too much oil better than too little?

fsds123

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 8, 2003
Messages
142
Went boating last week and didn't have any accurate way to measure the amount of oil per gallon so I guessed. To be on the safe side I added a little more oil than it probably needs. Is this a bad thing for the motor?
 

12Footer

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
8,217
Re: too much oil better than too little?

No it's the way to go. Allways err on the side of too much oil, than not enough.<br />This goes for actual fuel/air mixture also-- best to be too rich than too lean.<br />too much oil will cause smoke, higher emmissions,create more internal carbon and will foul the plugs sooner than normal.<br /><br />Too little, and the motor quickly grinds itself to an early grave.
 

fsds123

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 8, 2003
Messages
142
Re: too much oil better than too little?

Thats what I thought, but wanted to be sure.<br /><br />Thanks
 

mellowyellow

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jun 8, 2002
Messages
5,327
Re: too much oil better than too little?

amen 12footer!<br />too rich, lot's of decarb and plugs to buy.<br />too lean, new cylinders etc.<br />you can buy lil plastic containers at most boat<br />stores that have measurements on outside. got mine<br />at auto-zone I think? <br />safe boating,<br />M.Y.
 

dilligafda

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 13, 2003
Messages
315
Re: too much oil better than too little?

It depends on what you consider too much oil. A small amount is OK, but a large amount can run the engine lean on fuel and cause elevated cylinder temps. I don't think I need to tell you what happens at that point. The best bet is to stay with the manufactures recomendations. That way you are sure there won't be a catstrophic failure and you won't have to spend a ton of money on decarb and plugs.
 

Steve135

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 26, 2002
Messages
394
Re: too much oil better than too little?

Hi Just 2 more cents to add to the mix1 I just read that its very important to mix be the same each time, changes in mix of too much oil from the last fill causes erratic carburation, and rapid carbon accumulation. Changes in brands of oils will do the same!<br />steve
 
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