So, does Yamaha not make 2-stroke outboard motors anymore?
We’ve heard this question a lot from our customers. And if you receive our email newsletters, you know that we encourage our customers to stock up on 4-stroke marine oil now. Are 2-stroke outboards illegal? Should you level up to a 4-stroke Yamalube? Here’s the lowdown.
EPA Restrictions on Some 2-Stroke Engines
While some companies are still building 2-stroke outboards, major brands like Yamaha and Mercury have stopped producing direct-injection 2-strokes. The reason has to do with stricter guidelines put out by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In 2004, and again in 2007, the EPA enacted tough restrictions on pollutants – restrictions that many carburetor-based outboard motors couldn’t meet.
Brands are rising to the challenge, however. The newer generation of 2-stroke outboards are equipped with technology that reduces emission levels. Plus, newer 4-stroke engines weigh the same as older 2-stroke models and offer the latest digital advances.
Yamalube Marine Oil is Best for Your Yamaha Outboard
Luckily, you don’t have to wonder which marine oil is best for your Yamaha 2-stroke or 4-stroke outboard. Yamaha tells you exactly what you need. First of all, choose marine oil, not automotive!
Yamaha outboard is vastly different from your automotive engine; so avoid regular automotive engine oils. Use a motor oil specifically formulated for the rigors of the marine environment, like Yamalube® 4M for four-stroke outboards, and Yamalube® 2M for two-stroke outboards.
Marine engine oils are so different in their requirements that special levels of certification exist: FC-W® (four stroke) and TC-W3® (two stroke). These represent the minimum standards of the National Marine Manufacturer’s Association (NMMA®) for marine engines. With their high quality and advanced formulations, all Yamalube 4M and 2M oils meet or surpass all of these requirements. Using Yamalube is best for your Yamaha outboard, but whatever oil you choose, make sure it is the correct type and viscosity and that it carries either the NMMA® FC-W® or TC-W3® label.
We Have the Right Yamalube Products for Your Boat
We’ve got your Yamalube needs covered at DOMO. A case of Yamalube 4M, for example, is currently on sale!
Yamalube 4M is a mineral-based four-stroke outboard engine oil that’s an approved NMMA® FC-W® formulation specifically for use in the harsh marine environment. The FC-W® rating, which sets the minimum standard for outboard engine lubrication, corrosion protection, and resistance to potentially harmful effects of oil dilution caused by fuel, provides critical assurance that your outboard’s oil meets the minimum.
If you need information on other Yamalube products, don’t hesitate to contact us!