2 Stoke Oil Question...

[3Wheelerdude]

I'd be reluctant to use a two stroke oil that doesn't carry a marine grade.

TCW means "Two Cycle Water-cooled" -- any other oil is formulated for air-cooled engines which typically have higher combustion temps.

Your water-cooled outboard won't generate the heat required to burn it all off. Especially if you aren't running at WOT most of the time.

Excess unburned oil means more and faster carbon build-up on cylinder walls, piston crowns and transfer ports. Coked-up cylinders lead to sticky rings, lost compression, lost power and ultimately, catastrophic engine failure.

Spend the extra couple of bucks for the marine grade stuff. Period.

I have to agree with you, but keep in mind that the newer synthetic oils don't gum up engines like the old stuff did, even if it doesn't burn well.

[One_Tracc_Mind]

No, see my post. It's actually during the entire cycle that the TC-W comes into play.

Modern 2 stroke DFI. 1986 18hp 2 stroke merc far from one. Use what you want bud your motor, opinion was asked I responded. Would I use any oil in my 2013 Opti? no, can I use any 2 stroke oil in a 1986 merc. I'm sure over years that motor has seen worse.

[Bluebulldog]

I have to agree with you, but keep in mind that the newer synthetic oils don't gum up engines like the old stuff did, even if it doesn't burn well.

I've still seen a fair amount of build up on engines that were using regular two stroke synthetic. Just not what I'd put through my motors.

[Bluebulldog]

Modern 2 stroke DFI. 1986 18hp 2 stroke merc far from one. Use what you want bud your motor, opinion was asked I responded. Would I use any oil in my 2013 Opti? no, can I use any 2 stroke oil in a 1986 merc. I'm sure over years that motor has seen worse.

Might have seen worse. But ultimately even the older engines benefit from using TC-W over regular Two stroke ( even synthetics). Unless you're good with small engines, and can check, inspect and clean your ports, carb, etc....it's ultimately cheaper in the long run to just buy TC-W. Of course depending on usage, it might take a decade of using conventional 2 cycle oil before you notice much problem.....or if you're on the water a lot, then it might only be a season. The type of operation as well, trolling vs. open throttle...

[muskie dan]

i'd agree with jtracc...those old 2 strokers arent real picky when it comes to oil. just make sure you got enough and giver a good long run every outting.
i find people can be fanatical with sythetic oil...think its the save all in engines.
with older 2 strokes keep your oil fresh, you mixture right (not always what the manual tells you either) and give the motor a good long pull every outting to keep the build up from building up.