evinrude xd50 oil | Outboard Motor Oil - Part 2

Motor Oil: Understanding the Label

Virtually every oil on the market today is multi-grade oil, meaning it contains additives to maintain viscosity as the engine heats up. As opposed to single-grade oil, such as Evinrude XD 100, you can use premium multi-grade oil in a variety of climates. Most people are familiar with the _W-__ labeling on motor oil, and this actually will tell you the oil’s viscosity as different temperatures.

The number before the ‘W’ indicates the cold viscosity rating, while the second number is the hot. For example, 10W-40 would be the equivalent to 10-rated oil in the cold and a no more than a 40 when the temp outside heats up. This rating is also used to grade the oil: 0W-30, 0W-40 and 5W-40 are fully synthetic; 5-W-30, 10W-40 and 15W-40 are semi-synthetic; 10W-40 and 15W-40 are mineral.

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Winterizing Your ATV: Part Five

Now that we’ve dealt with the problems that can stem from the Evinrude XD100 oil and fuel you put in your ATV, it’s time to move away from the inner workings of the machine to the exterior. Corrosion is a serious concern when you’re taking your ATV through rain, sleet and snow, particularly when it comes to the suspension and the brake pads. The easiest way to prevent corrosion in these areas is by spraying your machine down with a silicone water-dispersant before you take it out. This will also protect it from road salt while you are transporting it on the trailer.

Rinsing down your ATV after each trip will also help prevent unnecessary wear and deterioration. Once you have rinsed down the machine, be sure to store it a warm, dry place, such as your garage. If you leave the machine outside, the water will freeze and could cause damage to the systems. Letting your machine sit in the cold will also wreak havoc on the battery and will make it more difficult to start.

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Winterizing Your Boat: Part Five

Now that all of the major winterization is out of the way—such as changing the Evinrude XD 100, draining the fuel and lubricating the various systems—it’s time to tie up some of the loose ends. Detach all of the battery cables and remove the battery from the boat. You’ll want to store the battery in a cool, dry place—probably the same location as the vessel itself. Clean and dry the bilges using soap and hot water. Once this is done, apply some lubricant.

The final step is to clean both the interior and the hull of the vessel thoroughly. Cleaning the interior is fairly self-explanatory, but for the hull you’ll want to use a pressure washer to breakthrough all of the caked on deposits and grime. This winterization process probably seems extensive, and it is to a certain extent. However, when next boating season rolls around you’ll be glad you put in the extra effort.

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Boat Ownership: Part Five

Once you’ve made the decision to purchase a boat, you obviously want to protect your investment. We all recognize that the water and other elements provide a constant threat to our boat, which is why we invest in bumpers, covers and other protective gear. But what about boat theft?

It’s not the end of the world if someone swipes the Evinrude XD 100 out of the boat or grabs a stray life jacket, but full-blown boat theft is becoming increasingly common. Boats look like easy targets for criminals, especially when they’re just sitting there on a trailer. The easiest way to prevent theft is by locking your trailer at all times and keeping the keys on your person when you are moored at the dock. Also be sure to clearly label your boat, trailer and all of the removable equipment with your HIN and driver’s license number.

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How to Pull a Skier: Part Four

Now that I’m thinking about it, this portion of the series probably should have come first. Before the skier gets in the water, it’s important to go over some ground rules and establish an agreed upon form of nonverbal communication. The thumbs up or down are simple signals to indicate a desired increase or decrease in speed. A circle above your head is obviously a turn, while drawing your hand across your throat is a sign to “cut it.”

Always have an extra person onboard to watch the skier and raise the safety flag when they go down. Even if you have a spotter, installing a rearview mirror is never a bad idea. Last but not least, be sure you always have the proper supplies before you leave the dock: first aid equipment, tools, and extra gas and Evinrude XD100.

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Preventative Outboard Motor Care: Part Five

After you’ve inspected the fuel line, move on to the fuel primer bulb and fuel line fittings. Lastly, check the tank vent to ensure the unit is aspirating properly and there isn’t any water in the fuel. Turn off the engine and the battery, and open the engine cover to check for any leaking fuel or water.

Lubricate all of the moving parts—the carburetor valves, shift and throttle cables, etc. Assuming you have a two-stroke engine, you’re going to need to mix the fuel with outboard motor oil before you refill the tank. Always be sure to use premium certified oil, such as Evinrude XD 100 oil. Once you’re finished, throw the cover on the engine to keep it safe during storage and transportation.

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Environmentally Safe Boating: Part Two

The BP oil spill has rekindled public awareness of the detrimental effects humans can have on water and ecosystems. And while the oil flowing into the Gulf of Mexico is extremely hazardous, materials from your boat can be just as dangerous. Petroleum alone is perilous for wildlife, but gasoline also contains benzene and other carcinogens. As we have seen in recent weeks, cleaning water is an infinitely difficult proposition, so the best M.O. is to prevent a spill in the first place.

Outboard motor oils, such as Evinrude XD100, contain a litany of potentially dangerous elements as well, including zinc, sulfur and phosphorus. Some people assume that a relatively small amount of gasoline or oil spilling into the water isn’t a big deal, using the BP logic that the body of water is immense, so my little quantity of oil is just a drop in the bucket. In fact, just one pint of oil has the capability of covering once acre of surface area on the water.

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