Checking your boat’s oil

boat engine

It’s the same process as checking the oil in your car, but just in case you don’t know, here are the steps to check your boat’s oil:

1. Pull out the dipstick (which usually has a yellow handle at the top), and wipe off the oil with a light colored rag to check its color. If it is dark or has particles such as dirt and sand in it, it needs to be changed. A recommended oil type is Yamalube outboard motor oil. If it’s a caramel color, it is fine.
2. Put the dipstick back in, and pull it out to check the oil level. If the oil only reaches to the “low” line, you need more.
3. Check the engine oil before each outing; this will allow you to detect leaks early on.

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What to do with old motor oil

Valdez spill

Each month, more than 16 million gallons of used oil is disposed of improperly – which is more than was lost by the Exxon Valdez supertanker off the coast of Alaska. If everyone in the United States who performed their own oil changes recycled that oil, it would be enough to power 50 million automobiles every year. And the used oil from one oil change can contaminate one million gallons of fresh water, which is a year’s supply of drinking water for 50 people.These shocking facts should be widely known, but unfortunately, they aren’t. People continue to improperly dispose of their oil, which not only damages the environment, but further depletes oil supplies. The United States produces 1.3 billion gallons of waste every year, but only 800 million gallons are recycled.

But recycling used oil is extremely easy – and beneficial. All you do is take your used Yamaha 2m oil and others to almost any local gas station, garage, or oil change station, and you’re done. There’s nothing else to it. And that re-used oil can be even more efficient than the brand-new bottle you bought in the first place. It takes 42 gallons of crude oil to produce 2.5 quarts of motor oil, but only one gallon of used motor oil to be re-refined into the same amount. So help the environment, and don’t add to the looming energy crisis – recycle your used motor oil.

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Early uses of oil

Samuel KierAs the patent medicines of the late 19th century firmly secured their hold on the American public, pharmaceutical companies began to search out more creative sources to find these “miracle drugs.” And crude oil was one of those discoveries.

An 1855 ad urged people to buy Samuel Kier’s Rock Oil before “this wonderful product is depleted from nature’s laboratory.” The tonic – which was made from petroleum – was touted as “bubbling up from the salt wells near Pittsburg” and claimed to be a cure for everything from diarrhea, rheumatism and ringworm to deafness.

Ingesting crude oil can lead to depression, severe vomiting, poor coordination, immune diseases, and even death. So if you’re feeling sick, don’t reach for a bottle of Yamalube 2m oil – save that for your outboard motor.

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Where does oil come from?

dinosaurMany people may have the idea that oil comes from dinosaurs, but that isn’t quite right. Oil actually came from the plants and animals that lived in a marine environment millions of years ago, before the dinosaurs. As the years progressed, the remains of these plants and animals were covered with mud, and the heat and pressure from those layers turned the remains into “crude oil.”

Crude oil is a thick, smelly, yellow-to-black liquid usually found in underground reservoirs, which is removed and sent to a refinery. At the refinery, different parts of the oil separated into useable petroleum products, which is where we get gas and oil, such as Yamalube outboard motor oil.

The word petroleum means “rock oil” or “oil from the earth,” and is made up of Greek and Latin terms.

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Why oil is important to your engine

building-boatYour boat may be straight out of the factory, but it’s already taken two hits when it comes to efficiency. Marine engines generally run at or near peak RPM for extended periods of time under heavy load conditions, according to outboardrepairs.com; every time they have to make it through a wave or a wake the engine has to strain to keep the RPM constant. Also, an extended period of time between uses is extremely common when it comes to boats, which allows for damaging corrosion to build up quickly.

But these demanding conditions can be combat by keeping your engine properly lubricated with oil such as Yamaha 2m oil. A high-quality oil will reduce fiction and leave the cylinder walls properly coated to eliminate corrosion between uses. Changing the crankcase oil frequently will also prolong the life of your engine.

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Don’t buy cheap oil

Yamaha oil

The better the oil you put in your motor, the better your boat is going to run. Look into high-quality Yamaha oil, which will keep your engine lubricated and running smoothly without any wear.

Yamaha oil will also keep you engine clean and safe for the environment, and extend the life of the engine at the same time. So, don’t just go for the sale price. Choose a quality product when it comes to shopping for oil.

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What’s the best oil for me?

Yamalube outboard motor oilWhen choosing what kind of oil to use in your outboard engine, it’s not always wise to go with whatever’s cheap. In order to keep your motor running smoothly and for quite some time, do a little research into what type of oil will best suit your boat. Don’t scrimp on oil, because it will just cause you problems later.

One type of recommended oil is Yamalube outboard motor oil. It’s a mineral oil that has anti-wear protection against piston wear and binding, which extends the life of the engine. It also promotes enhanced cleanliness of the engine components, anticorrosion and antirust components, leads to low levels of exhaust smoke, and has a low aquatic toxicity, among many other features.

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Choosing your oil

yamalube 2M 2 cycle oilIt may be difficult to choose the correct oil for your boat sometimes. There are so many varieties and manufacturers and promises of perfect performance out there, it can be a little overwhelming. But one myth to dispel early on – your oil brand and boat manufacturer don’t have to match up. That is, if you’re running a Yamaha boat, it isn’t completely necessary to use yamalube oil – though it is recommended.

When choosing your oil, make sure it will perform all the necessary functions, is at a price you can afford, and is compatible with your boat. There is a wide variety of oil types and brands available at www.domo-online.com. Happy hunting.

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The difference between synthetic and organic oil

oil pump

Whether you should be using synthetic or organic oil in for your outboard motor oil is really a matter of personal preference. Both will serve the engine well, and have their own strengths and weaknesses. Here are some of the differences between synthetic and organic motor oil:

Organic oil is extracted from crude oil during the refining process, and may maintain some impurities. Synthetic oil is artificially made from other compounds, and includes specially designed performance enhancing additives.

Synthetic oil has several advantages over regular, such as a high viscosity index, a higher flash point, lower pour point, and very low volatility. But, synthetic oil is more expensive and in more limited quantities than organic oil. Most agree that synthetic oil is a better choice, but not as many choose it because it can be three to four times pricier.

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Fuel-saving tips when boating

outboard motorFuel prices are constantly fluctuating between high and really high these days, so it’s important to make sure you’re getting the best deal you can. Here are some fuel-saving tips when it comes to boating, according to Yamaha-motor.com:
• Perform basic maintenance, such as changing the spark plugs and outboard oil.
• Choose the most efficient propeller for your boat, and make sure there are no nicks or scratches in it. These flaws can cause a loss of grip and will reduce efficiency.
• Don’t carry extra weight if it’s unnecessary – it uses more fuel.
• Avoid wind and waves. Traveling over smooth water uses less fuel.
• Keep the boat clean. Anything stuck to the bottom of the boat increases friction.
• Switch to a four-stroke motor – they’re more fuel efficient than two-strokes.

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Two-stroke vs. four-stroke engines

two-cycle oilThe biggest mechanical difference between two and four-stroke motor is in the internal processes. A two-stroke motor completes four different internal processes – intake, compression, power and exhaust – in two strokes of the piston, while the four-stroke completes those same four processes in four strokes.

Because the two-stroke is operating at a higher rate, it tends to be more powerful than a four-stroke motor. The two-stroke motor is lighter, simpler to build, and is popular in chainsaws, outboard motors, jet-skis, and many others. The two-stroke motor operates best on two-cycle oil. It is, however, extremely inefficient and is an excessive polluter due to the amount of unused fuel that escapes through the exhaust port.

The four-stroke motors have to meet emissions and fuel standards, and are the environmentally-friendly choice of the two. Four-stroke motors cost less, and are cheaper to run and maintain. They are heavier than two-stroke motors, though, which may restrict in what capacities they can be used.

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Will boating survive the economy collapse?

bulk oilIn such an uncertain economy, the thought of buying or maintaining a boat – an expensive endeavor – may seem a little outlandish. Boat sales are down substantially as the price of materials and oil steadily rise. According to the National Marine Manufacturer’s Association, 2007 new boat sales totaled $14.4 billion, a five percent decrease from 2006. Boat manufacturers are struggling to find technologies that will decrease prices and draw in customers.

But despite the sagging economy and skyrocketing prices, sales of outboard motors have been holding on steadily. Due to advances in fuel efficiency and emissions reductions, particularly through an emphasis on four-stroke technologies, outboard motors have been carving their niche in the unsteady world of boat sales. Those looking to buy a new boat, or those who just want to keep theirs in good shape, should go the route of the outboard motor, and invest in a case of bulk oil before prices can get any higher. The economy may get worse before it gets better, but at least boat enthusiasts can find some hope.

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