FAQ: What type oil should I use in my outboard?

[LubeDude]

Re: FAQ: What type oil should I use in my outboard?

MajBach:<br /><br />Thanks for you reply, I understand what you are saying, but my hands have been tied to a point. I too like explinations, and would have liked to put much more detailed explinations as you describe into the artical, but it is necesary to keep this FAQ shot as posible and generic so to speek! There will no doubt be more heated discussions in the future about oils, with details coming out.

 

[Forktail]

Re: FAQ: What type oil should I use in my outboard?

Maybe this whole FAQ thread should read: "Follow your manufactures recommendations".

No...Joe Boater wouldn't be able to understand that. <br /><br />LubeDude, over the past several years here, I (and others) have provided much technical information concerning outboard oils. You can do a "search" here to find that information, and you are free to use it in the quest to publish your FAQ. <br /><br />I did not take on this task...you did. And if you haven't realized it, through our many oil discussions here, you have already learned much from me. To say I haven't participated in providing information for your FAQ is a slap in the face. To say my information is a bunch of "technical crap" which only I understand, is a cop-out. Then you act like you want me to write it? No thanks. You get too personal and whine every time I post something that doesn't fit your liking. <br /><br />The internet if full of well-written information by qualified persons regarding outboard oils. Considering your qualifications, and the fact you want to keep it simple, your best bet is to reference information or other FAQ's here. IMO, copying a few clips and adding your personal touch isn't going to cut it.

 

[JB]

Re: FAQ: What type oil should I use in my outboard?

Sorry, Forky.<br /><br />LubeDude is doing exactly what I asked of him and to the specs that I set, based on the wishes of iboats management and my fellow moderators.<br /><br />If you have complaints, which you very commonly do, don't direct them at LubeDude.<br /><br />You are absolutely correct that there is a wealth of detailed information, argument and opinion in the archives here. It is available to any member who wants to search it out and put up with the ego clashes and temper displays included.<br /><br />Any members who would volunteer to take on a truly frequently asked question about engines, condense the several hundred answers that have been offered in the past into a short, simple, complete article and post it for suggestions and comments is invited to do so. The other Mods and I will be glad to offer editorial assistance and to transfer the finished article to FAQ, under the correct authorship.

 

[Forktail]

Re: FAQ: What type oil should I use in my outboard?

JB, I've posted my suggestions and comments. That is exactly what you asked for. Let me sum them up again.... <br /><br />I suggested that if this FAQ is to be so simple and short as to exclude the "basics" and "meat and potatoes" of oil, then it should simply reference other FAQ's and oil information already established by qualified persons....not oil marketers. Or as Drowned Rat said, maybe the FAQ should simply read, "Follow your manufacturer's recommendation". <br /><br />If you see that as a "complaint", then you really need step away from your computer and go fishing.<br /><br />Any way you cut it, people here want to know what qualifies "LubeDude" as the oil FAQ expert, especially when he has referenced material in his FAQ directly from Amsoil...which he sells. He could've referenced material from any other oil marketer. But no. <br /><br />Do you see anything in common with this...<br /><br />

In FAQ by LubeDude - <br /><br />So what are the benefits?<br /><br />The manufactures claim:<br /><br />Superior performance in DFI outboard motors <br />Prevents piston and combustion chamber deposits <br />Prevents "ring jacking" common to DFI outboards <br />Low smoke, low odor product <br />Prevents wear for long engine life <br />Prevents rust <br />Low aquatic toxicity

and this...?<br /><br /> http://www.syntheticlubes.com/hp_injector_synthetic_2cycle.html <br /><br />What LubeDude's FAQ includes is marketing hype reiterated from a few oil manufacturers, including the one he sells. The little bit of non-marketing information is just a cut and paste right off of NMMA's web site. <br /><br />I stand by the comments in my original post, which you deleted. LubeDude has a misleading user name, as we have found out by his lack of oil knowledge in previous posts. He is simply an Amsoil salesman with an opportunity at iboats to solicit. Love that direct Amsoil link in his "author's hompage" profile. Iboats is kinda getting to be like the e-bay for Amsoil and E-TEC salseman.<br /><br />If iboats wants to establish FAQ's in this manner, then more power to them. If they want word-for-word marketing hype from oil companies like Amsoil, then great. I can't wait to see the finished product. In the mean time, it's fishing season, and rather than sitting in front of the tube, some of us are actually using our outboards, and our selection of oil.<br /><br />Cheers.

 

[Hunky Dory]

Re: FAQ: What type oil should I use in my outboard?

I think we're all interested in this topic because we know that Lubrication and cooling mean the difference between the lake and the repair shop as the next boating destination. <br /><br />In both cases it is the side effects that matter most. As in ...the block cracked, piston scuffed, plugs fouled, rod seized, pump failed..<br /><br />Or on the positive side ...extraordinary longevity, teardown cleanliness, ease of starting, lack of smoke... (My experience with synthetics).<br /><br />Since all products represent variably skill-based compromises biased toward some edge by conflicting targets including component costs, Tiffany or Walmart marketing and the prime use (as in racing or trolling) -- and that set of biases is always hidden behind a veil of marketing obscurity -- I hereby suggest the tailgate approach would best apply. Namely, purely anecdotal evidence!<br /><br />That would make it useful to Joe boater (me for example). I could compare my situation to your experience and have some slight basis for my decision. I remain unable to extrapolate Indonesian versus Texas base stock characteristics to the life of spark plugs when trolling.<br /><br />Here's why I use synthetics (M1 mostly) in everything else (oh the humanity!)<br /><br />First test -- old Chevy truck always cranked as if warm when very cold. Wow!<br /><br />Worn out lawn tractor (came with house) -- mosquito-fogged neighborhood after 15 minutes, never again on synthetics. At engine teardown 10 years later (still running but all chassis rolling and drive bearings shot) engine interior spotlessly clean and shiny with no varnish after yearly (at best) oil changes. Just incredible -- neighbor claimed he relayed to family friend; who passed emissions test by adding one quart syn to flunking LeBaron (I always thought this was a stretch).<br /><br />Old Astro van -- 105k of unknown history -- puff of smoke every morning but after additional 53k on M1 I often check but never add oil (up to 7500 miles between changes). Outrageous! If I could really accept this I would stop fooling with the dipstick. ‘struth!<br /><br />Sure would like to know what happened in your boat – and how you use it…

 

[Trent]

Re: FAQ: What type oil should I use in my outboard?

My question to all of this is "Why". Because the last line at the end will (or should be?) Use what the manufacture suggests? Im actually wondering where the mods want this thread to go? Lubedudes first post to this thread covered most all you need to know?????? Maybe not? Just wondering where your trying to go with the thread....?

 

[JB]

Re: FAQ: What type oil should I use in my outboard?

It sure is interesting how many know it alls come out of the woodwork to criticize work that they are unwilling or unable to do themselves.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: FAQ: What type oil should I use in my outboard?

"LubeDude is doing exactly what I asked of him and to the specs that I set, based on the wishes of iboats management and my fellow moderators."<br /><br /> Wine wine wine! Sure I copy and pasted, sure I used "One" copy and paste for Amsoil, but I didnt say where it came from, so no Bias there. You didnt notice I guess that there are "two" copy and pastes from the Pennzoil site. I didnt here you wining about those.<br /><br />Anyway, Its over, FINAL DRAFT COMING SOON, AND NEW TITLE, back to giving people bad advice about oil!

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: FAQ: What type oil should I use in my outboard?

I agree with Trent. Where is this going and what are we going to gain from it. It is not allowed to mention or recommend a specific brand and that to me is what it should be all about. People want to know what to buy when they go to a Marine store, Dealer or even Walmart. I don't think I will get anything out of this that has not already been gone over a million times on here...

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: FAQ: What type oil should I use in my outboard?

The FAQ category is there primarily for new boaters is it not? It gives people who are not familiar with a subject somewhere to go to get basic information. I think that most people, on both sides of this argument, will agree that following the manufacturer's recommendation is, at the very least, a "Safe" choice. Perhaps a very brief FAQ with those words and maybe a few generic definitions will suffice like; what is TC-W3, what is synthetic oil, what is petroleum oil. Avoid statements like, Synthetic will do this and petroleum will do that. For alot of people, this is all they are looking for and it's sound, safe advice that you can't argue with. Yes you will still get the "Should I switch to synthetic oil in my old OMC" posts, but if the FAQ stops even a few new threads it has served it's purpose right? Simple and to the point. Should we be recommending something other than what the manufacturer is recommending anyway as a matter of routine? Probably not without getting some of the specifics about the individual application. As exerienced boaters, do we know there are many oils out there that are safe to use in our engines? Yes. We don't need the FAQ. It's the newer boaters that need some simple answers to a simple question. "What kind of oil should I use"?

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: FAQ: What type oil should I use in my outboard?

It seems to never end

you just wont let it, sales man

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: FAQ: What type oil should I use in my outboard?

Gotta agree with Drowned Rat,too. "What is", is the FAQ. Not comparing one to another. Just state what they are. What is a synthetic oil? What is a TC-W3 oil? Then let the consumer make up their mind on what to use. I know JB and others, including myself, used Wallyworld oil for a long time with no ill effects. So what! That does not make it the best, nor does it make it inferior to anyone elses oil. But I have made up MY own mind to use a different brand as of late and it had nothing to do with Lubedude, Forktails or anyone elses preferences. It all had to do do with the "What is" knowledge. So I say, give the basics and let the consumer decide what is best for them. Fire away,