Outboard Oil Mixture Ratio

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All two-cycle outboards require oil be mixed with the gasoline to lubricate the motor.

Two-cycle motors often used on outboard motors require mixing oil with the gasoline to keep the internal parts lubricated. The amount of oil needed is determined by the vintage of the motor and the type of oil being used.

  1. Vintage

    • In general, older outboards required more oil to be mixed with the gasoline than newer models. Depending on the make, year and model, this may be as oil rich as 16:1 fuel-to-oil mix or as small as 50:1. Many modern engines have separate oil and fuel reservoirs, and a computer on the engine determines the proper mix depending on how fast the motor is running.

    Oil Types

    • All outboards require special two-cycle oil to be used, but different grades of oil are available. A common grade may be listed only as two-cycle oil. The most highly refined oil for outboards is labeled TCW-III or TCW-3. TCW-III oil may be used in any engine at any mix ratio. Standard two-cycle oil is not suitable for any oil injected motor or motor requiring a fuel-to-oil ratio higher than 24:1.

    Considerations

    • All outboard manufacturers sell their own brand of oil specifically designed for their engines. Using other brands may void the warranty on a new motor. Using a fuel-to-oil mixture different than what they recommend may void the warranty as well.

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