TCW3 oil - Evinrude or WalMart ?

[montauk]

Hi guys. I just repowered my 17' Whaler with a fuel injected Evinrude and was wondering if anyone had recommendations for which brand of TCW3 (something like that) oil to use. Of course, the dealer said it had to be the Evinrude oil, but there's a sticker on the motor saying to use a NMMA-approved TCW3 oil. wouldn't the less expensive brand be just as effective? Just wondering.<br /><br />JBCornwell - if you're reading this - I love my new motor - still going through break-in, but here's why i love this motor:<br />It's faster, quieter, and more fuel and oil efficient than a carb 2-stroke. Also found a 1999 model, new in box, w/ a 2 yr. warranty from the dealer - that means I get to spend more money on tackle, electronics, etc. - the fun stuff!!<br /><br />I hope your Suzi is treatin' you right - give me an update (20 hr. check out ok?).

 

[Walter]

Re: TCW3 oil - Evinrude or WalMart ?

Most of us feel Wal-Mart's oil is very comparable to Quicksilver or OMC. I haven't purchased a new outboard for years...just be certain your warranty doesn't explicitly require you use only OMC oil...Ya don't want to give your dealer a reason to void it. <br /><br />Congrats on your new purchase...Just curious....What horsepower is your new Evinrude?<br /><br />Walt<br /><br />PS I just bought a brand new 1961 Whaler powered by a Merc 800. It's never been in the water...and even came in it's original box! Hee, hee... It's a Danbury Mint model! You can see it on Alterscale's webpage. www.alterscale.com Check it out!

 

[kansasmike]

Re: TCW3 oil - Evinrude or WalMart ?

Your dealer is full of it. You do not have to use Evinrude brand oil. The only way that a company could force you to use thier brand for warranty purposes is if they give you the oil free of charge. Re. which brand follow the specs just like you're doing. Wally mart, Lubrimatic, Havoline, etc. etc. are good.

 

[montauk]

Re: TCW3 oil - Evinrude or WalMart ?

Walter - thanks for the reply, although i'm not quite sure what that web alterscale page is all about..... did you buy a mini whaler or what? Anyway, the motor i purchased is the V4 90 hp. I was extremely weary of the whole OMC/FICT deal, but after talking to several different OMC mechanics I feel that this is going to be a great motor.<br /><br />Gotta go - off to Walmart for some oil! thanks again. <br /><br />montauk

 

[JB]

Re: TCW3 oil - Evinrude or WalMart ?

Yo Montauk! Congratulations on your new power! I will be interested to see how it performs, and expect excellent reports. The Suzi continues to reward me for the decision to go 4 stroke EFI. It will be a refreshing change to hear an actual owner praise the FICHT V4, rather than folk parroting second-hand gossip.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . . <br />JB

 

[Big Four]

Re: TCW3 oil - Evinrude or WalMart ?

If you bought a Ficht you should be using the Ram Ficht oil. It has special additives that can handle the crankcase temps generated by the these new DFI engines. It also contains about 3 times the carbon inhibitors as the cheap oils. <br /><br /> You just went and spent your money on an expensive engine. If you think saving a few bucks per gallon on cheap oil is the way to go considing the small amount of fuel and oil that engine will burn, have at it.<br /><br /> My contention is that every engine burns differently, even one serial numbered right next to each other. Sure most engine will run fine on the cheap oils, but if you have one that burns dirty you better be using the best oil you can find. I've seen too many boats rigged with twins and one will be so loaded with carbon it will barely run and the other is clean. Same fuel tank, fuel, oil and engine hrs.<br /><br /> OMC built these engines and designed the right oil to be burnt through them. People trying to save buck use the cheap oils then wind up on boards like this crying the blues about how OMC builds junk. Your choice, but tell me what good that extra change in your pocket will do you when the engine is at the marina waiting on parts. Dunk

 

[kansasmike]

Re: TCW3 oil - Evinrude or WalMart ?

Four,<br /><br />My Mercs all ran great for years on the "other" stuff. This is my first OMC. Do they have special requirements for oil that I'm unaware of? 130 hp 1996 Johnson

 

[JB]

Re: TCW3 oil - Evinrude or WalMart ?

Dunk (Big Four?) has a point, Montauk. I had heard, second hand, that FICHT engines required specifically formulated oil. I wonder now if that is myth, since the book and label simply call for TCW-3. <br /><br />There have been numerous testimonials in this forum that Super Tech is every bit as good as, and may actually be Quicksilver, but being the best oil for one spec is useless if what you really need meets a different spec. <br /><br />I would seek a definitive answer from Bombardier, in writing.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . . <br />JB

 

[Walter]

Re: TCW3 oil - Evinrude or WalMart ?

Montauk...<br /><br />Yes, I purchased a miniature model of the 1961 Boston Whaler... Did you visit Alterscale's web page? They make miniature modern outboards... and advertise Danbury's model boat/engine/trailer packages.<br /><br />Did you check out this site? If not...give it a look see.<br /><br />Walt