Changing Your Outboard Motor Oil

Most manufacturers recommend changing your outboard motor oil and filter after every 100 hours of use or every season, which ever comes first. Some people may postpone this task, but it is essential if you want to prolong the life of your boat and achieve optimal performance. Changing your oil may seem daunting, but with a few wrenches and some knowhow, you can get the job done in no time.

Always remember to drain all of the old oil before refilling the crankcase. Mixing old and new oils will leave deposits in the system and limit the effectiveness of the new oil. Also, be sure to add a quart of oil for the new filter and run the engine when you are done to ensure that the oil pressure is correct and there are no leaky areas.

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Evinrude Stays In Front of the Competition

The key to success in any industry is innovation, and when it comes to outboard motors, nobody knows this better than Evinrude. There are usually a myriad of maintenance costs innate in boat ownership, but Evinrude has worked to eliminate these. Evinrude E-Tec motors do not need maintenance for the first three years or 300 miles of normal recreational use, including Evinrude XD 100 oil, oil filter, and gear case lube changes.

The new product line of Evinrude E-Tec outboard engines are more lightweight than previous Evinrude models, start more easily, run more quietly, provide better fuel economy and lower emissions. They also use their own patented low-friction design, resulting in smooth power and performance. Once again, Evinrude has proven that innovation and technology development are paramount to staying ahead of the curve.

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Staying Active

When my wife and I retired, we knew that simply sitting around and growing old wouldn’t be enough to keep us satisfied. After working at a desk job for 47 years, I wanted to live near the water and have the freedom to be outside and interact with people. Following much deliberation, we decided to move to Tahoe and start our own watercraft rental service.

We’ve been at it for three years now, and I love every minute of it. I handle the business side of things, like accounting and ordering bulk motor oil and other supplies, while my wife focuses on the customers and day-to-day operations. Admittedly, it is hard work, but I don’t mind since I get to relax on a boat of jet ski whenever I like.

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Picking the Right Oil

As any boat owner will attest, all oils are not created equal. When you go to purchase oil for your boat, or any vehicle for that matter, it is important to consult your owner’s manual to verify what grade and type of oil is optimal. You often get what you pay for, and oil is no exception.

Take Evinrude oil for example; there are several different two-stroke oils available, and they each provide a different level of protection. While their entire line of oils pass the TC-W3 requirements, XD30 is best for water-cooled engines and load light applications. Evinrude XD 150 is a good middle-grade option, but for optimal performance and unparalleled protection, Evinrude XD100 is the only choice.

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Outboard Motor Oil Basics

In this blog, we often explore some of the more advanced aspects on engine maintenance and may overlook the primary purpose of this site: outboard motor oil. Most of us know that the oil’s primary objective is to act as a lubricant for the various components of the engine. This lubrication is necessary due to the amount of heat and corrosion imparted on the various parts during the engine cycle.

Any two things that move against one another cause friction, and in the case of an engine, there is constant friction between the many moving parts. The oil works to facilitate the movements and reduce the amount to friction between the parts. In addition to acting as a lubricant, the oil also removes deposits and promotes energy savings.

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The Evolution of the Snowmobile

Anyone who is familiar with snowmobiles knows that the machine has evolved into a more lightweight and versatile vehicle, which has also led to a substantial increase in price. Snowmobiles had as little as five horsepower when they were first designed. Today you can find models that produce nearly 200 and can scale steep hillsides and access remote locations.

Snowmobiles have customarily utilized a two-stroke engine, but due to environmental complaints and concerns, many models now come with a four-stroke. Although four-strokes produce less power, they don’t require you to mix the gasoline and Evinrude XD 100, which means that the engine receives better lubrication and will last longer. Originally designed for pragmatic purposes, snowmobiling has evolved into a popular recreational activity, and there are even professional leagues and competitions at the X Games.

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Basic Snowmobile Maintenance

snowmobileYesterday we reviewed some of the pre-ride checks that you should go through every time you ride your motorcycle — primarily, checking the levels of gas and outboard motor oil. There are some other basic systems that should be checked and adjusted on a regular basis to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your vehicle; we suggest checking these systems on a daily basis. These include the throttle lever and over ride system, as well as the brake lever.

Also inspect the starter rope, engine start switch and all of the drive track and slider elements. Whenever heading out on a ride, be sure to bring a spare belt and plugs with you. Although it doesn’t need to be check on a daily basis, the chassis lubrication should be verified a few times season to preserve the various suspension and steering components.

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Pre-Ride Snowmobile Checks

yamalube

Living in the Pacific Northwest, I have been disappointed with the snow this season—to put it lightly. Usually I take my snowmobiles out several times a week, but for most of the season it hasn’t even been worth my time. This weekend I’m heading out to my buddy’s cabin, and there is sure to be some prime powder. To that end, I am going to do some basic maintenance and checks on my snowmobiles, which have been largely neglected this season.

There are a few checks that I check before every ride, including the fuel and level of Yamalube oil. I also make sure to check the engine coolant and brake fluid, just to be sure that they aren’t running too low. Remember to always inspect the engine coolant when the machine is cold to get an accurate reading. Tomorrow I will go over some other basic maintenance points that should always be checked before heading out.

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Adjusting an ATV Carburetor: Part Two

CarburetorYesterday we went over the main idle adjustments, and today we will delve in deeper to how to fine tune the carburetor on your ATV. Once the idle is set, it is time to make minor adjustments to the various idle positions. For the off idle to ¼ throttle, the slow jet and slow air jet are the most effective means of getting the results that you want; use a larger slow jet and smaller slow sir jet for a richer mixture, and vice-versa.

For the ¼ to ¾ throttle, raise the jet needle for a rich mixture, and vice-versa; this is accomplished by lowering the clip. The last adjustment is for a wide open throttle. The main jet is the main component for the open throttle; choose the size that offers the best performance—install a main jet that is one size larger than this to ensure engine durability. When using a lean mixture of gasoline and Evinrude XD100, your performance will increase, but you also run a risk of over-heating and piston.

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Adjusting an ATV Carburetor: Part One

CarburetorThe carburetor is one of the most vital components of any two-stroke engine, as it works to blend the air, fuel, and outboard motor oil so that they can be utilized in the stroke cycle. For many owners of two-stroke engines, however, carburetor maintenance and mechanical issues are a headache. The next few days we will go over the basics for making routine adjustments to the carburetor.

Always start by adjusting the idle, which controls the RPMs that the engine runs at. Set the idle speed to the proper RPM level by adjusting the idle screw. Next, turn the idle mixture screw so that the engine runs smoothly, with the optimal speed and response. Once this is done, make any final adjustments to the idle screw that may be needed. Tomorrow we will continue reviewing carburetor adjustments.

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Boat Buying Tips

boatAside from your house or car, a boat is probably one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make. With that in mind, it is important to do some research before dropping thousands on a watercraft. One of the most important things to consider is whether you want an inboard or outboard motor.

Outboard boats tend to be less expensive and our good for fishing and other leisurely water activities, while an inboard is a near necessity for extreme water sports. In this down economy, many people are considering buying a used boat and saving some money. If you are considering this route, put the boat through a strict vetting before finalizing your purchase. Aside from inspecting the hull and outer surfaces, also examine the engine to ensure that the previous owner maintained the system with Evinrude XD 100 and other essential fluids.

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Two-Stroke Engine Basics: Part Four

lawnmowerNow that we have overviewed the inner workings of a two-stroke engine, the advantages should be ascertainable. The consolidation of the stroke cycle allows for a more rudimentary and lightweight design, which also produces more power. This combination makes two-stroke engines ideal for various handheld equipment and small vehicles. With these obvious advantages, some may be wondering why two-stroke engines aren’t used in cars and other large vehicles.

The main drawback to the two-stroke is its longevity; the fact that the outboard motor oil and gasoline are mixed means that there is less direct lubrication, and the system wears faster. Because of this necessity to mix the gas and oil, the engine burns more of these fluids than there four-stroke counterpart—which is a major drawback in a vehicle that experiences extended usage. Finally, there is also more pollution emitted from a two-stroke due to the nature of its compression cycle.

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