2 cycle oil types

[estame6]

I have a quick question regarding 2 cycle oil. I have a 1995 Johnson 15hp motor on my inflatable and recently had my STIHL weed wacker stolen and have many containers of the STIHL "HP Ultra" Fully synthetic 2 cycle engine oil in 6.4 oz cans. One of these makes 2.5 gallons (50:1) so my question is can I use this type of oil with my Johnson Outboard?
Many thanks, Dave...

 

[jtexas]

Re: 2 cycle oil types

The weed wacker, being an air-cooled engine, runs much hotter therefore needs an oil with a higher ash content. Your water-cooled outboard doesn't get hot enough to burn off the oil.

So, you really want to stick to TCW-3 certified oil in the motor.

 

[kbait]

Re: 2 cycle oil types

Outboards run cooler than weed whacker or other air cooled motors, and outboard synthetics are 'formulated' for the cooler conditions. I've used full syn 2-stroke that didn't say 'outboard' on the front for quite awhile (got a deal on some Amsoil) w/no ill effects at all. I wouldn't hesitate to use it up.

 

[kbait]

Re: 2 cycle oil types

Oops.. Sorry jt.. didn't mean to step on ya!

You are correct. Everyone should use the recommended oil for their application.

That being said, I'd definitely use the weedwhacker syn before I'd throw it out!!

 

[archcycle]

Re: 2 cycle oil types

If I were you I'd move past the stolen tool and just pay the $12 for a gallon of walmart brand outboard oil. Ask yourself if it's worth a problem. One gallon treats 50 gallons

 

[hidef]

Re: 2 cycle oil types

Do not run chainsaw two cycle oil in your outboard. Stick to the TC-W3 it is designed to run in the cooler operating engine.

 

[baitmaster]

Re: 2 cycle oil types

Caught my father in law using straight 30 motor oil in the 150. Kept telling him it wasnt good, but he said that's all he used to use in his old motors. Long story short, I bought the boat from him, and a yr later in locked up. Voila! 4 grand later and I was back on the water. Now it just gets full synthetic Evin oil.

 

[hidef]

Re: 2 cycle oil types

My father ran 30W back in the 60s but back then you could by non-detergent oil and two stroke oil formulations did not become popular until the late 60s. Most 30W oil today all has detergent in it and it is not fit to burn in a two stroke.

 

[estame6]

Re: 2 cycle oil types

Thanks for all your suggestions, I'll take your general advice and stick with the TCW-3 stuff.
Wally, here I come
Can someone quickly tell me where the water cooled impeller is on this motor.
Thanks all.....
1995 15 hp Johnson.

 

[SolingSailor]

Re: 2 cycle oil types

It is inside the leg, just above the anti-ventilation plate, above the gearcase.

 

[hidef]

Re: 2 cycle oil types

Item # 56 is the impeller.

http://www.marineengine.com/parts/j...J15REOD&manufacturer=Johnson&section=Gearcase

 

[BonairII]

Re: 2 cycle oil types

pay the $12 for a gallon of walmart brand outboard oil.

Is pretty much all outboard oil(name brand and generic) the same quality? On an old outboard is there any advantage to using synthetic oil over conventional oil(as long as it's TCW-3) ?

 

[archcycle]

Re: 2 cycle oil types

Is pretty much all outboard oil(name brand and generic) the same quality? On an old outboard is there any advantage to using synthetic oil over conventional oil(as long as it's TCW-3) ?

Do a forum search on this and you'll find more than you ever wanted to know about different oils. I doubt you'll find anyone swearing by an oil that is truly performing better than another. TCW-3 is a performance based standard so it's reasonable to say they all pass the necessary threshold to make your motor run safely. I've read some posts saying some expensive ones may smoke a little less but I'm not an authority on that. My premix is going to smoke no matter how much I pay.

 

[jtexas]

Re: 2 cycle oil types

I use the wallyworld oil; of course my motor is only 32 years old. I'm going to go out on a limb and say, the worst TCW3 oil might well be better than any you could get back then. Of course that's not the same as being as good as I could be using now. "Meets the minimum standard" is not exactly a ringing endorsement.

As far as smoking less...I dunno...would fishing be the same if our outboards didn't smoke? I love the smell of a two-stroke in the morning. Smells like victory.

 

[estame6]

Re: 2 cycle oil types

Great link, Thanks Hidef.....

 

[archcycle]

Re: 2 cycle oil types

As far as smoking less...I dunno...would fishing be the same if our outboards didn't smoke? I love the smell of a two-stroke in the morning. Smells like victory.

Plus all that pollution at least lets the fish know we're coming. They deserve a sporting chance.

 

[baitmaster]

Re: 2 cycle oil types

Nothing like backtrolling all morning for walleyes with a smokin motor.

 

[estame6]

Re: 2 cycle oil types

Tried the wacker oil in fresh tank of gas. iTexas, the second post mentioned the ash content and the water cooled is unable to burn if off. Found a very smoky motor and quite uncomfortable with an aft wind. Pumped out the gas and replaced with fresh gas using Wally's TCW-3 and the difference is.....

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: 2 cycle oil types

JTexas: I thought I had the longest running motor running WallyWorld TCW-3 in my 1985 Yamaha 115 hp--26 years old. You've got me beat. I also use it in my 1990 SeaDoo PWC, and the head is as clean as it can be (no carbon.)

If I was running a modern Direct Injected 2 stroke outboard, I'd be running synthetic or semi-synthetic oil--factory brand--as long as it was in warranty. I wouldn't be running any "Dino" oil in an Optimax or E-Tech. Surely other brands of premium oil are available--Pennzoil or equivalent. The OEM oils are just soooo expensive.

 

[wilde1j]

Re: 2 cycle oil types

In the case of E-Tec, if you use XD100 (expensive oil?) it goes twice as far and prevents carbon buildup. Not so "expensive" after all, is it, unless you're not good with arithmetic? You can use the cheap oil, but you must use twice as much.