Re: best oil
Yes, of course synthetics work. They worked when his 1990 outboard was made too. But the outboard manufacturer didn't specify them or feel that they had any benefit for the application. And apparently conventional TC-W3's have worked well for him for over 15 years. Probably because his outboard was designed for them. There is no reason to suggest they won't continue working well.<br /><br />Newer 2-stroke outboards have more strict emission requirements, different fuel delivery, higher cylinder temperatures, and they are designed to produce more power on less. Even today's 4-stroke engines are designed to use lighter-weight, energy-saving viscosities with longer change intervals. Some auto makers now specify synthetics to match the demands of their performance engines. Thus the increasing popularity of synthetics.<br /><br />If he had a HPDI, Ficht, or Opti, or was wanting to extend his 4-stroke's drain intervals, I would suggest the synthetic. But they aren't necessary or specified in his 15 year-old carbed outboard. In fact synthetics may not perform as well in it. Practically speaking, I really don't see how any benefit would out-weigh the added cost.<br /><br />Mark, what's "best" for you is probably completely different than what's "best" for someone else. Meeting the engine's spec should be at the top though.
Yes, of course synthetics work. They worked when his 1990 outboard was made too. But the outboard manufacturer didn't specify them or feel that they had any benefit for the application. And apparently conventional TC-W3's have worked well for him for over 15 years. Probably because his outboard was designed for them. There is no reason to suggest they won't continue working well.<br /><br />Newer 2-stroke outboards have more strict emission requirements, different fuel delivery, higher cylinder temperatures, and they are designed to produce more power on less. Even today's 4-stroke engines are designed to use lighter-weight, energy-saving viscosities with longer change intervals. Some auto makers now specify synthetics to match the demands of their performance engines. Thus the increasing popularity of synthetics.<br /><br />If he had a HPDI, Ficht, or Opti, or was wanting to extend his 4-stroke's drain intervals, I would suggest the synthetic. But they aren't necessary or specified in his 15 year-old carbed outboard. In fact synthetics may not perform as well in it. Practically speaking, I really don't see how any benefit would out-weigh the added cost.<br /><br />Mark, what's "best" for you is probably completely different than what's "best" for someone else. Meeting the engine's spec should be at the top though.