Which 2 cycle oil to use?

[luckyinkentucky]

I've run across several discussions on this and other boards about 2 cycle use. I'm accustomed to using the basic 'Mercury Premium 2 Cycle' oil in my '94 Vindicator 200hp. Although, I have read and seen other 2 stroke outboard users using xd-30 or even xd-50 oil in their set-up. Can I use this, and what are the differences in the oil, and what are the advantages of switching?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Which 2 cycle oil to use?

price is the difference. as long as the oil is rated tcw3, you can run it. Shell, OMC, Merc, walmart.

 

[Cricket Too]

Re: Which 2 cycle oil to use?

You can definitely use the XD-30 or XD-50, but it will cost you $$$.

Are you using the actual "Mercury" brand oil or the Quicksilver stuff in the silver bottle?

XD-30 is standard TCW-3, XD-50 is a semi-synthetic TCW-3, I'm sure both are good oils, but I wouldn't pay for it.

If I was going to use a semi-synthetic, I'd be using the Penzoil semi, around $12 a bottle.

But I have always stuck with standard TCW-3, either the West Marine brand, or Lubrimatic or the Super Tech at Wal-Mart when I used to be able to get it. Super Tech is $6 a gallon and great stuff.

I have seen that Star Brite has come out with TCW-3 and it's supposed to be pretty good, of course the only literature I've seen on it is theirs. They did a comparison with Lubrimatic and West Marine brand, but I don't usually buy into those things. I've heard from other people that it burns a little cleaner though. I usually de-carb every 20 hours or so, so I'm not as concerned with the "cleanliness" of it.


If anyone could ever show me proof of less wear on an engine with synthetic over regular TCW-3, then I might consider using it, but the gas mileage BS or the clean burning arguments don't impress me enough to spend the money.

I will spend the money if it's definitely better for the engine wear, but for no smell or smoke, I don't care, I actually love the smell of 2 stroke.

If youwant to lose your mind on oils and lubrication issues, check out this site:

Bobistheoilguy.com, go into the forums and prepare to be blown away with how much attention these guys pay to lubrication.

 

[reload]

Re: Which 2 cycle oil to use?

Yea I agree, all the crap advertising puts out is usually just that carp. We did test on motor oils and additives in the seventies, Wynns, STP, etc. Most of it is just carp.

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: Which 2 cycle oil to use?

You can definitely use the XD-30 or XD-50, but it will cost you $$$.
....
XD-30 is standard TCW-3, XD-50 is a semi-synthetic TCW-3, I'm sure both are good oils, but I wouldn't pay for it.

Be careful here. There is no BRP or Evinrude oil listed with nmma.org as having passed certification. I assume from that, they have not been licensed to use the TC-W3? logo.

 

[luckyinkentucky]

Re: Which 2 cycle oil to use?

To answer a question above. I am using the Mercury brand in the black bottle, and not the Quicksilver brand. So basically what you are saying is wherever I can find the cheapest TCW3 oil .... use it. Am I right?

 

[reload]

Re: Which 2 cycle oil to use?

I just picked up a gallon of the Super Tech from Walmart $8.34.

 

[luckyinkentucky]

Re: Which 2 cycle oil to use?

Wow. That's sure beats the heck out of the $21 I've been paying.

 

[F_R]

Re: Which 2 cycle oil to use?

To answer a question above. I am using the Mercury brand in the black bottle, and not the Quicksilver brand. So basically what you are saying is wherever I can find the cheapest TCW3 oil .... use it. Am I right?

If it is certified TC-W3 and has the NMMA logo, it has at least been tested by NMMA labs and has passed the test. That is all it means. It does not say what is in the oil, only that it passed. In fact, none of the major mfrs will disclose the ingredients in their oil.

An oil without the certification might be just as good, or even better. It just hasn't been submitted for testing. OR it may have been submitted and flunked. That is the big unknown.

So, what it all boils down to is the NMMA certification is all we have to go on. Pick an alternative and take your chances. Beware of oils that use double-talk like "meets TC-W3 certification tests" That is pure advertising bull. It has to have the logo.