The difference between synthetic and organic oil

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 motor Fuel 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 oil The 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 oil In 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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Tips for oil changes

Many people regularly perform oil changes for their cars and trucks themselves. It’s cheaper than getting it done at a repair shop, and can be done at the owner’s leisure. But not as many consider this option when it comes to changing the oil in the outboard motor on their boat or snowmobile.

Some tips for changing the oil in a two-cycle engine:
• The motor should have three ports: an upper and a lower plug, and a vent on top. To drain, remove the lower plug first, then the upper.
• Refill with two cycle oil, from the bottom. Continue filling until the oil spills out of the top vent.
• Cap off the vents and plugs.

It’s also a good time to replace the seals on the vents and plugs when changing the oil, and to look for metal shavings in the old oil. Shavings are normal, but an excessive amount means the oil should be changed more often.

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What is a 2 stroke engine?

A 2 stroke engine is similar to the common 4 stroke engine, except that it completes the same four processes in two strokes of the piston rather than four. This creates a power stroke for every revolution of the crank, instead of every second revolution. Two stroke engines provide high power for this reason, and are often used in portable, lightweight situations, such as motors and chainsaws.

When dealing with a 2 stroke engine, it’s important to use 2 stroke oil to ensure the engine will operate properly.

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Preparing your outboard motor for winter

As autumn ushers in the cold weather that can be destructive to outboard motors, boat owners should think about the steps it takes to prepare their vessels for winter. The first step in getting an outboard motor ready for the winter is to remove all remaining gas from the carburetor – either by adding a gas stabilizer and running the engine until it dies, or draining and storing the gas for next season. Once the gas has been emptied, it’s safe to remove the motor and begin draining and refilling the lower gear unit.

Old gear lubricant should be drained from the lower gear unit and replaced with fresh lubricant to prevent rusting, freezing or breakage. The spark plugs should also be replaced when preparing an outboard motor for winter. Once they’ve been removed, an aerosol commercial fogger should be sprayed into the spark plug hole to prevent the piston and cylinder walls from corroding. After fogging the cylinder, rotate the engine flywheel to distribute the outboard motor oil on the cylinder walls, and finish with new spark plugs.

And even though the gas has been drained from the motor, the fuel filter should be removed and cleaned to drain any remaining trapped gas. If these preparative steps are taken every year, your motor should be running smoothly when spring rolls around.

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Mercruiser Engines

A recent post focused on sterndrives, and Mercruiser by Mercury Marine is the most popular one available in America. Mercruiser exposes engine systems to rigorous testing in the toughest conditions to assist in the development of some of the strongest and most reliable sterndrive packages in the industry. They cast components in special alloys and utilize computer-controlled painting processes that have withstood immersion and corrosion testing. Mercruisers also include an expanded passageway in the exhaust elbow to prevent saltwater from clogging the system. The standard production gas sterndrive and inboard packages by Mercruiser are protected by Mercury Marine’s three-year limited warranty against corrosion failure. Check your operation and maintenance manual for complete information regarding warranty.

Power steering is standard on all Mercruiser sterndrives 4.3L and larger and are optional on the 3.0L. 3- and 6-inch risers to further prevent saltwater clogging are optional on all Mercruiser sterndrives and inboards with the exception of the 3.0L. Remote oil filters are standard on all gas fuel-injected sterndrives, Bluewater inboards, diesel engines, and are available as a kit for all carburetor sterndrive models. There is an audio warning system mounted under the helm to alert the boater to low Mercury engine oil pressure, high engine temperature, and other potentially damaging engine conditions which is standard on all gas and diesel models, available as a kit on the 3.0L sterndrives.

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What is an Ultralight Boat?

An ultralight boat, or flying boat, is a hang glider wing mounted on a small inflatable boat with an outboard engine. The hull is made to meet rescue boat standards, the hull is designed for crosswind landings, and there is the capability to connect a parachute for emergency purposes. In the United States, it is not necessary to hold a pilot’s license to fly a boat of this nature, but there are industry groups who regulate their operation, such as the United States Ultralight Association (USUA). There are different ratings that have to be earned to drive a craft such as this, such as that of a Basic Flight Instructor (BFI). If you live outside the United States, you need to check with local air authorities for the most current regulations being enforced in your area.

There are many rules governing the flying of ultralight boats. If you are outside the U.S., you will need to check with local air authorities for your area. Inside the U.S., your craft cannot be rented out for profit, and it is unlawful to have a passenger aboard unless you are a rated instructor training a student. (Aerosports Connections has a website that may be able to provide more information on student training guidelines.) In the U.S., an ultralight boat may be flown in areas that meet requirements for ultralight aircraft, largely non-congested areas that are located in uncontrolled airspace. You may not fly near airports, nuclear plants, military bases, or cities, and you are not permitted to land your ultralight boat in state or national parks. It is also not generally a good idea to land on private lakes. The maximum cruising level for an ultralight boat in the United States is 8,000 feet, but many say 1,000 feet is an optimum altitude-trees can be cleared, but visibility is clear at this level, weather permitting. You must land and take off on water, and there needs to be about 200 feet of free water to take off or land and it should be an absolute minimum of six feet deep.In terms of ultralight boat safety, the best practice is to maintain the craft-keeping plenty of bulk outboard motor oil on hand–and respect the weather!

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Biggest One-Day Oil Price Jump in History

Source: AP/Yahoo! News
September 22, 2008

Oil prices jumped more than $25 a barrel Monday – the biggest one-day price jump ever – as anxiety over the U. S. government’s $700 billion bailout plan and the weak American dollar continues. Crude oil for October delivery jumped as much as $25.45 to $130 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange before falling back to settle at $120.92, up $16.37. Crude oil’s previous one-day price jump of $10.75 a barrel, set June 6 of this year, showed the intensity of emotion in the stock market. The Nymex temporarily halted electronic crude oil trading after prices breached the $10 daily trading limit. (Trading resumed seconds later after the daily limit was increased.) The November crude contract, which became the front-month contract at the end of Monday’s session, was trading at $108.69, up $5.94, still a sharp gain. Crude oil prices have gained about $30 a barrel in a dramatic four-day rally. At this rate, crude is within striking distance of its all-time record of $147.27, reached in July.

Oil’s sharp gains came as energy traders grappled with the implications of the government’s proposed $700 billion initiative to stem the U.S. financial crisis by absorbing billions of dollars of banks’ bad mortgage-related securities. Anxiety over the plan also sent stocks sharply lower Monday; the credit markets were calmer than they were last week, but still showing the effects of investors’ nervousness. There is still a great deal of uncertainty about what long-term impact the U.S. rescue plan will have on energy demand. Oil’s peak prices in July and a weak U.S. economy has forced Americans to cut back on their driving and recreational use of bulk motor oil, also leading business to scale down operations.

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A Brief History of Evinrude

Evinrude is a leading brand of outboard boat motors founded by Ole Evinrude in 1909, who designed his first two-cycle, water-cooled, forward-facing, single-cylinder engine that year. After improvements were made to Evinrude’s design, the motor went into production. The business changed hands a number of times over the years, and in 1936 became the Outboard Marine and Manufacturing Company after acquiring Johnson Outboards. Evinrude made motors for the armed services during WWII which were sometimes used to power rubber emergency rafts. When the war ended, Evinrude enjoyed great prosperity and continued to introduce new engines.

Evinrude is owned today by Bombardier Recreational Products, who also owns the Johnson Outboards brand. Evinrude outboards primary use two-stroke engines and 2 stroke oil in their larger models using 40 horsepower or above and four-stroke engines in most of their smaller models. Until the late 1990s, Evinrude outboard motors used carburetors, but advances in fuel injection technology prompted the adoption of E-Tec direct fuel injection, which improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, oil usage, noise levels and maintenance demands. Doubtless inspired by the company, Evinrude the dragonfly was a featured character in the Disney film “The Rescuers”, where he used a leaf as an airboat in several pivotal scenes.

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What is a Sterndrive?

mercury oil A sterndrive, or stern drive, is a form of boat propulsion also known as inboard/outboard or I/O. The upper unit engine is located inboard, just forward of the boat stern, producing power by way of a shaft that goes through the stern to the lower drive unit (also known as the outdrive) located outside the hull, which resembles the bottom half of an outboard. The lower drive unit carries the boat propeller and contains gearing for the engine system. This unit controls the steering of the boat, as with an outboard motor. No rudder is necessary. The sterndrive engine itself is usually the same as those used in true inboard systems. The most popular sterndrive engines have historically been Chevrolet and Ford V-8 car engines that have been adapted for marine use. The most popular brand of sterndrive is Mercruiser by Mercury Marine, who also manufactures outboard motors and Mercury oil. Advantages of the sterndrive versus the outboard include higher available engine horsepower, a clean stern with no cutouts for outboard motor installation and no protruding powerhead, making for easier egress and ingress for pleasure boat passengers and more convenient fishing. Advantages of the sterndrive system versus outboards include simpler engineering for boat builders and space savings with engines mounted all the way aft, allowing more occupancy space for the boat’s passengers. Performance with sterndrives is better than inboards, due to the inherent loss of force with inboard propellers due to the angle of the prop shaft.

The main disadvantages of sterndrives versus inboards is that their components–namely oil lines, hoses, and rubber bellows, some of which are in the water–are more vulnerable to corrosion and damage from being exposed to the elements. Maintenance on sterndrives is more complex than outboard maintenance in several ways. Sterndrive oil changes may necessitate complicated pumping mechanisms, and engine repairs are often difficult to perform due to tight engine compartment spaces. In some sterndrive boats, the entire engine must be removed to perform even simple repairs, whereas with an outboard motor, only removal of the cover is necessary. With both inboards and sterndrives there are fire and explosion hazards from fuel vapors within the engine compartment. It is recommended that these boats run a blower for several minutes prior to starting the engine, while idling, or moving below cruising speed. The blower circulates the fresh outside air inside the engine compartment and vice versa. Sterndrives have become sought after for use in pleasure boating due to their practical advantages and attractive costs, and there are many current boat product lines that include models for which sterndrive power is the only option for available propulsion.

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