ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Sunday, February 25, 1996              TAG: 9602280007
SECTION: BOAT SHOW                PAGE: BS-15 EDITION: METRO 

NEW OIL WILL MAKE THE GRADE

Maybe this isn't the most exciting change of the 1996 boating scene, but outboard engine oil cans are going to have new symbols on them.

Inside the cans is a new grade of oil designed for the improved two-stroke engines being built by manufacturers in response to stricter Environmental Protection Agency emissions limits and demands by consumers for better performance.

The National Marine Manufacturers Association is stressing a two-stroke oil with the registered trademark of TC-W3. This higher-grade lubricant is able to protect against elevated temperatures and pressures in cylinders, as well as meet the needs of water-cooled outboard engines that use direct fuel injection, the association said.

TC-W3 oil can be used in any engine currently running on TC-WII oil, the association said. The result will be enhanced protection and performance. TC-WII oil is being phased out.

In grading two-stroke oil, ``TC'' stands for two cycle, ``W'' means water and ``3'' represents the quality level. To achieve TC-W3 status, a lubricant must pass a slew of National Marine Manufacturers Association tests for fuel/oil mixability, rust prevention, fluidity and filterability, as well as engine tests for lubricity, preignition and general performance. The association grants licenses only to oils which meet all requirements. The licensing permits a manufacturer to display a NMMA symbol on its product.

- STAFF

LENGTH: Short :   37 lines
ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO:  TRACKER. Owners of boats, such as this Tracker Targa 
          2000, will have to be aware of new symbols on outboard engine oil 
          cans this year.