Wrong oil added to 6 HP Johnson...now what?

[NC1444]

I mistakenly added the wrong oil (air cooled weedeater oil) to my dad's 6 HP Johnson outboard. Ran it approximately 30-45 minutes on the water, when it gradually lost power. Still starts.

What is my next step? Can I simply put the correct oil in the fuel and run it in to re-lubricate?? Is it a lost cause?? Is there a middle ground??

Thanks!!

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Wrong oil added to 6 HP Johnson...now what?

Using weedwacker oil a single time shouldn't hurt the engine. It'll leave deposits that will eventually cause harm but it shouldn't be immediate.

Look for other reasons for lost power. Check compression, signs of overheating, etc. Need model number for more detailed diagnosis. 6hp engines have ben available from Johnson since at least '65 afterall.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Wrong oil added to 6 HP Johnson...now what?

What ratio did you mix it?

 

[F_R]

Re: Wrong oil added to 6 HP Johnson...now what?

yeah, weedeater oil commonly comes in a little bitty bottle, enough for one gallon of gas. You need a pint of oil for 6 gallons. Too little and kiss it goodby.

 

[h_lankford]

Re: Wrong oil added to 6 HP Johnson...now what?

Assuming, assuming, that the mix was right, wouldn't the use of air-cooled 2 cycle oil in a water-cooled 2 cycle engine be less of a problem than use of water-cooled 2 cycle oil in an air-cooled engine?

I imagine the oil properties and additives need extra durability for the hotter air cooled. Be interesting to know the difference and specs if anyone has them handy! Harvey

 

[F_R]

Re: Wrong oil added to 6 HP Johnson...now what?

There is no such thing as a magic formula for TC-W3 outboard oil. The National Marine Manufacturers Assotiation, (NMMA) has developed a test procedure that oil companies submit their oil to for testing. If it passes the test, NMMA certifies it and they can use the logo on their packaging. In other words, it is a performance based test. You can make the oil out of cow plops if you can get it to pass the test--which I seriously doubt. NMMA's website is down right now, but when it comes back up you should be able to read all about it at www.nmma.org

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Wrong oil added to 6 HP Johnson...now what?

I think you're right H Lankford. TC-W3 effectively (since it does not directly) makes oils ashless, which is fine since metallic ash additives do not burn off in cool running, constant RPM outboard engines and instead form deposits. Where in air-cooled 2-stroke engines TC-W3's detergents are destroyed by heat.

 

[h_lankford]

Re: Wrong oil added to 6 HP Johnson...now what?

Paul,

As an example , Pennzoil's website says:

For air-cooled TC oil:
Pennzoil® 2-Cycle Engine Oil for air-cooled engines has been specifically designed for use in air-cooled engines such as those found in lawn mowers, motorcycles, weed cutters, snow blowers, chain saws, and small generators. It has been formulated with high quality base stocks and additives and meets API Service Category TC.

But Multipurpose TCW3 oil says:

A high performance 2-cycle engine oil meeting or exceeding the warranty requirements of all leading manufacturers of 2-cycle products including chain saws, lawn mowers, motorcycles and string trimmers, as well as outboard engines made by: Johnson/Evinrude, Mercury Marine, Yamaha, Suzuki, Nissan, Force/US Marine, Mariner, Sears and all other manufacturers requiring TC-W3® oil.


FR, there are some apparent fine differences between the two versions, although these days with improved quality and especially with synthetics, one version (only the multipurpose) may suffice for all.

Harvey

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Wrong oil added to 6 HP Johnson...now what?

And since they used to use straight 30 weight, I can't imagine the chain saw oil hurting a thing...

 

[dakotarmx]

Re: Wrong oil added to 6 HP Johnson...now what?

nc i cant see weed wacker oil killing that motor like paul said i would look for some other trouble .drain that gas and start over .check compression .so on ???maybe run it with some fresh gas for a while see whats happens maybe it will clear up .make sure you run it on muffs or in a bucket hope its a fluke and clears up

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Wrong oil added to 6 HP Johnson...now what?

Love a unintended oil argument! This is a no brainer...not the proper mix I bet....classic slow down after running a bit means you are torching the piston without oil

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Wrong oil added to 6 HP Johnson...now what?

I don't think there's much of an argument going on up there! But I agree, I'm waiting for the response to rickdb1boat's question (and my one about compression).

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Wrong oil added to 6 HP Johnson...now what?

Yep, another classic case of ask a question, then disappear! Something tells me dad found out....guess we will wait and see.

 

[dakotarmx]

Re: Wrong oil added to 6 HP Johnson...now what?

no response yet scaatys right dad must have found out

 

[NC1444]

Re: Wrong oil added to 6 HP Johnson...now what?

Sorry about being AWOL guys...too much work and not enough fishing...

I mixed 8 oz in 3 gallons. I first suspected overheating, there was a stream of really hot water coming out, might have been a little weaker than I remember from this summer.

Its a Johnson Model 6302S s/n J 011477. Inherited from my Dad, so I suspect he knows...

I appreciate everyone's input. Workload keeps me from playing for the next several weeks, but I thank you for the help so far.