Outboard oil question

[Hazard]

I've got a 2000 225 HO Johnson with the oil injection. The motor burns through the oil in the tub pretty quick, and I've been buying the expensive Johnson/Evinrude brand oil (2 stroke, the stuff is red).

Can I put normal oil in, and what if any side effects would there be?

I'm assuming all oil is pretty much the same, just wanted to check with the group.

[eggsuckindog_]

It really shouldn't so fix that an keep using good oil

[Markus]

I've got a 2000 225 HO Johnson with the oil injection. The motor burns through the oil in the tub pretty quick, and I've been buying the expensive Johnson/Evinrude brand oil (2 stroke, the stuff is red).

Can I put normal oil in, and what if any side effects would there be?

I'm assuming all oil is pretty much the same, just wanted to check with the group.

You can put any TC-W3 oil in there, but some are better than others.

First of all, base stocks differ. Most use mineral base stocks, but a few use synthetic base stocks. A synthetic oil can always be made better than a mineral oil.

Second, additive packages differ. Some oils just pass the TC-W3 tests whereas others pass it with flying color.

The outboard manufacturers often sell several different oils, for example a regular oil and a premium oil with better additives. In Mercury's case, to confuse people, the regular oil is called "Premium" and the premium oil is called "Premium Plus". I don't know what it is like for Evinrude/Johnson.

So, if you are currently using the basic Evinrude/Johnson oil, your engine would probably be just as happy with any oil you pick of the shelf at Wal-Mart, whereas your wallet would be a lot happier.

It you are currently using the premium Evinrude/Johnson oil, your engine would probably be just as happy with the Pennzoil Premium Plus at Wal-Mart, and your wallet would be a lot happier in this case, too.

On the other hand, if you really care about your engine, switch to a synthetic oil. Good options include the Pennzoil 100% Synthetic carried by some Wal-Marts and Alisyn.

To learn more about oils, check out my links page (see below).

[j_martin]

Popcorn, get your Popcorn!!!

[WARLOCK]

I have only used Merc High Perf in any of my motors. But all I run in my snowmobile is Amsoil. I have never had a problem with either one, but I can get the Amsoil at dealer cost and the distributor is within walking distance of my shop. The only reason I have'nt tried anything different in the boat is, I've always heard "If its not broke, don't fix it". Which is not always the best method, but so far it has worked for me. And no, I'm not taking with maintenence. I'll be reading for opinions. Later, Dave

[AwesomeBullet]

In the Evinrude lineup, the XD30 (red) is the base oil. Mineral oil with few additives. The XD50 (blue) is a synthetic blend that has Carb-X to help prevent carbon build up. XD100 (gold) is a full synthetic that has enough Carb-X and other additives that they claim running it will alleviate the need to periodically decarbon the motor.

The engine will suck oil if you have it propped to turn high rpms. The 225HO DI motor wants to turn less than 6000. Any more than that and the EMM tries to flood the engine with fuel to keep you away from the limiter and also at 6000 the oil ratio goes through the roof since the EMM knows that you are pounding on the motor.

My 225HO Etec has seen nothing but XD100 from the very first start of the engine. Is it expensive? Maybe...but at $27/gallon, I can think of other things on the boat I spend a hell of a lot more money on. Plus, this dang thing just sips oil. Last year I put over 100hrs on the motor and only used a tad more than 4 gallons of oil. I can live with $27 every 3 months....:D

[Techno]

WARLOCK
Not an opinion just an observation. Others use amsoil and haven't had any problems. Some use the 100:1 but at 50:1 and other choices too. You would have to search amsoil oil probably to find them.
Make your own decision?;)

[pyro]

The general consensus seems to be that Merc outboards have bad luck while using Amsoil. Lots of sled-heads swear by it, though.

[WARLOCK]

The general consensus seems to be that Merc outboards have bad luck while using Amsoil. Lots of sled-heads swear by it, though.

Chad, thats EXACTLY what I have heard. I think I'll stick with the Merc oil. Once again, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". Hey, are you going to the rumble? Thanks, Later, Dave

[pyro]

I will likely be attending.

[Hazard]

Hmmm. So the common concensus is that I can use the lesser oil and it won't affect anything?

Its a hell of alot cheaper than evinrude's stuff. I am not racing this boat often and rarely get it close to redline.

[Techno]

Pyro I could be wrong but I think generally people haven't trusted amsoil when penzoil is available. Those who have used it said they liked it. I don't remember many people saying they've tried it and didn't like it. But theres always the search function for those who are interested.

As for general consesus. Last I knew everyone and their engine builder recommended penzoil. Now alisyn is the 'general consesus' but my last thread on this oil is quite low compared to penzoil and I haven't seen any of the engine builders say anything about it. I did do a search on the alisyn and it wasn't all that remarkable. So I'm still up in the air on which.


The don't break it don't fix it slogan also eliminates any future improvements...like switching to alisyn oil.:D

[JW]

Since break-in I've run the Penn 100% Syn in my 2003 150 horse 2.6 carb BRP Johnson. I get it at my local Menards for $22 a gallon. My local Gander Mountain sells the XD30 for about $22, the XD50 for $25, and I forgot what they get for the XD100 ( I dont need that anyway). I've thought of switching to the XD50 because the oil injection system on the 150 must pass that 100% syn thru a LOT easier as it really smokes. Wondered what the difference would be with the XD50 for a while. Couldn't hurt to make the comparison, both gotta be good oils and I can't spin this motor past 5400 anyway.

[CSD23]

My mechanics have said to run merc oil in all of my motors, which I believe is quicksilver? , but are you guys saying that for high revving engines the pennsoil from wallyworld is better?:confused: