Types of oils for outboard motors and their features, differences in engine cycle and manufacturers. How to choose oil for outboard engines Oil i for outboard engines test

The life of a boat is largely determined by how long the engine runs. And the latter depends on the quality of the oil used. Choosing the right oil for two-stroke boat motors allows for enough long term avoid the formation of corrosion. Besides, high-quality lubricant for two-stroke outboard engines ensures engine operation at maximum speed.

In specialized stores today the oil is presented for two-stroke engines the following types:

  • synthetic;
  • mineral.

There are other types of lubricants, but these are very popular.

The main difference between synthetic and mineral materials lies in their basis: they have different molecular structures.

For 2-stroke outboard engines, oils of the first type are the most preferable, since they differ high stability. Similar materials can also be used after mineral ones. But if an unknown oil was previously poured into the engine, it is recommended to first fill in the flushing agent, and then use a synthetic one.

Due to the fact that the latter has a stable chemical composition, it provides the most safe mode operation of the boat motor. In particular, the synthetic base retains its viscosity regardless of the current temperature level. In other words, 2x stroke engine retains its original characteristics for a fairly long service life. Moreover, synthetic oil maintains the integrity of individual structural elements, so the engine will not require repairs for a long time.

main feature mineral base is that it has a relatively low cost.

Using such a lubricant, the owner of a motorized boat reduces its operating costs.

The best choice of lubricant base is the one recommended by the engine manufacturer. For example, synthetic oil has increased fluidity. However, the engine design is not designed for such material. As a result, if the owner uses similar oil, he has to regularly deal with leaks.

To reduce operating costs, semi-synthetic materials can be used. They are a combination of mineral and synthetic oils in certain proportions. True, the quality of such materials is at a fairly average level.

Oil requirements

Motor oils perform the following functions:

  • prevent friction between individual engine components;
  • increase the service life of parts;
  • provide protection from negative influence environment to the power plant;
  • remove heat from moving components.

Each motor oil must undergo mandatory quality certification before entering the market. Lubricant for two-stroke engines is marked TC-W3. The main requirement of this standard is the absence of additives in motor oil that contain metalanion compounds.

When using a lubricant that does not meet TC-W3, there is a high probability of rapid formation of carbon deposits on individual engine components, which ultimately leads to wear of the piston group elements.

The correct choice of oil for an outboard motor is based on the following conditions:

  1. The material must have a minimum ash content. In other words, if this condition is met, the oil burns completely during engine operation.
  2. The lubricating base is highly soluble in fuel.
  3. It has good lubricating and anti-corrosion characteristics and can withstand sudden temperature changes.
  4. If there is an engine with separate oil supply, the latter must have high rate fluidity.
  5. When material enters a body of water, it should quickly decompose into individual components.

Compound

For two-stroke engines, it is preferable to choose a lubricant with an average viscosity. In such materials, the oil base occupies about 60%. Depending on the manufacturer, 5-17% of the oil consists of the so-called vacuum sediment, which is formed during the distillation of the initial petroleum product. This component provides the material lubricating properties due to what is different increased level plasticity.

The remaining 20% ​​comes from special solvents that act as activators. They ensure mixing of the lubricant base with the fuel.

Synthetic lubricant

When switching to “synthetics” the owners boat engines quite often arise serious problems with them. This becomes especially noticeable when low-quality and cheap materials were previously used. In addition, to reduce operational properties engines are affected by non-compliance with oil change rules and the presence of foreign elements in the engines. As a result, cracking of the seals occurs.

Deposits of the mineral base come out gradually. If you replace it with a synthetic one, the residues are washed out almost immediately, which in the future can lead to rapid wear of the oil receiver mesh.

All of the above means that “synthetics” must be used from the very beginning. This approach avoids many negative consequences during operation of boat units.

  • deposits are observed in the engine;
  • the seals have lost their original plasticity;
  • during the “break-in” of the engine;
  • The engine has previously been overhauled.

The engines are “run in” immediately after purchasing the boat. At this stage, it is recommended to opt for mineral lubricant base. And after finishing the “break-in” of 2-stroke engines, you should switch to “synthetics”. This approach increases the operational life of the unit.

Among the most popular manufacturers power plants for boats include Yamaha, Suzuki and Tohatsu. It was said above that the choice of lubricant for motors is recommended to be made based on the recommendations for a particular unit.

For example, Suzuki brand installations work well on a synthetic base that costs 500 rubles or less. Yamaha models are characterized by increased reliability. Therefore, even automotive lubricants can be poured into them. As for Tohatsu, when using this unit it is worth using specialized materials. In particular, it is recommended to fill Quicksilver products.

In cases where the boat owner doubts that the motor can withstand working with “synthetics”, you can opt for a semi-synthetic base.

Engine operation without oil

If the oil base is completely used up, the engine will continue to operate for some time. However, with a prolonged absence of lubricant, the likelihood of failure increases sharply. power unit failure due to the fact that strong friction occurs between the piston and the wall, which renders this component unusable.

In general, the choice is determined by the advice of experienced users and recommendations of manufacturers.

Changing the oil in the gearbox of a boat motor

More progressive 4-stroke devices are gradually filling in. However, the vast majority of swimming facilities are equipped with old-style equipment. 2-stroke engines are not losing their popularity. Maintaining it in working condition is the task of the engine owner.

In order for the equipment to be used for a long time and efficiently, you need to choose the right one. For obvious reasons, many fishermen and hunters want to reduce their expenses. Therefore, they are looking for a replacement for licensed products from the motor manufacturer. How not to make a mistake in choosing, expert advice will help you figure it out.

Lubrication features

Engine 2-stroke Most often used for inflatable boats that are used by fishermen or hunters. This system needs proper care. The cost of the engine is quite high. Therefore, maintenance must be carried out taking into account all the manufacturer’s requirements. This will significantly extend the life of the motor. For this you need to use special means. After all, the motor has a cooling system that uses water rather than air.

It has a simple device. It is quite compact and lightweight. Such equipment quickly gains momentum and is less demanding on fuel quality. Distinctive feature Such equipment is lubricated with a mixture of oil and gasoline. When the engine is running, this composition burns inside the unit.

Requirements and Standards

For 2-stroke engines of boats they are marked TC-W3. This standard was developed by the US National Association of Shipbuilders. It shows how well the product lubricates and protects engine parts and mechanisms.

Oils must perform a number of essential functions. They prevent friction between the moving elements of mechanisms. This increases the service life of the motor. Among other things, oils of this category help reduce the aggressive effects of the environment (sea or fresh water) on engine components. Also, high-quality lubricants remove heat from the moving elements of the system.

The main requirement that the TC-W3 standard puts forward for lubricants for 2-stroke engines is the absence of metalanions in them. This guarantees that there will be no carbon deposits from the mixture of oil and gasoline on the components of the mechanisms.

Oil base

Studying what oil for 2-stroke outboard motor better to purchase, the owner of the watercraft should first of all look at the operating instructions for this equipment. Manufacturers recommend certain types lubricants, which fully comply with the design features of the technology. If you plan to pour a different oil inside the engine, you should purchase products with an identical set of qualities, and also use flushing for the unit.

There are two main types of oils for outboard motors. Their base is made from synthetic or mineral components. The first option is more fluid. It is more often used in new engines. Mineral varieties are cheaper. They are more often used in older engines. Such compositions avoid leakage. Synthetic products easily leak through loose seals.

Additional components

In addition to the basis in oil for 2-stroke outboard motor includes a certain amount additional elements. Their main purpose is lubricating functions and the ability to dissolve oil in gasoline. Most of these products contain polyisobutylene additives.

This substance is similar in nature to rubber. When burned in large quantities, internal surfaces chamber remains carbon deposits. Therefore, manufacturers create special formulas to keep the engine clean for a long time.

New technologies

Applying outboard motor "Suzuki", "Mercury", etc., the owner must choose the right remedy. It must meet or exceed the requirements of the presented International Standard. For this, manufacturers use special technologies when creating your products.

Since additives are combined in different proportions, oil of a different brand cannot be used in the engine. Before this, it is necessary to thoroughly rinse the system with special means. But it is best to purchase products from the same manufacturer of an identical brand.

When operating a motor in water, it is necessary to create conditions for this process to be carried out as efficiently as possible. Temperatures at which burnout occurs lubricant mixture, in boat engines is much less than in car engines. Therefore, some companies are developing additive complexes that allow this process to be carried out as efficiently as possible.

Extending service life

Suzuki boat motor Yamaha, Mercury and many other popular devices are tested by the manufacturer under production conditions. In accordance with design features equipment are being developed lubricants, best suited to the design of each outboard motor.

Large manufacturers of the presented equipment create special means, which are most suitable for the equipment produced by the company.

In addition to high-quality lubrication and anti-wear functions, such products can significantly extend the life of the motor. They reduce the formation of corrosion and ensure effective burnout of lubricant components.

Evolution of oils

To choose correctly oil for 2-stroke outboard motor, it is necessary to evaluate the equipment itself. It can be quite ancient or new.

Previously, one type of oil was used for outboard motors. It was called M-12-TP. Over time, imported varieties of the presented products began to be imported into the country. Their analogue of the domestic model was the product MGD-14M.

However, as expert advice suggests, today it can be considered good oil For outboard motors, only those that have passed the TC-W3 certification.

For new type engines, you should not use other means. In old engines it is quite acceptable to use mineral oil

old model, for example MS-20. But such experiments with new engines are highly discouraged. Modern synthetic products significantly exceed the requirements of the standards, and therefore are considered the most preferable in this case.

What to look for when choosing? Choosing oil for 2-stroke outboard engines "Mercury" , Yamaha and other new types of equipment, you should pay attention to some features. As mentioned above, in this case it is more suitable synthetic lubricant

. It has passed the appropriate certification and was tested by manufacturers under special conditions.

In order not to make a mistake in your choice, you need to pay attention to the packaging. If it says “Synthetic”, most likely the jar contains a product similar in its properties to mineral varieties. It has improved characteristics. But such lubricants do not match the properties of real synthetic oil.

To purchase synthetic-based lubricants, you should choose products labeled Full Synthetic on the packaging. When using such products, the amount of emissions is reduced and the biodegradability of lubricants is increased.

Any lubricant during operation reduces its protective functions and therefore must be replaced after a certain time. You can change the oil in your outboard motor gearbox at your dealer. The procedure for changing the oil in the gearbox is simple, but requires compliance with certain rules. Therefore, many motor owners change the oil in the PLM gearbox themselves.


Read our. Strict criteria!

How to choose oil for a boat motor gearbox

The peculiarity of the operation of the motors is that the gearbox with the propeller operates under water. The engine itself, together with the gearbox, has water system cooling. That is, water circulates inside the engine through special channels, which comes from a reservoir and cools the parts heated by friction.

Despite the protection internal parts gearbox from water with rubber seals and bushings, water getting inside is inevitable over time. Water and salts in sea water create a destructive environment for rubbing components, rust and corrosion appear.

Motor manufacturers recommend using it for gearboxes special oils containing additives that bind water. Anti-emulsion additives resist the formation of emulsions, but their capabilities are not unlimited. Of course, they cannot cope with a large volume of water.

The oil may also contain anti-corrosion additives that prevent the formation of rust and corrosion. They have a special effect when operating engines at sea in salt water.

Transmission oils used in car gearboxes and gearboxes do not have a set of anti-corrosion and anti-emulsion additives that bind water and protect rubbing vapors from oil starvation. Manufacturers of outboard motors do not recommend using them. The benefit from their low cost may turn out to be expensive repairs gearbox

Viscosity transmission oils, providing reliable operation gearboxes of outboard motors, must comply SAE class 80W-90. Inboard outboard motors require oil with SAE viscosity 85W-90.

By standards API transmission oils for gearboxes of outboard motors must comply with class GL-4 or GL-5.

Oils API standard GL-4 designed for lubrication of cone and hypoid gears, which have a slight displacement of the axes, operating in conditions of variable severity - from light to severe. Typically contains half the amount of additives used for higher grade oils. API class GL-5.

API GL-5 oils used for more heavily loaded hypoid gears, which have a significant displacement of the gear axes, operating in harsh conditions.

Thus, API oils GL-5 have a larger number of additives, provide better extreme pressure properties, protect rubbing surfaces under impact conditions, high loads and pressure. That is, API GL-5 oils completely cover the requirements of the API GL-4 standard.

What kind of oil is used for a boat motor gearbox?

Oil according to SAE standards and API, which must be filled into the motor gearbox, is indicated by the manufacturer in the passport for the PLM. In addition, oil from a specific manufacturer is recommended for each brand of engine.

Yamaha engine oil

Protection during gearbox operation high speeds The set of additives contained in the oil provides protection against corrosion and rust. They ensure long service life of the motors. The oil film on the surface of rubbing components is resistant to oxidation and high temperatures. The oil eliminates deposits near seals and does not form foam.

Tohatsu engine oil

Tohatsu does not give preference to any oil manufacturer. The gearboxes of its motors can be filled with oil from any manufacturer that meets the requirements of API GL-5, SAE 80W-90.

Mercury engine oil

Mercury recommends exclusively Quicksilver oils for its engines, which have 3 groups of transmission oils. Premium oil is used for gearboxes of all types of outboard motors with power up to 75 hp. and complies with SAE 80W-90 class.


MerCruiser inboards, outboards greater than 75 hp require oil High Performance. It is prohibited to mix these oils with each other. The oils contain a unique additive package that reduces the appearance of emulsions when water enters the gearbox housing.

How much oil is in a boat motor gearbox?

Engines different power Manufacturers differ from each other in the design of the gearbox. The higher the power, the more stress the gearbox parts experience. Since the size of the gearbox increases with motor power, a correspondingly larger volume of lubricant is required.

For example, for filling oil into Tohatsu gearboxes up to 6 hp. up to 200 ml required. oil, up to 18 hp – 370 ml, 25, 30 hp. – 430 ml, 40, 50 hp 500 ml, over 70 hp 900 ml is already needed. Volume required oil may differ slightly from other manufacturers.

How to check the oil in a boat motor gearbox

To check the oil in the gearbox:

  • place the motor vertically on a stand or transom;
  • We find the upper (control) hole on the left side of the gearbox, unscrew the plug;
  • insert the probe into the hole, take it out, you can use an ordinary match as a probe;
  • If the dipstick is dry, add oil.

How to change the oil in a boat motor gearbox

To change the oil you will need:

  • a container where you need to drain the used oil;
  • wide slotted screwdriver;
  • gaskets for plugs;
  • special pump for pumping large volume oil, if the volume small oil poured directly through the nozzle in the tube;
  • new gear oil;
  • stand for an outboard motor if the motor is not mounted on the transom.

Sequencing

  • We install the motor on a stand with a vertical position of the deadwood. If the motor is installed on the transom, then the sternwood is also installed in a vertical position. The motor must be installed slightly raised above the surface.
  • We install a container under the motor to drain used oil.
  • Unscrew the bottom drain plug. The oil will begin to drain into the drain container.
  • Unscrew the top plug. We wait until the oil drains completely from the gearbox (10 minutes). ATTENTION! Some “masters” recommend flushing the gearbox with gasoline after draining the oil. Under no circumstances should this be done. Gasoline destroys the seals, after which water enters the gearbox, forming an emulsion.
  • Changing gaskets on plugs(while the used oil is draining).
  • We fill in what we purchased. fresh oil into the gearbox. To refill small volumes of oil, special tubes (bottles) are used, which have a nozzle that fits tightly into the drain hole. If the volume is large, then special pumps are used. We insert a nozzle (tube) into the lower drain hole and squeeze the oil out of the tube (pump oil from a large container).
  • We stop filling the oil if oil begins to flow out of the upper control hole, and it's not enough without air bubbles.
  • Hold the tube (pump) and tighten the top cap.
  • To minimize oil loss, remove the tube as quickly as possible ( pump) from the bottom drain hole and tighten the drain plug. Some of the oil will still leak out. If the volume is small, then there is no need to worry.
  • Checking oil level, by unscrewing the top inspection hole. If a lot of oil has leaked out, you need to add it. Low level oil may cause gearbox failure.
  • Tighten the plugs tightly. We wipe the oil from the gearbox. We transfer the used oil to special enterprises for further recycling.

Outboard motors come in two-stroke and four-stroke types. But this does not mean that this one, for example, is good, and that one over there is worse.

They differ in their characteristics and have their own advantages and features.

Which motor to choose depends on where you are going to use it. Since not everyone has a powerful, expensive boat, we will talk about lubrication and care for more common models - 2-stroke outboard motors, often popular among fishermen.

First, let's remember what is typical for 2-stroke outboard engines:

  • Engine duty cycle – 2 strokes
  • Simple motor design
  • Compact, lightweight
  • Fast acceleration
  • Less demanding on gasoline quality
  • Convenient for frequent transportation
  • Inexpensive

The two-stroke engine has characteristic feature– it is lubricated with a mixture of oil and gasoline. During engine operation, this mixture simply burns along with it.

There are also 2-stroke engines with a separate oil supply system to the crankcase, however, there is no difference - and there the oil burns out in combination with gasoline.

To summarize: oil for 2-stroke engines must burn off everything during operation to minimize carbon formation (soot, ash), while motor oils for 4-stroke engines remain stable for a long time.

Don't make the traditional mistake of putting "four-stroke" oil into a 2-stroke engine!

This threatens ash formation on internal elements engine, in particular on the piston and combustion chamber. Ash comes from burning oil.

Next, it forms an abrasive that has a destructive effect on the cylinder and piston - this can be compared to the effect of sandpaper. The abrasive constantly affects the parts, filing them, changing their shape and reducing their working life. And soot harms the engine - it makes it difficult to move piston rings, their mobility decreases, and therefore, the engine power becomes less.

The soot cannot escape anywhere; on the contrary, it accumulates, reducing the cross-section of the exhaust windows. Ash deposits and soot accumulations will never do any good - being on the pistons and cylinder head, they can cause detonation and a drop in power.

Domestic oils for two-stroke outboard engines

In the good old days, there was only one oil for 2-stroke engines - oil for two-stroke engines M-12-TP.

The beginning of the 1990s was marked by the appearance in car shops of foreign oils for two-stroke engines, and then domestic analogues - M-12-TP and MGD-14M oils - entered the market.

What are Outboard Motor Oils?

Outboard motor oils Motor Oil. What is it and what is it eaten with?

Outboard Motor Oil is a premium two-stroke motor oil that can be used in water-cooled outboard motors.

Outboard Motor Oils are designed for oil injected engines. They are characterized by almost zero ash content. This is due to the use of a refined oil base and ashless additives.

Of course, this means an increase in the price of oil, but it is still advisable to use it. If you pour such oils into 2-stroke engines, you can achieve an increase in engine life by up to 10%! In addition, carbon formation on spark plugs is also reduced.

So if you intend to use motor boat harsh conditions and over a long period, it is preferable to use Outboard Motor Oil.

How to lubricate a 2-stroke engine:

  • If your 2-stroke engine runs in salty seawater, lubricate it monthly. Lubricate the engine according to the operating instructions
  • Inject grease until old grease appears, and then fresh grease appears.
  • Excess grease must be removed
  • Some outboard motors have two sets of lubrication point attachments.
  • Once a year, remove the power steering rod from its tube and lubricate it
  • Unscrew the screw nut, the screw itself and the end sleeve from the screw shaft. It would be better to inspect the shaft to ensure it remains in working condition.
  • If there are foreign objects in the engine, remove them immediately, then pay attention to the drained oil
  • First lubricate the screw shaft, replace the bushing and secure the screw
  • Start draining the oil from the gearbox - this is done like this: remove the top, then the bottom plug
  • Take fresh lubricant and fill the gear case through the bottom hole. Wait until the oil begins to come out through the top hole and, temporarily plugging the hole at the bottom with your finger, place the top plug in its original place

Is it possible to temporarily change motor oil for 2-stroke engines? domestic oils without additives, because everything is fine with the ash content there? Yes, you can, but only temporarily - as soon as the opportunity arises, immediately switch to suitable oil for 2-stroke engine.

Every boat motor owner knows that right choice oils are already a 90% guarantee that the several tens (or even hundreds) of thousands of rubles spent will last “happily ever after” and will not be sent for scrap at the end of the season. In principle, the situation is similar to the engine of any car - but with the difference that in boat engines, due to the characteristics of their operation, their own special oil is required. This mainly applies to two-stroke engines, but this will be discussed below.

What are the differences between oils for boat engines?

Normal operation car engine– 2000-4000 rpm. It is rarely “spinned up” to peak power of 5000-6000 rpm - but for a boat motor this is normal mode, since it operates in a denser environment, accordingly, the load on the motor is also much greater than that of a car. And lastly, high humidity, which is detrimental to mechanisms.

At the same time, we must not forget that the oil for two-stroke and four-stroke engines is radically different. IN two-stroke engines Lubrication of moving parts inside the engine occurs by supplying a fuel-oil-air mixture directly to the combustion chamber, so oil is added to gasoline, along with which it burns. Therefore, in addition to proper viscosity and lubricating properties, such oil must have reduced smokiness - remember what happens when oil enters the combustion chamber of a conventional car engine?

For four-stroke engines, lubrication of moving parts occurs in the same way as in conventional car engines. But at the same time, more stringent requirements are put forward for the oil itself for the reasons mentioned above: more high revs, aggressive environment and so on.

The choice is very large: in addition to the manufacturers of these motors themselves, who offer branded oil Other companies also produce lubricants for their equipment. Each manufacturer claims that its products are better than those of its competitors. Let's try to understand how the situation really is.

Oil for two-stroke engines

As mentioned above, special is used. Today, all lubricants for such engines comply with international standard TC-W3 is a must. A certificate of conformity is awarded to an oil after it has passed a series of tests and tests according to standards adopted by the National Association of Marine Builders of the United States.


Therefore, all motor oil for 2-stroke engines is created according to the same standard. 60% of the product is an oil base of medium viscosity (usually mineral), another 5 to 17% is residual clarified oil. 15-20% of the product is a solvent, which allows the oil to mix with gasoline as best as possible and at the same time serves as an activator.

Everything else, that is, from 3 to 20%, is a variety of additives that have a very wide range of functions. They help reduce smoke working mixture, control lubricating properties, improve oil solubility in fuel mixture, protect against corrosion and remove combustion residues outside. At the same time, each manufacturer focuses on one or two main aspects and therefore adds certain additives to its products in greater quantities than others.

  • Oil is used to reduce the amount of carbon deposits, so it contains a much higher percentage of residual clarified oil. This allows you to keep the soot in suspension and effectively remove it, along with the remaining combustion products, out through the exhaust system.
  • Outboard motors have more than efficient system cooling and residual moisture may enter the combustion chamber. Therefore, in Suzuki Anti-corrosion additives are added to the oil to increase the service life of the engine.
  • In oils Mercury additives are designed to ensure effective lubrication of the moving parts of the engine and at the same time maximum dilution of the oil, which will reduce smoke to a minimum and achieve compliance environmental standards. It is the smokiness that is main problem two-stroke engines, which is why they are banned in a number of countries.
  • Well-known manufacturer lubricants produces mainly oils for high-performance outboard engines famous brands. Additives added to products ensure rapid mixing and low ash content of the working mixture.
  • AndNissan For their TLDI engines they use synthetic-based oils. Such oils can also be used for old carburetor engines from these manufacturers - they are cheaper and are not inferior to mineral ones in their qualities.
  • Bombardier also partially used synthetic oils with the Carbex additive, which binds ash and soot particles in the working mixture and effectively removes them from the combustion chamber.

As can be seen from the above, the choice of oil is a matter of personal preference. One thing is clear - a good product is cheap, but a quality product cannot. Although, at the same time, branded oil will cost an order of magnitude more than Yamalube, which is in no way inferior to it.


Oil for four-stroke engines

Everything is somewhat simpler, since in its design such a motor is completely identical to a car one. The lubrication in it operates in a closed cycle, and the main problem is protecting the motor from overheating, counteracting the destructive effects of corrosion and reducing carbon formation. In essence, this oil is practically no different from that used in cars - but with the addition of additives that prevent the formation of an emulsion with water, provide protection from moisture and salt, and also better remove fuel combustion products.

Transmission oil for PLM gearboxes


Besides motor oil, outboard motors also use gear oil. In this case, it doesn’t matter what clock speed the engine has - this lubricant is suitable for any clock cycle. It contains various additives that do not reduce wear of rubbing parts, but also prevent the appearance of water emulsion, improve oil adhesion and prevent corrosion.

Despite all this, it is recommended to change every season due to the fact that in PLM high probability water entering the gearbox. Therefore, changing the oil is the only effective transmission prevention, since otherwise you risk “killing” the gearbox.