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 6 PC Hansen Socket Holder Set 1 43 81 2 SAE MM $50.95 |
 Craftsman 11pc 3 8 12pt Metric DEEP Sockets Set Tools $9.99 |
 CRAFTSMAN 10PC EXTENSION SET W 5 83 813 163 4 18 MM SPARK PLUG SOCKET 3 8 $10.50 |
 NEW CRAFTSMAN Hand Tools 9pc 1 2 Dr DEEP METRIC socket set $26.99 |
 Craftsman 8pc 3 8 12pt SAE DEEP Sockets Set New Tools $9.99 |
 Allied 52 Piece Mechanics Socket Set New in Factory Packaging $15.95 |
 Allen Metric Hex Bit Socket Set 3 8 Drive 66644G $5.50 |
 Stanley Socket Set 1 4 Drive $0.99 |
 10 Pc METRIC Socket Set ALLEN 19017 1 4 drive NOS new in box with rail $19.99 |
 CRAFTSMAN 3 8 DRIVE 11 PIECES 12 POINT SAE INCH SOCKET SET $9.97 |
 CRAFTSMAN 15 PC SOCKET SET $16.00 |
 VENZO Bicycle Bike Torque Wrench Allen Key Tool Socket Set Kit $59.00 |
 7 Pc Universal Joint Air Impact Flex Socket Set w Metal Case $7.99 |
 11 piece Snap on Socket Set 3 8 Drive SAE 6 point Deep $89.99 |
 3pc Hex Drill Sockets Power Adapters Set Extensions Drivers $3.89 |
 10 piece crows foot wrench set Metric tools sockets hand tools $7.95 |
 CRAFTSMAN 3 8 DRIVE 13 PIECE 6 POINT SAE SOCKET SET NEW MADE IN USA $15.97 |
 21 PIECE KMART SOCKET RATCHET SET $14.95 |
Socket Set Tools
Kobalt 227 Piece Socket Set unboxing, and review
FYI on Socket Set Tools
Outboard Motors Guide
On 4 stroke outboard engines, other than checking your oil level at regular intervals, changing the oil is the next most important task. Regular oil changes will prolong the outboards life. You can do this task yourself without too much trouble. Just remember to think in a methodical manner and have everything at hand before starting. Here are the steps you need to take to change your outboard motor's oil.
1. Always follow the outboard manufacturers recommended maintenance schedule. For example, for small outboards the oil would normally be changed every 50 hours. For large horse power outboard engines this may be every 100 hours. If you do not use the outboard very much and do not keep a record of the number of hours that it is in use, then always change the oil every year.
30 years ago American manufacturers dominated the outboard motor market.Names such as Mercury, Johnson, Evinrude and Chrysler, led the field competing with each other to produce bigger and better outboard engines. However, while this was going on they were neglecting the smallest of the outboards. These are the outboard motors that sell in the greatest of numbers and are often the first outboard many of us, buy. This being the case many of us stick to the same brand (brand loyalty) as we buy other bigger outboards over the years. The Japanese seized on this fact and gradually Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Tohatsu concentrating on small outboards began to take over as market leaders. They achieved this domination by improving efficiency and reliability. As well as adding features to these small outboards previously only found on larger engines.
Having achieved success in the small outboard market, these Japanese manufacturers expanded up the power range. They again came to dominate the outboard engine market up to at least 20 hp. The American manufacturers instead of competing with the Japanese, gave up and decided to buy these engines from the Japanese and badge them as their own. Now the Chinese have entered the market. Basically doing what the Japanese did previously, copying the best features of the present engines and at the same time keeping costs down.
So let us compare the outboards that are on offer for those looking for an outboard motor for their dinghy. If we take a fairly larger dinghy say, a Pioner 12, so that each outboard has to push a reasonably heavy weight through the water. If we then take the following outboard motors :
2. Gather around you a number of useful tools. A large screwdriver, adjustable spanner, a socket set with a box spanner, an oil filter wrench, a funnel, a bucket or some kind of container to hold the old oil, the new oil, perhaps an oil filter to replace the oil one, WD40 or similar, grease tin, a plastic bag, and some old rags.
3. Have the outboards manual by your side. Check to see how much oil the outboard takes and obviously the grade of oil. When an outboard motor is new the manufacturers like you to use a certain brand of oil, but this is not so important with older engines. As long as it is the same grade and of good quality, it will do the job just as well.
Mercury 2.5hp; Mercury 3.5hp; Mariner 2.5hp; Tohatsu 3.5hp; Yamaha 2.5hp; Suzuki 2.5hp; Honda 2.3hp; and a Parsun 2.6hp. All these outboards are 4 stroke engines. This is due to an E.U. These outboards will provide a fairly wide range of engines available on the market, for powering dinghies.
4. Before changing the oil, run the engine until it is warm. Why? Well warm oil will flow easier than cold oil! You will need to put the outboard in some water before starting or you could use engine muffs designed to allow fresh water to flow through the motor as it runs. Sometimes these muffs are called flushing devices.
To judge one engine against the another several tests were completed. A Bollard pull test showed that the Mercury 3.5hp and Tohatsu 3.5hp were the most powerful at 90lbs of thrust (These two engines along with the Mariner are virtually identical). The least effective was the Honda 2.3hp at 66lbs of thrust. In between were the Suzuki 2.5hp at 83lbs of thrust, the Yamaha 2.5hp at 78lbs of thrust and the Parsun 2.6hp at 70 lbs of thrust.
5. Once the engine is warm. Take out the oil dipstick or the oil cap and put them to one side. This will help drain the oil. Put it to one side (in a safe place). Remember to catch all the old oil in the bucket or container.
Next test was Fuel Consumption. At full speed - 5.75 knots, the best outboards were the Yamaha 2.5hp and the Suzuki 2.5hp by at least 20%. The worst was the Parsun 2.6hp. When the throttles were eased and the dinghy was cruising the Fuel Consumption comparision was less evident, only about 10% difference. All these figures are for 4 stroke engines. However, based on figures previously recorded for 2 strokes under similar circumstances, the older engines were up to 50% less fuel efficient at full speed. Very thirsty! Remember 2 stroke outboards are still available second hand.
Then the weight of each outboard motor was compared. Four stroke engines are heavier than older 2 strokes because of the powerhead etc. The Mercury, Mariner, Tohatsu, Yamaha and Parsun all weighed approx. 38 - 41 lbs (18 kg.). However, the Honda 2.3hp and Suzuki 2.5hp weighed a lot less at 28 lbs (12.5 kg.).
Four stroke engines are heavier than older 2 strokes because of the powerhead etc.The Mercury, Mariner, Tohatsu, Yamaha and Parsun all weighed approx.y, Mariner, Tohatsu, Yamaha and Parsun all weighed approx. 38 - 41 lbs (18 kg.). However, the Honda 2.3hp and Suzuki 2.5hp weighed a lot less at 28 lbs (12.5 kg.).
This was difficult to be accurate as discounts and sale offers are always changing.
Mercury 3.5hp £449
Mercury 2.5hp £380
Mariner 2.5hp £429
Tohatsu 3.5hp £449
Yamaha 2.5hp £489
Suzuki 2.5hp £379
Honda 2.3hp £429
Parsun 2.6hp £375
If you decided the paper was interesting you may also want to be learning about Rebuilt Outboard Motors as well as Used Yamaha Outboard Parts.