Does the type of 2 cycle motor oil really matter

Daviddm

Recruit
Joined
Jun 12, 2007
Messages
4
:confused: The guy I bought my motor from ( which is a 2004 200 yamaha salt water series ) said he only used yama-lube motor oil. Does it really matter. Can I use a less expensive brand or should I stay with Yama-lube ?
 

Windykid

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Apr 17, 2007
Messages
1,177
Re: Does the type of 2 cycle motor oil really matter

I'm sure thats what is stressed by the manufacturer, inorder to not void the warranty.
 

Daviddm

Recruit
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Jun 12, 2007
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4
Re: Does the type of 2 cycle motor oil really matter

The motor is out of warrenty!
 

tashasdaddy

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Nov 11, 2005
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51,019
Re: Does the type of 2 cycle motor oil really matter

as long as it's rated TCW-3 any brand meets the requirement.
 

ziemann

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Apr 28, 2004
Messages
584
Re: Does the type of 2 cycle motor oil really matter

I see this is your 4th post- welcome to Iboat!

I encourage you to use the search function to do a bit of research. You will find a wealth of information related to this topic since it is debated here on a very regular basis...

Good luck! :)
 

kenmyfam

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Aug 10, 2006
Messages
14,392
Re: Does the type of 2 cycle motor oil really matter

As Tashasdaddy. As long as it meets the requirements (TCW-3) it is fine.
 

studlymandingo

Commander
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Mar 22, 2006
Messages
2,716
TCW-3...Allright by me

TCW-3...Allright by me

My outboard loves the Pennzoil Synthetic Blend that I get from Wally World for 12.98 per gallon. It's TCW-3 rated so it jives with all current manufacturer's standards (including the new etecs) Your warranty will be effective with the use of an approved oil in this category.​
 

Walker

Captain
Joined
Jun 15, 2002
Messages
3,085
Re: Does the type of 2 cycle motor oil really matter

Courts ruled years ago that if a manufacturer requires you to use a certain brand of oil or your warranty is void, they have to supply the oil to you for free.
 

kenmyfam

Supreme Mariner
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Messages
14,392
Re: Does the type of 2 cycle motor oil really matter

Courts ruled years ago that if a manufacturer requires you to use a certain brand of oil or your warranty is void, they have to supply the oil to you for free.

If only the breweries would do that !!!! LOL
 

Texasmark

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 20, 2005
Messages
14,778
Re: Does the type of 2 cycle motor oil really matter

Hey Ken, my man, you need to explain that one. Went way over my head. Grin

Mark

I like the Penn 100% syn too.
 

kenmyfam

Supreme Mariner
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Aug 10, 2006
Messages
14,392
Re: Does the type of 2 cycle motor oil really matter

I would just like a brewery to supply me for free so that I did not go and drink other breweries products !!!! LOL
 

Robj

Lieutenant
Joined
Mar 22, 2007
Messages
1,441
Re: Does the type of 2 cycle motor oil really matter

I use a synthetic that meets all the required specs. Synthetic oils are better than their mineral oil counter parts. Will it make a difference in the long run? Maybe, but the small additional cost is worth the piece of mind.

Have a great day,

Rob.
 

eli_lilly

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Dec 22, 2005
Messages
435
Re: Does the type of 2 cycle motor oil really matter

I use a synthetic that meets all the required specs. Synthetic oils are better than their mineral oil counter parts.

You should check out the Mobil vs Castrol lawsuit, the synthetic is frequently still the "mineral oil counterpart", albeit highly refined.

-E
 

Texasmark

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Dec 20, 2005
Messages
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Re: Does the type of 2 cycle motor oil really matter

Gotcha Ken.

Thanks,

Mark
 

BillP

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Aug 10, 2002
Messages
3,290
Re: Does the type of 2 cycle motor oil really matter

Courts ruled years ago that if a manufacturer requires you to use a certain brand of oil or your warranty is void, they have to supply the oil to you for free.

The law is the Magnuson-Moss Act and says they can spec what type (TCW-3, API, SAE, etc) oil but not brand name...unless they pay for it.

bp
 

Rob454

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 9, 2005
Messages
508
Re: Does the type of 2 cycle motor oil really matter

I used to use pennzoil synthetic in my ski and thats all I used in both my yamaha and sea doo. the yamaha was heavily modified and it had 160 hours on it when I sold it and the compression was still liek when it was new. same for the sea doo.
as long as its TC=W3 rated it will work.
Rob
 

Boilermaker

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Sep 28, 2003
Messages
388
Re: Does the type of 2 cycle motor oil really matter

WELCOME DAVIDDM!!!
Just in case you did not know this, the TCW-3 rating that they are talking about here stands for Two Cycle Watercooled (engine) 3rd specification.
(there was a tcw 1, 2, and now 3.....their will probably be a TCW4 someday).

NEVER run 2 cycle oil that is made for lawnmowers, weed-wackers, chainsaws, ect... These are Aircooled engines and have a complete different oil needs and spec's.

ALL TCW3 oils are made to be able to mix together without gelling or causing other problems...but the common thought is to try and run the same oil in your oiltank if you can, and when changing brands...run out or drain as much as you can from the oil tank prior to refilling.

I also run the PENZOIL Premium Synthetic blend in my 1978 Johnson 115hp.>>> I tried a bunch of the oils from West Marine & Boaters World...they made my engine smoke a lot...NOT the penzoil!
The engine has been VERY happy running on the Penzoil>>>Less Smoking & it idles smoother...AND its a lot less money!!!
 

kenmyfam

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Aug 10, 2006
Messages
14,392
Re: Does the type of 2 cycle motor oil really matter

I have never really noticed a difference with any particular oil smoking less than the others.
I dont know what they do to it to make it smoke less but as long as I can remember if oil burns it produces smoke !!! maybe I am still in the old school though. Please educate me.
 

Richardnpat

Cadet
Joined
Jun 12, 2004
Messages
11
Re: Does the type of 2 cycle motor oil really matter

This is a great forum. I know this subject has possibly been beat to death but I think it is one that is on the mind of many weekend boaters. Good info in the responses. This site isn't sponsored by Penzoil though is it? Ha!
 

wbeaton

Commander
Joined
Jul 30, 2006
Messages
2,332
Re: Does the type of 2 cycle motor oil really matter

"I have never really noticed a difference with any particular oil smoking less than the others."

I have been testing Amsoil 2 stroke oil in my 1950's outboards mixed 24:1 and I have (so far) found it to be smokeless. Conventional oil left a big cloud of smoke and a sheen on the water. I haven't seen this with Amsoil.
 
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