TC-W3 Two-Stroke Oil Certification Program

Two-Stroke Engine Lubrication

Due to the nature of two-stroke marine engines, two-stroke oil lubricates the engine parts as it passes through the engine and is burned along with the fuel. Two-stroke oil can be mixed with the fuel physically or, in the case of direct fuel injection, combined with the fuel in the combustion chamber. This stands in contrast to four-stroke engines where oil sumps circulate the oil by pumping it throughout the engines.

Long-Term Industry Goals

The two-stroke engine industry’s long-term objectives are twofold. The first is to reduce emissions which contain burned and unburned oil that has passed through the engine. The second is to develop a quality of oil that reduces the oil-to-fuel mixture ratio while extending the life of the engine.

Achieving these goals will lead to significantly reduced emissions, meeting EPA requirements. It will also result in fewer warranty problems and greater customer satisfaction as engines will have a longer lifespan, requiring less maintenance and fewer overhauls.

The Role of TC-W3® Lubricant

TC-W3® lubricant, an NMMA-owned trademark, has evolved over the years through extensive testing and research. It has consistently achieved the quality level needed to satisfy the objectives mentioned above. Additionally, as two-stroke engines have advanced and cylinder temperatures and compressions have increased, this lubricant also plays a role in achieving EPA emissions reduction goals.

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

TC-W3® Oil Standard

The TC-W3® oil standard is a performance-based qualification program. The requirements include various bench tests for fluidity, miscibility, rust, compatibility, etc. Additionally, engine tests are used to evaluate the oil’s effectiveness in the prevention of ring sticking and carbon buildup on pistons and other engine components.

The testing process consists of one Johnson 40 hp engine test and two consecutive Mercury 15 hp engine tests. During these tests, each of the engines is run under severe conditions for 100 hours. Two additional engine tests are also conducted to ensure a high level of lubricity performance. Although the testing process is comprehensive and expensive, it is invaluable in delivering a high-quality outcome for consumers and manufacturers.

For more information regarding oil certification, contact:

Scott Berry
Senior Director, Engineering Standards
312.946.6254