2 Stroke Oil

[Walleye2Bass]

Ok, this might be like asking the ford vs chevy question, but here goes. I generally use Yamalube in my 90tlr, but with a new baby the fishing budget is getting tighter. I saw a few alternatives at Academy. Mainly Pensoil, Quicksilver, and Citco. Is there really a difference in 2stroke oil or is it all marketing hype? I was thinking Pensoil, but that was mainly price driven.

[cadman]

I don't have all the technical facts about oil and lubes, but I use Lubrimatic brand 2 stroke Oil in my 225 Optimax and also Lubrimatic oil in my lower unit. Have had 1 boat for 17 years and another now going on 7 years. Never any problems. I have spoken to some Mercury techs at Mercury and they told me that it wasn't a problem. I also heard at one time that Lubrimatic made all the Quicksilver oil for Mercury, however I can't confirm this. I do know that Mercury oil and all their other products are privately labeled for Mercury outboards. This is my opinion, so take it for what it's worth. I'm not saying I'm right in doing it this way.

[Hi Salenity]

I try and use a synthetic. Out of curiosity what do you think you spend on oil in a year?

[Brian Needham]

I would not use anything but Mercury or Yamaha oil.

 

outboards are a huge investment and is not the place to be cheap on the think that protects it, that being the oil.

[slonezp]

When I had my ELPTO I used whatever was cheapest and never had a motor issue. Now I have a ProXS and use only Merc DFI. Here is the best oil pricing I've found online. http://www.domo-online.com/Outboard-Motor-Oil/discount-outboard-motor-oil-ezp-1.html Maybe they have what you need.

[slonezp]

I don't have all the technical facts about oil and lubes, but I use Lubrimatic brand 2 stroke Oil in my 225 Optimax and also Lubrimatic oil in my lower unit. Have had 1 boat for 17 years and another now going on 7 years. Never any problems. I have spoken to some Mercury techs at Mercury and they told me that it wasn't a problem. I also heard at one time that Lubrimatic made all the Quicksilver oil for Mercury, however I can't confirm this. I do know that Mercury oil and all their other products are privately labeled for Mercury outboards. This is my opinion, so take it for what it's worth. I'm not saying I'm right in doing it this way.

I do know that Merc DFI oil has more additives than others specifically to combat carbon buildup. I'll see if I can find the chart comparing different oils.

[PotomacBassin]

When I had my ELPTO I used whatever was cheapest and never had a motor issue. Now I have a ProXS and use only Merc DFI. Here is the best oil pricing I've found online. http://www.domo-online.com/Outboard-Motor-Oil/discount-outboard-motor-oil-ezp-1.html Maybe they have what you need.

If I could see you I would hug you right now.  This is an amazing deal.  I didn't check out to see how much shipping was but this is freaken cheap.  I buy the Quicksilver DFI oil and it's approx. $40/gallon at my local marine shop.  This is like buying two and getting one free.  Plus it's the Mercury brand.   I'm almost certain (in my head) that Quiksilver and Mercury is the same oil.

[cadman]

It's not that I can't afford Quicksilver oil, but my biggest gripe is that we all know that Mercury does not make their own oil, they are not in the oil business. So if Lubrimatic privately labels their oil for Mercury, why not use it. It would be nice if Mercury and other companies would give you an alternate along with their brand. They won't do this because of revenue. This holds true for spark plugs as well. I am supposed to use NGK plugs for my 9.9 (4 stroke) and 225 outboards. The NGK plugs for my 9.9  are $11 per plug. Champion has the identical plug for $2.39 each. Now I haven't found a replacement for my 225 which run around $20.00 + per plug. Again I can afford these plugs but its the principal. Why not give people alternates, I think people would be happy to see that there isn't just one brand that you can use. Just sayin'

[BKeith]

I've never understood why someone would spend thousands of dollars on a motor, and then want to save a nickel buying that cheap a** gas and oil for it.

Do you think because all gas comes out of the same pipeline at the bulk distribution center it's the same stuff going to all the retailers? Based on who's getting it, is what additives are added to it at the bulk center.

That's the same way with the oils. None of the motor manufactures make their own oil, but they do say what additives they want in their oils. Oil companies make numbers of brands of oil with a host of different labels, but that doesn't mean all the different labels have the same oil in them. If you think so, then I have some ocean front property in Arizona I would luv to sell you.

When you tear down a few dozen motors, some with no more than several hundred hours, that have had this cheap oil run in them, you will see why I'm against most of that crap people think they are saving money with.

However, I've always said, nobody is going to tell me how I should run my equipment, and I'm sure no one going to convince those that thinks all oils are the same is going to be convinced otherwise. After all, it's you motor, you can run the used motor oil out of you car if your so desire, it's probably as good as some of what's sold for outboard oil.

[slonezp]

If I could see you I would hug you right now.  This is an amazing deal.  I didn't check out to see how much shipping was but this is freaken cheap.  I buy the Quicksilver DFI oil and it's approx. $40/gallon at my local marine shop.  This is like buying two and getting one free.  Plus it's the Mercury brand.   I'm almost certain (in my head) that Quiksilver and Mercury is the same oil.

You are correct. $45.-$47 a gal plus Crook County sales tax at 10%, It's $150 out the door. I think I pay with tax(they do charge tax) and shipping around $120 and get it delivered in less than a week.

[slonezp]

It's not that I can't afford Quicksilver oil, but my biggest gripe is that we all know that Mercury does not make their own oil, they are not in the oil business. So if Lubrimatic privately labels their oil for Mercury, why not use it. It would be nice if Mercury and other companies would give you an alternate along with their brand. They won't do this because of revenue. This holds true for spark plugs as well. I am supposed to use NGK plugs for my 9.9 (4 stroke) and 225 outboards. The NGK plugs for my 9.9  are $11 per plug. Champion has the identical plug for $2.39 each. Now I haven't found a replacement for my 225 which run around $20.00 + per plug. Again I can afford these plugs but its the principal. Why not give people alternates, I think people would be happy to see that there isn't just one brand that you can use. Just sayin'

Be aware, Merc can deny a warranty claim if the aftermarket item installed on the motor contributed to the failure.

[cadman]

Be aware, Merc can deny a warranty claim if the aftermarket item installed on the motor contributed to the failure.

You are correct, but my boat is a 2007, and just for the record, for a 2007 boat my boat has been meticulously maintained, as I do all the work on it myself. It looks as good as the day I took it off the show room floor.

[cadman]

I've never understood why someone would spend thousands of dollars on a motor, and then want to save a nickel buying that cheap a** gas and oil for it.

Do you think because all gas comes out of the same pipeline at the bulk distribution center it's the same stuff going to all the retailers? Based on who's getting it, is what additives are added to it at the bulk center.

That's the same way with the oils. None of the motor manufactures make their own oil, but they do say what additives they want in their oils. Oil companies make numbers of brands of oil with a host of different labels, but that doesn't mean all the different labels have the same oil in them. If you think so, then I have some ocean front property in Arizona I would luv to sell you.

When you tear down a few dozen motors, some with no more than several hundred hours, that have had this cheap oil run in them, you will see why I'm against most of that crap people think they are saving money with.

However, I've always said, nobody is going to tell me how I should run my equipment, and I'm sure no one going to convince those that thinks all oils are the same is going to be convinced otherwise. After all, it's you motor, you can run the used motor oil out of you car if your so desire, it's probably as good as some of what's sold for outboard oil.

 

 I agree with you on some of what you stated. Not to start an argument, but let's take this scenario. I have a brand new loaded Chevy Tahoe, $50K+. You mean to tell me that I cannot put any other motor oil that is recommended for that vehicle other than going to a GM dealer and have them put in "their GM specified oil" ? No other oil, like Penzoil, Quaker State or Shell oil will do? I beg to differ. But we all can do what we want, after all it's our money. JMO.

[Brian Needham]

I had a friend that tried to use aftermarket plugs in a 90 opti and it wouldn't run, so he had to pony up for $20 per plug, plus was out the aftermarket plug cost.

 

with oil, I see no reason to risk it. Merc may not make the oil but they have it made to their specs (additive,detergents package ect.)

[Brian Needham]

devil's advocate.........dont the auto manfactures mostly use Mobil 1?

[cadman]

devil's advocate.........dont the auto manfactures mostly use Mobil 1?

 

Wow I don't know. That's interesting, curious what they do use though?

[Siebert Outdoors]

I use XD50.  Its what has always been run through the motor with no issues.  So I wont change.  I pay about 27 per gallon.  I might order from Slonezp site.  I figured it up and I can save if I order enough of it.

[Fishing Rhino]

Read your owners manual.  They may recommend an oil with their brand on it.  The key word is recommend.  What you MUST do is to use an oil that meets their standards.  If it does, your warranty cannot be voided by the use of that oil.  Companies that make motor oils manufacture them to manufacturers' standards, be it for a truck, automobile, snowmobile, lawnmower, outboard, etc.  That is why there are so many types of oil.  Here's a little info about oil ratings.

 

http://www.ehow.com/list_6120303_sae-oil-classifications.html

[Walleye2Bass]

I try and use a synthetic. Out of curiosity what do you think you spend on oil in a year?

Generally I run through 1-2 gallons, I try to get out twice a month at least (weather permitting) but I buy in bulk (4 gallons at a time for discounts) and I am due for a refill of my supply.  Pennzoil runs about 14.99 a gallon, Citgo 12.99, Super Tech 12.15, Valvoline 24.18, Mercury Quicksilver 19.97, and locally I have not found Yamalube for less than 26.99.  Expand that over 4 gallons and we are talking a large difference for 4 gallons (50 or so dollar spread).  For the record everything I listed is local or internet pricing (lowest I could find) and everything clearly states TCW-3 compliant, I am sure some are synthetic mixes, pure synthetic or conventional, but they meet the minimum spec.   

 

This has become a lively conversation, for the record I have always used Yamalube, and the motor is out of warranty.  Every factory recommended service has been completed on time.  I also would discount anything not at least a synthetic blend (I believe Yamalube is and so is Pennzoil), but that is a personal preference I was not going to delve into.  Every tank of gas is treated with BioBor EB, I used to use Sta-Bil marine ethanol, but had a few bad experiences with it in a Go-Devil and the Yamaha seems to run smoother on BioBor EB.     

[PotomacBassin]

Generally I run through 1-2 gallons, I try to get out twice a month at least (weather permitting) but I buy in bulk (4 gallons at a time for discounts) and I am due for a refill of my supply.  Pennzoil runs about 14.99 a gallon, Citgo 12.99, Super Tech 12.15, Valvoline 24.18, Mercury Quicksilver 19.97, and locally I have not found Yamalube for less than 26.99.  Expand that over 4 gallons and we are talking a large difference for 4 gallons (50 or so dollar spread).  For the record everything I listed is local or internet pricing (lowest I could find) and everything clearly states TCW-3 compliant, I am sure some are synthetic mixes, pure synthetic or conventional, but they meet the minimum spec.   

 

This has become a lively conversation, for the record I have always used Yamalube, and the motor is out of warranty.  Every factory recommended service has been completed on time.  I also would discount anything not at least a synthetic blend (I believe Yamalube is and so is Pennzoil), but that is a personal preference I was not going to delve into.  Every tank of gas is treated with BioBor EB, I used to use Sta-Bil marine ethanol, but had a few bad experiences with it in a Go-Devil and the Yamaha seems to run smoother on BioBor EB.     

Where are you getting a gallon of quiksilver for 19.97?  Sign me up. 

[Walleye2Bass]

PotomacBassin:

 

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Mercury-Quicksilver-Premium-Plus-2-Cycle-Outboard-Oil-Gallon/17165286

 

Alexandria, LA store...  We are probably not far from the refinery?!?!?

[slonezp]

The Quicksilver DFI is $35 or more online 

[wnybassman]

I use XD50.  Its what has always been run through the motor with no issues.  So I wont change.  I pay about 27 per gallon.  I might order from Slonezp site.  I figured it up and I can save if I order enough of it.

 

 

I use XD50 as well.  Up until now I have been buying it bulk (bring my own gallon jugs) from a drum at the local marina and even that has gone up to $35+ a gallon.   A couple months ago I learned about the Domo site and I will be buying a 6 pack first thing in the spring.  I'd buy it now, but not sure I want all those gallons sitting over the winter.  The shipping rate for a 6 pack is $35.   I can save about $7 a gallon, and I use about 7-8 gallons a year.

[Dwight Hottle]

I bought mercury opti oil this morning for $100 delivered to my door for three gallons. That's 33.33 per gallon including shipping. Domo oil. Mercury changed their recommendation for the pro xs oil a couple of years back. They have added more additives to help with carbon build up. People are running longer times at idle & slow speed because of side scan/down scan sonar contributing to the carbon build up problem.

[BKeith]

Cadman, to the best of my knowledge, I don't know of an automobile manufacture in the US that sells a vehicle with a two stroke motor in it, but if they did, I would recommend running their oil. This topic was about two stroke oil, not four stroke, two totally different engines and the way the oil is used in them.

Ever seen the heads off an oil burning four stroke car engine, usually one big carbon mess. That's what the inside of a two stroke looks like that's been run on a lot of these cheap TWC-3 oils sold for two strokes. Also, the most of the two strokes built of the past decade have a very sophisticate oil injection system and a small change in the oils viscosity make a huge change in the engines oiling system.

Like I said though, I could absolutely, 100%, tee totally care less what anyone runs in their motors, I just know I've been building and racing outboards since the late 60's and have seen the inside of a whole lot of engines, so I know what I will run in mine, and it won't any of those bargain brands. In my DFI motors, I will only run the manufactures oil because of the oil injection and the viscosity it's tuned for.