posted 01-14-2001 12:02 PM ET (US)         

If you re-call I didn't speak of any specific brand only an explanation what the organic oil TC-W3 specification meant and how that related to "OB branded" oil modified to their specs, and how various other major oil companies modify theirs--- for them to try and differentiate themselves in the market place ---

I don't see any need for one to use synthetic motor oil unless they feel they have a need to solve a problem ---

For our part we use Exxon SuperFlow by the gallons, (might add a lot of it in the twin 200hp Yamaha's) with no apparent problems --- we did have a little carbon build up when we had them tuned for the second time this year but that was contributed to 1200 miles of exercise coming up the ICW from FL (went through 2 cases of gallons on that trip plus a case of Citgo quarts when we ran out of the Exxon on the last leg) --- primary reason for Exxon good reputation for organic oil formulations and price ---

posted 01-14-2001 04:31 PM ET (US)         

OB manufacture's brand
Synthetic Oil
Major Oil Co brand
No Name Oil (off a tail gate brand)
Store Brand -- Cabela's Overtons whatever --
Don't use oil Use Tooth Paste polishes the bores better ----

You get the picture --- a poll will settle the question on who's or what one should use --- Then we need a second poll to compliment the first poll --- "why do you use what you use?" --

Maybe a 3rd poll " what if what you use isn't available anymore then what would you use?" and of course a follow up 4th poll on the 3rd poll-- "why did you choose what you chose if what you had used wasn't available?"

Now from these 4 polls we can extrapolate a possible clear cut idea of what you should use --- that is unless it happens to be the afro mentioned tooth paste product then we probably will have to take 4 more polls to find out just exactly what your dentist and the ADA recommends to use --- brand -- quantity -- etc etc ---

Just the winter blahs humor --- chuckle don't take it serious --- JimH you may delete at your pleasure ---

posted 01-14-2001 06:49 PM ET (US)            

I am confident that Merc oil is equal or better then Wally World oil, but I am not confident that Wally World is equal or better then Merc oil.

posted 01-15-2001 01:25 AM ET (US)            

When OMC filed for Chapter 11, one of their biggest creditors was Ashland Refining. Wonder who was making OMC's oil....

I confess to using Mercury oil in my Merc, and, yes, I bought some Yamaha oil for my yammies.

I even buy it by the pint so I can easily pre-mix it in 6-gallon tanks for the 50-HP Merc.

The yammies are oil-injection so I buy it by the gallon for them.

posted 01-15-2001 07:52 AM ET (US)         

Now for a more complete answer (I have a good source on oil formualtion and testing information). The basic blend of base oils and ashless detergent additives developed to meet or exceed the NMMA/BIA Designation TC-W3 is about the same for all oil manufactures. In simole words when the batches are produced they at that point meet the spec. then it gets a little fuzzie what happens if it is bottled for an OEM brand, a discount store brand or the oil companies own brand with the additive packages.

The primary goal with the 3rd generation of 2 stroke outboard oils was designed to reduce the growing problems of deposits which cause piston ring sticking and piston varnish, piston scuffing, bearing wear, exhaust port carbon deposits, plug fouling, pre-ignition, and rusting. Another part of the goal with this specification was to formulate to protect all 2-cycle outboards from the adverse affects of common, low grade "pipeline" gasoline. The continued use of these low quality fuels can add to the build up of piston deposits which interfere with the free ring and piston movement in each cylinder, increasing ring wear and degradation which eventually may cause engine failure.

Added to this basic package individual outboard manufactures will work with the oil companies supplying their "branded" oil to add additional additives to control what their engineers deem important for their specific motors ---

The bottom line is that all major oil companies produce a TC-W3 product that basically should work fine in any motor ---

Keep in mind though the OMC, Mercury and Yamaha, just to name the majors brand oils all have additional additive packages blended in --- now whether this is actually necessary or just a marketing ploy who knows for sure --- (as JimH states boutique oils)one thing is certain using a quality TC-W3 oil from any manufacture doesn't void your warranty --- humm maybe that says something ---- Hope this helps explain it Jack --

posted 01-18-2001 07:37 PM ET (US)         

At the recommendation of one of the best Merc mechanics I know, I also add a Mercury carbon remover, called "Quick Clean", to the gas on a regular basis. This yellowish liquid really keeps your combustion chambers clean.
Highly recommended for any brand engine. I think Yamaha has their version of the product also.