The difference between mineral and synthetic outboard engine oils

Suzuki Marine is delighted to announce the introduction of new semi-synthetic 4-stroke outboard engine oil, which has been specifically designed for use in its range of 2.5hp – 300hp outboards.

The new Suzuki Marine 4-stroke outboard engine oils are semi-synthetic lubricants that adhere to the stringent NMMA FC-W standards and will provide the user with a host of advantages over standard marine oils, including; higher viscosity and better shear resistance at higher temperatures, outstanding anti-corrosion protection against sea water, better resistance to oxidation plus anti-foaming and anti-clogging properties to protect the oil circuit and filters.

The new Suzuki Marine outboard engine oils, which will be available as 10W-40 performance grade, have been launched in association with Motul and as such the packaging will be dual branded. Following a Worldwide agreement between Suzuki Marine and Motul, the oil has been made available in Australia and New Zealand through the Suzuki dealer network. Stock is already in dealerships.

In addition to the dual branded outboard engine oils, there is a full range of Motul products to suit and assist with the service of your Suzuki. These include; 2-stroke oil, engine cleaning products, water-resistant grease, carburettor cleaner, fuel stabilizer and anti-corrosion spray.

Martin Beeson, Marketing Manager for Haines Suzuki Marine said, “We are really pleased to be able to respond to customer demand and offer Suzuki outboard users these new Suzuki Marine outboard engine oils in association with Motul. They are advanced products, which will perform to the highest standards even under the most severe conditions. This will only enhance the already outstanding reliability of Suzuki’s ultimate 4-stroke outboards.”

Why Motul oil?

Motul has been in operation since 1853 and is sold in 65 countries. The Motul company has provided the Engineering Industry with the following World First’s:

1953 – The World’s 1^st Multi-Grade Motor Oil.
1966 – The World’s 1^st Semi-Synthetic Motor Oil.
1971 – The World’s 1^st 100% Synthetic Motor Oil.

Motul has played a part in over 40 World Championship Titles in car, motorcycle & marine racing including Nissan-Nismo, Subaru, Ferrari-Prodrive, Yamaha, Suzuki & Ducati.

Motul is NOT a petroleum company. Motul is a specialist oil company that concentrates exclusively on manufacturing performance oils, not a company that only sees motor oil as a by-product of petroleum production. Motul design and blend special oils for everyday use. The oils give high performance as standard and you can use the same oil as race engines use off the shelf.

What is the difference between mineral and synthetic oils?

The difference between different groups of base oils is governed by the stability and resistance of oil break down during its application. Carbon will start to form when oil breaks down and oxidizes. Carbon will start to build up in your piston and valves when the oils breakdown. This will lead to higher wear rate and reduce engine life. Suzuki Motul is blended to resist breakdown.

Oil Viscosity?

In Australia and New Zealand the optimum viscosity recommended by Suzuki Marine after research and testing for Suzuki Outboards is SAE10w40. Viscosity is the measurement of the oils thickness in relation to temperature developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).

For multigrade oil (invented by Motul in 1953), it has a dual viscosity rating, for example SAE 10W-40. The W stands for winter or cold temperature viscosity, where as the number after “W” is hot temperature viscosity. For instance 10W is applicable to low temperature operating conditions in winter, and 40 is for high temperature operating conditions in summer. With this lighter oil, it provides a better fuel efficiency, thereby produce less carbon dioxide, thus it is more environment friendly. Thicker oils use more fuel as the engine has to work harder to push it’s way through the oil in the crank case. Most oils become diluted with fuel. Motul oil fights dilution by retaining the oils original properties from oil change to oil change.

How often should I change my oil?

Normally for mineral grade, the recommended oil change interval is less than synthetic oil. Synthetic oil can normally last twice as long. Synthetic oils are man made and have more of the ‘ester’ connectors which bond the molecules together. The reason you need to change your oil in any vehicle is that it breaks down and becomes thinner over time and use. For an outboard (after the initial 20 hours service) the recommended period is every 100 hours or 12 months of use. The additional requirement of internal corrosion protection in outboards is conditional on regular maintenance.

Qualified oils

Oils are designed for a specific purpose. The NMMA (National Marine Manufacturers Association) recommends FC-W^TM oil for outboards and this has been verified and approve by Suzuki Marine head quarters in Japan.

FC-W^TM background

Meets specifications for emission and fuel economy targeted by NMMA.
Satisfies engine testing for dedicated marine outboard application. Simulate real engine operation to check whether oils can sustain film thickness.
Reflect actual marine outboard engine operation in the specification of FC-W.
More focus on marine engine design, Corrosion protection with salty water.
Sustainable capability of oil film thickness

Most Outboard OEMs support to the above concept. FC-W launched in 2004.

Why do Suzuki Choose Motul?

The World’s Best 4-stroke deserves the worlds best oil and in our opinion after extensive testing Motul oils have proven themselves to be the world’s best. Motul offer the right blend of lubricants to give the required protection to the Suzuki range of outboard motors. Motul has had over 20 year technical partnership with Suzuki high performance engines combining the best engineering brains for technical development.

Why should you choose Motul? Why pay that little bit extra?

Choosing Suzuki Motul oil will mean less wear in your engine. The anti corrosion properties mean that the oil clings to the internal working parts of your engine which protects them. When you drop your oil each service the oil will be in better condition and therefore so is your engine. Protect your investment with Suzuki Motul.