10 best oils for outboard motors
Boat motors are a special type of internal combustion engines that convert the energy of an explosion of a fuel mixture into mechanical energy of rotation of a blade propeller. Like any other engine, outboard motors also require the use of special technical fluids, which include such an ordinary motor oil.
The use of oil for outboard motors in Russia has gone through several rather curious stages. At a time when the domestic market was filled only with models of domestic production, exploiting oil was akin to madness. Autol was used, the combustion of which led to the formation of carbon deposits on the pistons, and also entailed a huge number of burns, since any "sore" was amenable to painstaking treatment. Since overcoming the trade barrier and entering the domestic market for foreign products, the autol has imperceptibly gone aside, giving way first to mineral and then to synthetic oils, which significantly saved the budget of the already poor citizens of the country.
Today the market for motor oils has hundreds of different samples suitable for filling into a standard outboard motor. Alas, not everyone is inherent in high quality, which makes the selection process even more difficult. After carefully studying the situation, we have compiled a rating of the ten best oils for boat engines in two main categories: for two- and four-stroke power plants, the optimal qualities of which have been tested by hundreds of satisfied consumers.
The best oils for two-stroke outboard motors
5 PATRIOT Super Active 2T
The rating of oils for two-stroke engines is opened by a representative of the Chinese company PATRIOT, a Super Active 2T semi-synthetic motor oil, which is in high demand in the domestic market. The incredible popularity of this variety arose due to consumer craving for everything budgetary - the cost of a liter of Chinese semisynthetics is comparable to the cost of an autol, so often recalled by experienced fishermen or motor boat owners.
But such a rough comparison does not quite correctly reflect the whole essence of PATRIOT Super Active 2T: its quality indicators are really worthy of praise. Despite not the most advanced formula, Chinese manufacturers have managed to reduce the level of carbon deposits on the pistons through the almost complete combustion of the oil in the mixture. But the main feature of the technical fluid from "Patriots" is its versatility - at such a low price, this oil covers almost all special equipment, from boat motors to motor vehicles, snowmobiles and garden tools.
4 Ravenol Outboardoel 2T Mineral 1L
The mineral motor oil produced in Germany meets the highest quality standards required by 2-stroke outboard motors. The manufacturer has been on the Russian market for many years and is aware of the problem with the quality of gasoline, therefore, all the nuances were taken into account when developing a complex chemical formula. The composition of the engine oil includes special high-quality additives that minimize sludge on the crankcase, and the engine remains clean even after several years of use. Bearings and cylinder-piston group, due to better lubrication, can withstand prolonged extreme loads.
The solvent components in this oil provide a low flash point and reduce visible emissions. The combination with gasoline of various purities occurs without changing the octane number and subsequently the mixture does not lose its properties when stored in a canister. The blue dye in the oil helps to control the fill level with ease. Its use in two-stroke outboard motors guarantees a long service life and minimal wear on moving parts.
3 Yamalube 2-M TC-W3 RL Super 2-Stroke 1L
Yamalube mineral motor oil is formulated for use in modern water-cooled outboard motors and meets the stringent standards of Yamaha Japanese watercraft. It can be used in 2-stroke direct injection, premixed or automix engines. The oil was formulated for the most severe operating conditions with the best protection against wear and piston seizure. Special additives prevent ring and spark plug soot in high-powered 2-stroke engines, protect against corrosion and reduce emissions.
Yamalube oil has an extended shelf life and can be stored under any temperature conditions, while it does not lose its properties and you can be sure of its quality after a long period of time. Thanks to perfect mixing with fuel, the oil prevents sludge formation without leaving sticky deposits. The proportions are one of the most economical and range from 1 to 2 percent, depending on the operating conditions. The set includes a measure for easy mixing.
2 Motul Outboard Tech 2T
High-quality semi-synthetic oil from monopolists in the market of technical fluids for special equipment, demonstrating excellent performance in terms of gentle impact on the environment. Motul has been pressured to create a “green” oil by environmentalists who have called for limiting the use of two-strokes or developing new quality standards. Since the main "feeding trough" of the French company is the production of technical fluids for special equipment, the option of limiting the use of such engines would mean inevitable death.
The special composition of the semi-synthetic fluid has made it possible to significantly reduce its consumption for creating the fuel mixture, which naturally affected the economy. Having gained on the expense component, however, Motul have prudently equalized costs with higher value, which discouraged loyal customers and led to some stagnation in demand.
1 LIQUI MOLY 2-Takt-Motoroil
The leader of the category in the class of two-stroke engines, quite expectedly, becomes a semi-synthetic engine oil from the German company LIQUI MOLY, which has excellent performance in the exploitation component. Despite all the specifics of oils for outboard motors, the Germans managed to create a really cool product. LIQUI MOLY 2-Takt-Motoroil has a low knock temperature threshold: something around 120 degrees Celsius. In this regard, combustion occurs more fully, intensively, and the harmful carbon deposits on the piston are formed in a much smaller amount. On the other hand, this entails quite good financial losses, since the intensive combustion of technical fluid will require periodic topping up.
Thus, if the price indicator is at the forefront, it is worth thinking about the advisability of buying LIQUI MOLY 2-Takt-Motoroil. In the case of setting in the category of key quality indicators, German oil will be the best choice, since the company's products are widely distributed at the secondary market and at official dealers.
The best oils for 4-stroke outboard motors
5 Mannol 7820 Aqua Jet 4-Takt 1L
Mannol 7820 Aqua engine oil has been specially developed for four-stroke powerboats of increased power and jet skis equipped with turbochargers. The stable formulation of the additives in the best way contributes to the stable operation of the lubrication system of jet engines and prevents the formation of small particles that can damage the mechanism.
The excellent anti-corrosion properties of the oil prevent the formation of rusty deposits that inevitably appear on contact with water. The components contained in the engine oil reduce friction in moving parts, ensuring their smooth operation for a long time. Due to the low ash composition of the oil, carbon deposits from soot and varnish deposits do not form on the engine, which makes it possible to use water technology equipped with catalytic converters.Even if water accidentally enters the housing, the oil is able to operate efficiently at full speed without breaking the lubricating film. The product specification and approval have the following conformities: SAE 10W-40, API SL, JASO MA.
4 Wolf Outboard 4T 10W30 1L
This premium semi-synthetic oil is formulated from carefully selected base oils of the highest purity and is designed for modern four-stroke engines, the most famous of which are Mercury Marine and Yamaha. The oil was formulated to meet the NMMA FC-W requirements and is capable of providing enhanced protection against rust, which is rapidly formed by salt water. Having compounds of molybdenum and zinc molecules in its structure, the oil protects from the aggressive environment in a complex way and maintains the engine in exceptional cleanliness.
Special additives provide the oil with better oxidation stability, help to penetrate faster throughout the system and maintain the stability and reliability of the lubricating film while not clogging the oil filter. The composition of the oil guarantees a reduction in fuel consumption and reduces the amount of smoke emissions. The oil has a very low volatility, which allows it to be used at any time of the year.
3 Motul Suzuki Marine 4T SAE 10W40
Semi-synthetic oil specially created for a series of Suzuki outboard motors. It is distinguished by its sharpening for the working conditions of these particular developments, therefore, the boundaries of applicability and the adequacy of use with other models of power units should be felt, as they say, on personal experience. Fortunately, no one forbids doing this.
As users note, technically, Motul Suzuki Marine 4T SAE 10W40 is no different from the standard series of oils of the same company. Any composition with a viscosity of 10W40 shows approximately the same results, but it costs much less than a premium development for branded motors. Of course, no one cancels the outstanding parameters for combustion, environmental friendliness and efficiency, but behind all this, a detailed planned commercial move is felt, which caused some coldness of domestic consumers. Well deserved third place.
2 Quicksilver 4-Stroke Marine 10W-30
Quicksilver 4-Stroke Marine 10W-30 is an interesting semisynthetics, which became widespread first in America, and then, no less effectively, moved to the domestic market. The uniqueness of this oil lies in the specific requirements for use. While in automobile engines lubrication of rubbing parts occurs under the action of high pressure, in outboard motors oil is delivered only by splashing (which is facilitated by the presence of an immersion ring on the shaft). In such conditions, for unimpeded lubrication, the technical fluid must be sufficiently low in viscosity to ensure expansion even at low speeds. And with this task Quicksilver 4-Stroke Marine 10W-30 copes, perhaps, better than others.
Such oil is relatively inexpensive, which accounts for its high popularity. However, there is a problem of a different kind: since the company is small and its production is limited, it is very difficult to find its products outside dealerships and official distributors.
1 Motul Outboard Tech 4T 10W30
The undisputed leader of the rating is another representative of the Motul company, who recorded not only outstanding technical and operational, but also price indicators. To challenge its leadership is at least stupid: one oil filling is enough for a long period, intense carbon deposits are not observed during combustion, and the cost of a four-stroke semisynthetics is not much higher than that of a two-stroke one.
Another feature of Outboard Tech 4T 10W30 that users love so much is the complete safety of mixing oils of various kinds. This composition can be mixed with mineral or purely synthetic oil in any proportion, and this will not in any way affect the functioning of the motor.
In general, Outboard Tech 4T 10W30 can be considered the flagship not only of a single series, but of the entire motor oils market in the special equipment segment, since all the prerequisites for this are obvious.
