NMMA | Outboard Motor Oil

Choosing Marine Diesel Engine Oil

Diesel marine engines require special marine grade oil. To avoid low-quality oils, look only at marine diesel engine oils tested and certified by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). The NMMA currently certifies three types of marine grade engine oil: TC-W3, FC-W, and FC-W(CAT).

TC-W3, like Amalie oil, is typically used for two-stroke engines. FC-W is used for four-stroke engines, and FC-W(CAT) is used for four-stroke engines that have an exhaust treatment catalyst system. Synthetic oils tend to be more expensive than partial synthetic oil, but offer better protection, so look into your budget to see what you can afford.

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NMMA Certification

The National Marine Manufacturers Association tests and certifies the products of manufacturers. The goal of the rigorous certification process is to set a high standard for quality and safety. Currently, the NMMA certifies a variety of TC-W3 oils, FC-W oils, and FC-W (CAT) oils.

In the mission statement on their website, NMMA states, “To help boaters recognize lubricants that will give the engine life designed-in by marine engine manufacturers, the National Marine Manufacturers Association has developed a program for the certification of these premium quality lubricants.” NMMA certification is two-fold. First the oil additive packages are certified and then there is a registration of oil brands that use certified oils. Amalie Oil is one such brand that is certified under their XCEL Outboard and 2-Cycle Oil.

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