Two-Stroke Oil Question

[jernstberger]

Hi Everyone,

I grew up with my dad and grandfathers running outboards on whatever two-cycle engine was around. Is it a really bad move to run outboard engines on oil for things like chainsaws and gas trimmers? This may sound silly, but I really don't know.

If I've been running gas like this in a current outboard (and have this in the tank), should I drain the tank? Is there anything I should do for the outboard?

Sheepishly,

Jon

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Two-Stroke Oil Question

oil has changed chain saw are air cooled. outboards are water cooled. you need to be using TC=W3 rated outboard motor oil, brands do not matter. i've used Walmarts Super Tech for years.

 

[jernstberger]

Re: Two-Stroke Oil Question

oil has changed chain saw are air cooled. outboards are water cooled. you need to be using TC=W3 rated outboard motor oil, brands do not matter. i've used Walmarts Super Tech for years.

Wow. 42k posts.

So, the oil has changed. I presume this should mean for any year outboard.

Does this mean that I need to drain that gas/oil mixture from the tank if I've used the air-cooled oils? Have I potentially damaged my outboard (very old) by running that gas/oil mixture?

Jon

 

[gcboat]

Re: Two-Stroke Oil Question

Don't let the post count scare you - TD's just an ole' softy at heart!

Yea, I'd dump that old oil and start with the recommended stuff. Years ago when the tolerances weren't so tight as they are now plain ole' 30w oil was the ticket. Not a mechanic and have no idea if it is a marketing ploy but I'll stick with TC-W3 oil for my 2 strokes.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Two-Stroke Oil Question

Je-ZUS, Tash. I never noticed before: 42K posts? Do you live on the keyboard? How many years does that represent?

 

[Ripfence]

Re: Two-Stroke Oil Question

I think you mentioned that your engine was older so it probably doesn't apply here but some of the newer direct injection engines strongly recommend that you use a special DFI oil in them for longer life.

It is very expensive stuff and smells bad but I figure it's better to err on the side of caution.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Two-Stroke Oil Question

Hey Jon, how much gas have you already mixed? If it is a few gallons, run it and then use the correct TCW-III oil, especially if the motor is older.

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: Two-Stroke Oil Question

Just so OP understands why the differnce between air cooled and water cooled engines:

Air cooled operate at a lot higher temp, therefore need a different formulation to lubricate and not just burn off. They also tend to run at idle and full wide open and nothing in between.

Outboards operate cooler and need an oil designed for that and the fact they commonly operate at many different RPMs.

If you don't have a lot of the old stuff, just take it and dump in in your lawnmowers or, a little at a time to dilute the oil, your vehicles. It won't hurt either. Then start fresh with proper outboard motor oil.

Beware of oils labeled for both applications. I don't see how they could be best for both or either.

 

[Fl_Richard]

Re: Two-Stroke Oil Question

TD - Lets do the math 42573 posts x 30 seconds each =1277190 seconds / 60 (seconds per minute) /60 (minutes per hour) = 354.775 hours / 7 (Days) = 50.682 days of continuous typing..

You need to get out on the boat!

(Thank you though)

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: Two-Stroke Oil Question

TD - Lets do the math 42573 posts x 30 seconds each =1277190 seconds / 60 (seconds per minute) /60 (minutes per hour) = 354.775 hours / 7 (Days) = 50.682 days of continuous typing..

You need to get out on the boat!

(Thank you though)

Need to take the 354.775 total hours and divide it by 24 (hours/day) to get 14.782 days

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: Two-Stroke Oil Question

Need to take the 354.775 total hours and divide it by 24 (hours/day) to get 14.782 days

Member since Nov '05 = 3 yrs, 7 months (43 months) = 185 weeks = about 2 hours / week or less than 1/2 hour per day. Of course he could be watching cable TV instead.

 

[Fl_Richard]

Re: Two-Stroke Oil Question

See! Simple math error. Thats why I dont pre mix!

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: Two-Stroke Oil Question

The difference in TWC3 and air cooled oil is the ash content. Air cooled 2-stroke oil has a higher ash content that acts as an additional lubricant. These engines run hotter and faster (up to 10k rpms) so they can burn off the ash. Water cooled engines don't run hot enough so they won't burn off the ash which will eventually build up in your cylinder. So to answer your question: burning the rest of the tank will not hurt your engine, just switch to TWC3 when it's done and it will burn out the deposits. Absolutly do not run TWC3 in an air cooled engine, it will burn up in short order.