Amsoil at 80:1 ratio in Force OB

[pecheux]

A while ago, in some oil war (lol) I had read that several Mercury OB owners claimed using this oil at both 100:1 and 80:1 mix ratio and were pleased with the result.

My question is: As any Force outbord owner used such lean mix ratio ? and were happy with the result ?

Tx

 

[DJ]

Re: Amsoil at 80:1 ratio in Force OB

The leaner ratios aren't really a problem as far as running lubrication goes.

The issue (discovered by OMC) was that the leaner ratios did not leave enough leftover corrosion protection when the engines were not running. Thus, shiny internal parts started to corrode.

Frank Acompora is our resident Force expert. If he doesn't chime in here, you may want to PM him.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: Amsoil at 80:1 ratio in Force OB

The leaner ratios aren't really a problem as far as running lubrication goes.

The issue (discovered by OMC) was that the leaner ratios did not leave enough leftover corrosion protection when the engines were not running. Thus, shiny internal parts started to corrode.

That's great info. I've wondered lately, if I could use BRP's XD100 synthetic lube in my '72 Johnson 65hp, at a mixture more lean than the 50:1 ratio indicated for it. I haven't done any research yet, but this issue could certainly be a consideration.

 

[wbeaton]

Re: Amsoil at 80:1 ratio in Force OB

I had a 1987 Johnson 20 hp that only saw 100:1 conventional oil for 20 years. Never winterised (I'm in Canada). Always stored on the boat outside. It was still like new when I sold it last year. The marine tech who looked it over on behalf of the buyer was very impressed.

With that said, I run my 1988 Johnson 30 hp on 50:1 synthetic.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Amsoil at 80:1 ratio in Force OB

As I've posted before I accidently ran my 88 50hp at 100:1 (don't ask)It was ok for almost the whole summer until my son had his annual ski weekend.
Lost the top piston, over $800 in 1990.Bill now posted on my oil shelf.They didn't touch the bottom one.
I was pretty gentle with only occasional full bursts ,usually ran at about 3/4
throttle.375# boat.I'm sure he was full bore most of the time.

 

[pvanv]

Re: Amsoil at 80:1 ratio in Force OB

I have been running Amsoil sabre at double whatever the dino oil ratio called for, for many years in small OB's (15 hp and under) with no issue.

I ran my 1974 'Rude 15 at 100:1 no problem. I even run my 24:1-rated air- cooled Chrysler 3.6 hp on 50:1 Amsoil.

I do run WOT at times, but I seldom run continuously above 3/4 throttle. I feel that if you really push it, 75 or 80:1 would be more sensible.

No tear-downs in 5 years of operation like this. Much cleaner plugs. And a lot less smoke. But the Amsoil smoke is a different aroma -- some really object to it.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Amsoil at 80:1 ratio in Force OB

I tend to run a little fat on my Chrysler 140, my Force 125 and my Force 90. By fat I mean about 40 to 1 up to about 45 to 1 gas to oil. The 125 and 90 are always run at at least the maximum recommended RPM since they are on my little 14 foot go-fast boat. I feel that at the higher RPM, (5900) the extra oil gives just a little safety factor. At any rate, it makes me feel more comfortable.

The 140 is my everyday engine. I take that boat and engine down to the Chesapeake bay a lot, and again, it just is not worth saving a few bucks in plugs and oil for a possible decrease in reliability. Consider that I will burn 40 gallons of gas at a conservative 3 bucks a gallon and consider that I can be anywhere from 10 to 40-50 miles away from port. Saving even 5 bucks on oil just is not worth it. Since it also has a built in tank, I usually err on the rich side with the oil so I really could not tell you the actual ratio.

As an aside--- I have changed the oil recirculation system on this engine and excess oil and gas is now routed back into the intake manifolds. Originally it was blown into the #1 and #3 cylinders to be burned. Since I am now recycling what used to be burned, I am toying with the idea of going leaner--like 60 or 70 to 1. BUT-----Since this is my everyday engine, before I do this I will experiment on a different one.

 

[pecheux]

Re: Amsoil at 80:1 ratio in Force OB

Frank: the ole idea is not saving money. I spend 90% of my time on water fishing thus trolling at idle. Obviously the leaner the mix = the smoother the idling and the less smoke gets in your face. In a perfect world I would use 2 cycle oil that was designed for 50:1 mix and mix it at 75:1 but I wont dare ... lol which is why I am questioning the Amsoil Saber users for satisfaction rating.

Pvanv: Yes the Amsoil saber has a particular odor which is hard to put up with if your boat is tiller controled (like mine)

 

[WizeOne]

Re: Amsoil at 80:1 ratio in Force OB

A while ago, in some oil war (lol) I had read that several Mercury OB owners claimed using this oil at both 100:1 and 80:1 mix ratio and were pleased with the result.

My question is: As any Force outbord owner used such lean mix ratio ? and were happy with the result ?

Tx

I run every two cylcle I have ever owned on 100:1 amsoil. Motorcycles, stringedgers (20+ years), chainsaws, yard blowers (20+ years) and for 7 years I ran it in my 1979 115 hp Evinrude, pushing a 10 x 30 ft double deck patio boat, often at full throttle. I have very seldom ever changed the plugs in any of them and never had to on the 'rude. All of these engines always started well, even after a season of sitting. Where other outboards in my marina would be hard to start (in early summer) and smoke up a storm when they finally did, my 'rude would fire right up (after prime) and smoke next to nothing.

One word of caution. Mix the gas and oil well. At that low a mixture, if a motor gets an oil lean gulp it will not like it.

 

[pecheux]

Re: Amsoil at 80:1 ratio in Force OB

I run every two cylcle I have ever owned on 100:1 amsoil. Motorcycles, stringedgers (20+ years), chainsaws, yard blowers (20+ years) and for 7 years I ran it in my 1979 115 hp Evinrude, pushing a 10 x 30 ft double deck patio boat, often at full throttle. I have very seldom ever changed the plugs in any of them and never had to on the 'rude. All of these engines always started well, even after a season of sitting. Where other outboards in my marina would be hard to start (in early summer) and smoke up a storm when they finally did, my 'rude would fire right up (after prime) and smoke next to nothing.

One word of caution. Mix the gas and oil well. At that low a mixture, if a motor gets an oil lean gulp it will not like it.

That's quite a history record for this board ... LOL nevertheless back then Amsoil had only one kind of 100:1 mix rated oil to be used with anything that was 2 cycle.

Now and for several years back Amsoil has subdivided that general purpose 100:1 rated oil and it is now available for outboards (Saber) everything else (Professional)

I dont know if that Saber is as protective as the original general purpose was back then.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Amsoil at 80:1 ratio in Force OB

I've been using Amsoil HPI at 60:1 in my premix motors, for 5 years.
Also run it in my injected Merc.

Don't see any reason to run it leaner, as they run and idle great at 60:1.

But I miss the smell of real 2 stroke oil in the morning.

 

[DJ]

Re: Amsoil at 80:1 ratio in Force OB

Frank has spoken. Y'all see what HE does, when it comes to Force engines. I respect that.

In all, via my experience, 100:1 is not unheard of or anything new.

The whole issue is: Do you want to be your own guinea pig?

If I ran my engines all day, everday, I MIGHT consider the lighter oil load. Since I don't, I won't.

Thanks Frank!

 

[mla2ofus]

Re: Amsoil at 80:1 ratio in Force OB

I also agree w/ Frank. I see no sense in gambling a good engine just to save a few bucks. What's that old saying------"Penny wise and pound foolish".
Mike

 

[pecheux]

Re: Amsoil at 80:1 ratio in Force OB

I've been using Amsoil HPI at 60:1 in my premix motors, for 5 years.
Also run it in my injected Merc.

Don't see any reason to run it leaner, as they run and idle great at 60:1.

But I miss the smell of real 2 stroke oil in the morning.

Amsoil HPI at 60:1 ... hum I experimented with that oil but at the recommended 50:1 ratio. What made you take that risk ? Or was it calculated based on the quality of that HPI oil ???

By the way this HPI smells good right from the can ... LOL compared to the troath catching odor of the Saber even at 100:1 ratio.

For best early in the morning smell with your cup of coffe ... try the cheapest Canadian tire 2 stroke oil ... LOL

Cheers.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Amsoil at 80:1 ratio in Force OB

Hmmmm, I buy all my gas in 5 gallon cans, and happened to have a really nice 11 ounce measuring cup, LOL.

Actually, I was mixing at 60:1 when using petro based oil because I had a couple motors that were always fouling plugs. When I switched to HPI, I just kept it the same. I know a FEW PEOPLE THAT RUN HPI AT 80:1, BUT THAT IS A BIt too lean for me.
I do make sure my motors are fogged well before any layup periods or winter.

 

[pecheux]

Re: Amsoil at 80:1 ratio in Force OB

Hmmmm, I buy all my gas in 5 gallon cans, and happened to have a really nice 11 ounce measuring cup, LOL.

Actually, I was mixing at 60:1 when using petro based oil because I had a couple motors that were always fouling plugs. When I switched to HPI, I just kept it the same. I know a FEW PEOPLE THAT RUN HPI AT 80:1, BUT THAT IS A BIt too lean for me.
I do make sure my motors are fogged well before any layup periods or winter.

Admitedly I am pretty good at accurate mixing myself. I am actualy looking for the leanest safe way to mix outside of using the Saber 100:1 solely to reduce smoke when trolling, but it has to be WOT capable since my fishing spots are 6 to 8 kilometres away from the lauching pad. Do you run much at WOT with the HPI 60:1 mix ? What is you OB ? I am using a 15 hp Force.
Tx for your feedback

 

[pecheux]

Re: Amsoil at 80:1 ratio in Force OB

Anybody else but Rosco uses Amsoil HPI above the 50:1 recommendation ?

Tx

 

[roscoe]

Re: Amsoil at 80:1 ratio in Force OB

My main motors are now a 2002 Merc 50 hp which is oil injected, and a Johnson 15 hp, and a Mariner 25 hp. The 50 is run mostly between 3/4 and wot.
The others are run at wot and used a lot for trolling.

I also ran the HPI in my Force 70 for a few years, and plan on running it in my Force 35 when I get it mounted up on a boat this spring.

 

[pecheux]

Re: Amsoil at 80:1 ratio in Force OB

My main motors are now a 2002 Merc 50 hp which is oil injected, and a Johnson 15 hp, and a Mariner 25 hp. The 50 is run mostly between 3/4 and wot.
The others are run at wot and used a lot for trolling.

I also ran the HPI in my Force 70 for a few years, and plan on running it in my Force 35 when I get it mounted up on a boat this spring.

Hi, well it's the 60:1 mix ratio with the HPI that you use that triggered the question to others, I guess the 60:1 mix does not apply to your Merc 50 since it's oil injected ... but it does to all your other OB's (wish I had that many ... lol) Cheers