O/B Motor oil...is there a difference?

[Gizmo Man]

Does anyone know for certain if all o/b motor oil is the same? I know there are additives, but is Yamalube better than OMC or Merc or Lubimatic or??? TC-111 type oil?

I was in a store the other day and the sales man told me that they are all the same. Just different names.

Also, if you had or having engine problems and a mechanic told you the problem was with the oil, what did they recommend.

Anyone know for sure.

Thanks,

Giz...

[jet]

Giz I have the same Q. I always wondered what is best for my little smoker. I have noticed it really depends where you are when you ask the question, which is the best oil IE. Merc. dealer Merc. oil.

I will spend more if I truely am getting a better oil. I bet the answer is, most are simular but getting the mix right is the best thing.


Jet~~~

[bajaspecial]

Great topic Gizmo. Anyone have any info on the new "environmently friendly" stuff?

[Bait O' Eggs]

Walt
Why has it took so long for this topic to come up. Every time I go to buy oil I ask myself this very question. I have a Yamaha and was told to use Yamalube, so I fork over the big bucks everytime. Have only ran yamalube and wonder if I have been paying to much. Any oil experts out there?

[boater]

i say use semi synthetic, i used the omc ficht oil in my 8 horse yamaha, less stink and ran great, but i dont know if you can get the stuff now that omc filled chapter 11.

[Richter]

Name brand oils are just that, Name Brand. I haved used Lubrimatic Oil for the last 4-5 years on my 70 HP, 150HP, and 15hp Mercs. Much cheaper than Mercury Oil and I have never had any problems.

[SureSet]

I haven't done any real analysis, but I honestly believe in my experience, that there is a difference between the really cheap and the premium oils. I've tried the $6-7.00/Gal stuff, and eventhough it's rated TCW-III, it seemed to smoke more and run a little rougher than the "premium" oils that cost $12-18.00/gal.

On the flip side, I haven't seen much difference on my motor between brands of $12-18 oils. I don't recall if any were synthetic, but they seemed to smoke less and run smoother at low speeds. My strategy now is basically to buy the higher cost oils on sale, regardless of name brand.

I guess that it's one thing to run a cheaper oil in an older motor that can be replaced for a few hundred bucks. It's another to spend 3-5 thousand on a motor and then use questionable oil. Kinda like using recycled motor oil in your Lexus.......

SureSet

[HOGTIDE]

My post is a repeat of Suresets. Merc oil seems ridiculously overpriced. However, a new 200hp Black Max costs over $10,000. I guess if the manufactureer recommends their specific oil for their motor I will buy it. I did try some Pennzoil TCIIIW bargain stuff once...I believe it did foul my plugs rather readily. Not very scientific, huh.

You can get good deals on Merc-Oil at Costco from time to time.(That's when I stock up) and Stevens Marine used to sell it by the gallon at bulk prices if you brought your own jug.

[zipper]

Cabela's sells a "semi-synthetic" that's supposed to be more environmentally friendly, and is cheaper than the $18 a gallon I've been paying for OMC for my Johnson 115... trying is now, jury is still out. (Cheaper even with shipping charges) My friend that used to race moto-cross says buy synthetic and forget about fouled plugs and smoke. Is it worth the expense? I don't know. Why don't engine manufacturers recommend it if it's so good? excellent topic! http://www.ifish.net/forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[WaterDog]

I too have bought and used the cheap $6/gal oil. The one thing I noticed is that the stuff smelled like sour diesel fuel. That just didnt seem right so back to Merc oil. My motor smokes a lot less and the oil is way cheaper than a new motor!

[Pilar]

I get my Merc 2 stroke oil from Cascade Marine in Rockwood. They will sell you an unmarked white gallon jug for a reduced price or fill your bottle from the bulk barrel. Also they sell the synthetic outdrive oil the same way. Both of these products are green so use a sharpy marker and label the jugs. I have used the Penzoil TCW III oil in the yellow bottle. It seems to work. I use so little two stroke fuel that the cost difference is negligible.

One thing about bulk oil! I shortened a coastal adventure once by putting 2 stroke in my outdrive, oops! I figured it out before we floated the boat but then spent all day screwing around with the unhappy boat.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<I use the old Qt. Quicksilver bottles and refill them just so I won't ever do that again.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

The bend is your friend!

[Trout,myster]

Good topic. I also used to race motorcycles and always used synthetics. They burn cleaner and mix better with the fuel as well as providing superior lubrication. Used alot of Klotz in those days.

I recently read a test in Bass & Walleye Boats on "Which Oil is Best?" and they also leaned toward synthetics. Less smoke, plug fouling, and better wear characteristics. There was also discussion of inexpensive TCW-3 oils versus the manufacturer's brand. Their recommendation was to avoid the cheapies and stay with the manufacturer's oil unless you're switching to a synthetic. I know swapping oils around in a motor doesn't do it any great good so I just run the OMC brand in my 115 Evinrude and have had no problems.

Something to keep in mind if you switch to synthetic and you have oil injection! Mineral oils and synthetic oils sometimes don't get along. I've had them turn to what looks like jello when adding one to the other, and most manufacturers recommend complete draining of the old oil first. Not all of them will cause this problem, but there are some out there that will. Makes a nasty mess to have to clean out.

[STRIKE ZONE]

What I have learned over the years is to stick with one brand of oil for best results.
I use quick silver in my suzuki and haven't had any problems.I beleive the mixture and consistancy is the biggest key in preformance.I've talked with plenty of O.B.
mechanics and they seem to be partial to the evinrude oil????? who knows.Good luck,
STRIKE ZONE

[Fishhead]

When you started talking about expensive oils I have to laugh. I own a 1955 51/2 horse Johnson that I use on my 14ft aluminum boat. I asked the gal at Chics Marine what oil to use and she said to use what the lable on the motor said to use. Back then they would just use straight old motor oil like you use in your car. It said to use 30 weight. I just put some Havoline in to the fuel can with some premium and it runs just fine. Boy do I get the comments and questions about that little jewel of a motor. It still looks and runs great. Good luck on your quest for that perfect oil.----Fishhead Vic