The manufacturer recommends Yamalube oils for Yamaha outboards. The best choice for 2-stroke outboards is Yamalube 2M TC-W3 while the Yamalube 4M FC-W is specifically formulated for 4-stroke Yamaha outboards. The latter comes in three different viscosities, including:
- 10W-30 (Mineral Base): recommended for all Yamaha outboards and environments
- 20W-40 (Mineral Base): recommended for large outboards in consistently warm climates
- 5W-30 (Full-Synthetic): recommended for high-performance Yamaha outboards like the V MAX SHO
If you want to find out more about Yamaha outboard oils, this post is for you.
We at PowerSportsGuide have compiled all you need to know under one roof!
What Oil Can You Use for a Yamaha Outboard?
Which Oil is Best for Yamaha 2-Stroke Outboards?
Although 2-stroke outboards are not marketed in the U.S., you can still find many older motors running there.
As a rule of thumb, the best oil for a Yamaha 2-stroke outboard is the semi-synthetic Yamalube 2M TC-W3 engine oil.
This high-quality Yamaha-formulated lubricant is approved by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA).
Thanks to its unique additives, the 2M TC-W3 ensures great protection against wear, varnish, and corrosion.
Which Oil is Best for Yamaha 4-Stroke Outboards?
As reported by the manufacturer, the recommended lubricant for 4-stroke Yamaha outboards is Yamalube 4M FC-W outboard oil. This oil is available in three viscosities:
- 10W-30 Mineral Base (conventional): This “general” Yamaha engine oil is recommended for all Yamaha outboards and environments.
- 20W-40 Mineral Base (conventional): This oil is specifically formulated for large-displacement Yamaha outboards, which consistently run in warm climates.
- 5W-30 Full-Synthetic: This high-end lubricant is designed for high-performance Yamaha outboards like the V MAX SHO series.
Each 4-stroke Yamalube oil is carefully formulated to protect these engines from the negative effects of high-speed operation, towing, and cold starts.
Another key advantage of Yamalube oils is their anti-corrosive additives, which make these engines more resistant to rough marine environments.
You can find out more about the different Yamaha outboard oils here.
Takeaways – FAQs About Yamaha Outboard Oils
As a takeaway, we’ve answered the most common questions about Yamaha outboard oils.
Can You Use Automotive Oil in Yamaha Outboards?
Can I use automotive oil in a Yamaha outboard? – we get this question quite often, and the short answer is no.
Outboard engines are very different from car engines, so using automotive engine oils in a Yamaha outboard is not recommended.
Marine engine oils are specifically formulated to tolerate marine environments and a heavier load. This is because outboards run at higher RPMs and work harder than car engines.
Best practice is to always use Yamalube engine oil in a Yamaha outboard.
Can You Use Synthetic Oil in Yamaha Outboard?
Yes, high-performance Yamaha outboards that can especially benefit from the use of synthetic engine oil. This is why Yamaha recommends 5W-30 Full-Synthetic engine oil for its V MAX SHO outboard family.
Is Yamaha’s 4-Stroke Oil Synthetic?
Yamalube 4M FC-W comes in three different viscosities: the 10W-30 and 20W-40 oils are mineral-based, while the 5W-30 oil is a full-synthetic lubricant designed for high-performance outboards.
Is Yamalube 2-Stroke Oil Full-Synthetic?
No, the Yamalube 2M TC-W3 is a semi-synthetic 2-stroke engine oil.
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