Due to the nature of the two cycle marine engines, fuel is mixed with oil which then lubricates the engine parts as it passes through the engine during the combustion cycle. This is in contrast to four cycle engines which have oil sumps and pumps for lubricating the engines, and the fuel is not pre mixed.

The long term objectives of the two cycle engine industry have been to reduce emissions which contain burnt and unburned oil that has passed through the engine, and to develop a quality of oil that reduces the mixture ratio to fuel while extending the life of the engine. That means significantly reduced emissions to satisfy EPA requirements, less warranty problems, and increased customer satisfaction due to engines lasting longer with less maintenance and overhauls.

TC-W3® lubricant, an NMMA owned trademark, has evolved over the years through much testing and research, and has proven to be the level of quality to satisfy the above objectives. And, going a step further, now that two cycle engines have moved towards higher cylinder temperatures and compressions, this lubricant also meets the EPA emissions reductions.

TC-W3® has demonstrated the necessary lubrication performance quality needed for these more demanding cylinder/engine conditions.

NMMA licenses those two cycle lubricants that meet the stringent performance tests conducted by a sanctioned laboratory approved by NMMA to conduct the tests.

The tests include varied bench tests for fluidity, lubricity, viscosity, etc., plus the oil must meet minimum ring sticking and carbon build up on pistons in engine tests. The engine tests include one BRP 40 hp, one Johnson 70 hp, and two consecutive Mercury 15 hp tests and two lubricity tests. The tests are run for 100 hours each and the engines are stopped every ten hours for inspection. The chemical make up of the TC-W3® oils vary due to the various additive packages involved with each oil brand. Accordingly, it's a performance based qualifications program. The testing process is comprehensive and expensive, but worth the outcome for consumers and manufacturers.

TC-W3® oils are licensed around the world and are recommended for use by two cycle engine manufacturers.

View the 2005 TC-W3® Registered Two-stroke-cycle Marine Oils List

View the 2004 TC-W3® Registered Two-stroke-cycle Marine Oils List

For more information regarding oil certification, contact Tom Marhevko at 312-946-6213 or tmarhevko@nmma.org