Outboard gear oil…. Tohatsu 9.8
- Thread starter NYSail
- Start date
There is additional corrosion testing and a tougher standard for marine gear and engine oils.
Also, 2-stroke outboard oil is quite different from a-r-cool 2-stroke oil because of the temperature difference.
The manual says “genuine gear oil or SAE #80-90”. Ive seen “Marine gear oil” at West Marine. Didn’t know if that was a boaters ploy to charge 75% more for the words marine. Seems like it is. Like I said this is the first time I’ve done the gear and just wanted input.
Thanks all!
Gregl
It'll be more effective if it's contaminated with water. In other words, if some water gets in, your lower end will survive
I just use the stuff I get from the local auto parts dealer in my Tohatsu 8 HP. Even with all new seals, a little water gets in and turns it milky and the lower end has survived. I drain it and refill it every winter, and I don't use it for long runs.
All the same, are you more likely to regret spending more than you have to on your oil or damaging your lower end by saving a few bucks?
the cost has nothing to do with my decision. Sort of like If I bought west marines “duel purpose” marine batteries for 50% more than say a Trojan battery that is much more capable. Just because it says marine does not make it the best….. just my experience. So I question until I know.
OK, understood. You do mention price differences in your posts, so I thought that was an aspect. I have never heard any comments suggesting that standard gear oil was better than marine gear oil. If, as thinwater says "There is additional corrosion testing and a tougher standard for marine gear and engine oils." is true, then marine oil would appear to be the better choice for your application. On the other hand your manual does not specify "marine" gear oil. I doubt your lower end is going to tank as a result of using either.