic seating.

Now it’s time to get a look at the underbody of your snowmobile – specifically, the track and the rear suspension. Check for bent or broken suspension parts and ensure that the sliders haven’t deteriorated. When inspecting the track, think about it the same way you would the tires on a car. The slightest sign of wear is more than enough evidence in favor of replacement. Driving with a worn track is basically tempting fate; you could end up walking several miles back to civilization through deep snow.

Tip the sled onto its side to get a glance at the skis and runners. Again, you simply have to check these parts for serious signs of wear. Steel skis should last you many years provided they aren’t bent or allowed to corrode. Plastic skis could be cut or otherwise impacted rather easily, so check them with added prejudice. If you haven’t already done so, top off the engine with Yamalube 2s oil. Tomorrow we’ll go under the hood!

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More Battery Tips

boatpush

We recently discussed the importance of packing multiple battery systems for fishing excursions. One system should be devoted to the general operation of the boat – the cranking function that starts it up – and the other should be relegated to smaller tasks like keeping the radio, radar and GPS juiced up. You might be wondering how it’s possible to prevent one battery from being used up by providing power to all of the boat’s electrical needs.

Yamaha’s battery isolator system has the ability to recharge multiple batteries right onboard the boat. This is especially handy because it’s crucial to keep the cranking battery operational for the duration of a trip. There’s nothing worse than finding out that an outboard engine won’t restart during the middle of your journey. The battery isolator system senses which battery has the least energy and supplies it with a charge. If both are equally tapped or equally full, they each receive the same amount of power.

Note that batteries should always be mounted a safe distance away from the boat’s fuel system. Fuel lines, gas tanks and outboard motor oil in general should be kept separate from electronic components. By keeping these and other safety measures in mind, you can ensure a fun, relaxing late-season boat trip.

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Fishing Tips from a Yamaha Pro

fishingboat

For boat owners lucky enough to live in areas where the sun shines year round, fishing season is anything but over by mid September. According to professional angler Clark Wendlandt, many fishermen overlook one of the most bountiful places to catch a sizeable dinner – or maybe even a genuine trophy fish or two. If you begin and end your day of boating in a marina, you may not have to go far to find fish.

Rocky stretches of shoreline, and even man-made rock walls, are excellent hideouts for certain types of forage bass. The algae that grows along those rocks marks the bottom of the food chain, and small minnows gather to feast on the sustenance. Crawfish also prefer tiny crevices where they can hide from predators, and all of these elements combine to bring bass from miles around.

Wendlandt, who relies on Yamalube oil to help propel his boat around the lake, recommends fishing rocks early in the morning. That’s when the bass stay in relatively shallow water. He tends to use crankbaits when fishing rocky stretches and then, if that doesn’t work, switches to worms or even jigs. You don’t need to be a professional to recognize a great opportunity to catch fish.

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Cleaning the Carburetor

carburetor

Carburetors, which pull in air to be combined with a fuel/oil mixture, are essential to any smooth-running outboard motor. It’s a pity that these finicky devices are commonly associated with engine trouble. By the very nature of their operation, carburetors are often gummed up; they require cleaning on a regular basis. There is, however, one simple way to keep the carburetor clean as long as possible – that’s by sticking with a high-quality fuel/oil mixture such as Yamalube.

When gas evaporates, it tends to leave behind a gummy residue. If you don’t take preventative measures to discourage that buildup, you may have a sticky situation on your hands. Although many fuel additives claim the ability to clean an outboard carburetor, many of them actually contain strong solvents that will do lasting damage to the fuel system (just as ethanol would).

Rather than cleaning in the carburetor during the course of operating the outboard motor, you’ll likely need to disassemble it. Allow the carburetor to soak in some specially formulated cleaning fluid. Once reassembled and ready to go, you should notice an immediate difference in terms of engine performance.

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The Many Functions of Oil

yamaha-2w-oil

Last Christmas my family and I voyaged to the exciting land of Zimbabwe. It was our goal to focus on the true spirit of the season – loving and caring – instead of becoming caught up in presents and Santa Clause like the rest of the population. We figured it was about time to spend time with some people who were less fortunate than us, and strive to make a difference in their lives. Looking back now, it was them who inspired us.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by the leader of the tribe, Mocco Umbaba. He showed us to our sleeping quarters, which were tents made out of burlap canvas and oil barrels. As it turns out, Zimbabwe can get rather windy from time to time and the weight of the oil containers keeps the cloth tents from collapsing. I was completely blown away by the simplicity and functionality of their solution. After returning to the United States, I purchased several gallons of Yamaha 2w oil – I knew its heavy-duty composition was right for the job – and began testing ways I could use my purchase for something other than its intended function.

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