Does the kind of 2 cycle outboard motor oil really matter.

[Daviddm]

I just bought a 21' Sea-Pro with a 200 Yamaha saltwater FI. The previous owner said he only used Yama-lube 2 cycle motor oil. Does it matter If I go with a different brand of 2 cycle motor oil. Yama-lube is a little expensive.

 

[randy_252]

Re: Does the kind of 2 cycle outboard motor oil really matter.

I noticed you didn't tell us the year of the motor. How much will you save by using another brand of oil will depend on how long that motor runs. If it so happens that your motor craps out due to another brand oil, I am sure the cost to rebuild or replace will be one hell of alot more then how much you saved.

Some things I don't skimp on.

 

[yamamarinetech40]

Re: Does the kind of 2 cycle outboard motor oil really matter.

I wouldn't skimp on the oil for a 2-stroke....one of the important things in 2-stroke oil is "anti-ashing", and another is how the oil manufacturer does that....have you heard of 'yellow death'? Very popular brand.
Oh, by the way, my understanding from school is Citgo makes Yamalube for Yamaha and other makes oils as well....the reason it costs so much(besides dealer profit)is the things Yami has Citgo put into the oil.....it's an exhaustive subject, but I can't imagine any mech saying use the cheap stuff

 

[Marc III]

Re: Does the kind of 2 cycle outboard motor oil really matter.

David, I've used the cheapest TCW-3 available (Super-Tech) for a few years now with no problems. I thought I was doing better buying the "yellow" stuff for my oil-injected Yammy.

I've seen the Johnson oil at W.M. for about $12 a gallon. Would that be a better choice guys?

 

[port]

Re: Does the kind of 2 cycle outboard motor oil really matter.

Do not use any other oil than Yamaha Lube in the correct can

 

[Ray Neudecker]

Re: Does the kind of 2 cycle outboard motor oil really matter.

Yes it does matter to your engine and later to your pocket book. It is often obvious when torn apart the reason for high quality oil in a 2 cycle.

 

[dbs52a]

Re: Does the kind of 2 cycle outboard motor oil really matter.

Ahhhh, the ubiquitous oil debate....

I can't comment on fuel injected outboard two strokes but I do have many years experience with premix two stroke engines. I have NEVER used Suzuki or Yamaha brand two stroke oil. I have consistently used reasonable quality two stroke oil from Canadian Tire. I use their Motomaster brand that has served me well for over thirty years. I have outboard engines that I've owned since new that are over thirty years old. I have a Suzuki 15 hp that's 21 years old and is just as strong as the day I bought it. I'm not a mechanic although I do a lot of my own mechanical work. I have reasonably good mechanical understanding. If I thought that the oil I was using was not doing the job, I certainly wouldn't use it nor recommend it. With over thirty years of using the above mentioned oil with absolutely no problems, I cannot come to terms with spending over twice as much for "brand name" oil. It's hard to argue the results of long term testing of a product. You can draw your own conclusions.

 

[slimdaddy45]

Re: Does the kind of 2 cycle outboard motor oil really matter.

they want u to use their brand oil cause it cost more and they make money on it who knows probaly same stuff in pennsoil just different bottle with their name on it

 

[raynelson]

Re: Does the kind of 2 cycle outboard motor oil really matter.

Ahhhh, the ubiquitous oil debate....

I can't comment on fuel injected outboard two strokes but I do have many years experience with premix two stroke engines. I have NEVER used Suzuki or Yamaha brand two stroke oil. I have consistently used reasonable quality two stroke oil from Canadian Tire. I use their Motomaster brand that has served me well for over thirty years. I have outboard engines that I've owned since new that are over thirty years old. I have a Suzuki 15 hp that's 21 years old and is just as strong as the day I bought it. I'm not a mechanic although I do a lot of my own mechanical work. I have reasonably good mechanical understanding. If I thought that the oil I was using was not doing the job, I certainly wouldn't use it nor recommend it. With over thirty years of using the above mentioned oil with absolutely no problems, I cannot come to terms with spending over twice as much for "brand name" oil. It's hard to argue the results of long term testing of a product. You can draw your own conclusions.

Can anyone help answer a couple of questions? a co worker has a 2000 seapro 18 ft CC for sale. The boat is repowered with a 2005 yamaha HPDI. He has diabled the HPDI because he says it may go out and burn up the motor so he is premixing the fuel. 1. Is this a realistic fear and is it necessary? 2. If premixing on this late mode engine, what would be the correct ratio? 3. The boat is max rated for a 115hp. The 200 weights 475lbs. 60 pounds more than the 115 that the boat is rated for. Boat seems to run and handle fine. Is this a problem? 4. Should the hull of this be waxed regularly?

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Does the kind of 2 cycle outboard motor oil really matter.

premix an HPDI????
hahahaha
I would love to see it when it pukes connecting rods .
and it will.
if he runs premix that motor wont last 20 min.
just a fact of life.
anyway as far as the yamalube VS other brands. I reccomend yamalube in precision blend motors due to the additive package. especially when an O2 sensor is involved as certain additives/chemicals can destroy the O2 sensor rapidly.
post pics of that HPDI with puked rods though. that should make good viewing.

 

[grid]

Re: Does the kind of 2 cycle outboard motor oil really matter.

Pass on that SeaPro. Because it's overpowered, any accident you're in will make YOU the one with the deep pockets, as your insurance company will disavow liability. Anyone who modifies an EPA engine is subject to a minimum $5000 fine. I assume if you buy it knowing that, and YOU get caught, well....

Oils: I've been working on outboards for 51 years, and do maybe 10 rebuilds a year. I still get great joy looking in engine lockers to see what kind of lubricants owners are saving money by using. My educated guess is that engine manufacturers would rather have their customers happy with their engines for years to come rather than be known as a manufacturer whose oils generate new engine sales every couple of years. To that end, I continue to use the manufacturer's oils in my 2-strokes, whether it's the OMC looper I have with over 1000 hours; the '84 'Zuki 140 with over 5000 hours, the Echo lawn-care products, etc. The manufacturers have testing where they see exactly how their machinery reacts to oils and additives. Maybe other companies are privy to the oils' compositions--I don't know. A column I just wrote for a magazine didn't say anything nice about aftermarket oils based on two things: one, my input from engine manufacturers on their oils, whether water cooled or air cooled; and two, not one aftermarket manufacturer responded to me when I tried the CONTACT US route. If they had info, I couldn't get it from them. Unfortunately, the column was run next to an ad of a new advertiser of aftermaket oils who got massively irritated, so I got my butt chewed right thoroughly until I said "they shoulda answered me!" So, until I get proof that aftermarket oils will keep my--and my customers'-- machinery running as well and as long as the manufacturers' oils, I'll continue to recommend the OMC, BRP, Suzuki or Yamalubes--

 

[Ryan M]

Re: Does the kind of 2 cycle outboard motor oil really matter.

I thought HPDI only meant that the fuel was directly injected into the cylinder itself, not the intake like regular EFI. What does that have to do with the oil injection?

 

[raynelson]

Re: Does the kind of 2 cycle outboard motor oil really matter.

premix an HPDI????
hahahaha
I would love to see it when it pukes connecting rods .
and it will.
if he runs premix that motor wont last 20 min.
just a fact of life.
anyway as far as the yamalube VS other brands. I reccomend yamalube in precision blend motors due to the additive package. especially when an O2 sensor is involved as certain additives/chemicals can destroy the O2 sensor rapidly.
post pics of that HPDI with puked rods though. that should make good viewing.

Rod why would it puke a rod? he has been using it for over every other weekend for a year. What is the difference if the oil is direct injected or premixed? Would appreciate your opinion and help in understanding this. Thanks. please email me at raynelson@bellsouth.net.