25:1 - is it worth it?

[Andrew Craig-Bennett]

Since our 40 Plus is still running on 10:1, I wondered about whether to hunt down a Villiers No 2 needle to run on 25:1. But then I thought that I quite like the idea that it is permanently oily, given that it only runs at weekends in summer, and may go weeks doing nothing. What, besides the enrichment of chandlers selling outboard oil (do we lay in stock now?) are the disadvantages of 10:1?

[charlesp]

Only the perception that you are helping to preserve the environment.

Other than that, well, none. The motor was designed to run on 10:1. Modern oils don't smoke. You'll not save a fortune unless you're using the thing for several hours a day. The bearings will be better lubricated on 10:1.

You will not save the breath or the life of a single seal, tern, guillemot, shrimp or dolphin by using anything other than 10:1.

But you may just help the planet a bit. But the help you're giving it by using your Seagull rather than a brand new four stroke super whizzy environmentally friendly green motor is massively greater...

[Andrew Craig-Bennett]

Thank you, Charles.

I think that what I would really like, if such a thing exists, is some "environmentally better" 10:1 oil!

[tjansen]

Charles,
Here is a link that has Biodegradable,, and smokeless!!! What do you think????

http://www.autochic.com/redline/specialty.html

Tom Jansen
Colorado USA

[Colin]

Charles,
Here is a link that has Biodegradable,, and smokeless!!! What do you think????

http://www.autochic.com/redline/specialty.html

Tom Jansen
Colorado USA

I went to the web site and sent the company an email (please see below). Although they make a recommendation in their answer they offer no research or scientific data to back it up. Personally I'll stick with British Seagulls own recommendations as per each model of engine.

My email:
"...Have any of your two stroke oils been tested in British Seagull outboards using a 10 to 1 ratio of oil to fuel as per manufacturers recommendations? I realize the outboards are no longer in production, but there are thousands of them still in use throughout the world..."

Their reply:
"Colin:

Red Line recommends a 40 to 1 ratio with their Watercraft 2 Stroke Oil for British Seagull outboards.

Thank you for your e-mail..

Sincerely,

Michael Trueba Jr."

[tjansen]

I believe I will stay with the 10x1 ration for my Featherweight 63. Bearings are supposed to be shorter and the oil is needed for compression. Must be some reason Seagull's are still around.
Tom J
Castle Rock, Colorado, USA

[Colin]

Must be some reason Seagull's are still around.
Tom J

I entirely agree with you Tom, you've hit the nail on the head..

[CatiGull]

The younger members of my flock use 20:1 (Bing carb and my EFNR)...I am converting my other two Gulls so I only have one fuel mix to make up!!

[John@sos]

Yes folks I have found a source of No 2 Villiers needles. I am selling them at the old Seagull price of £12.50 too, p&p UK just £1.00

Don't forget only 1968 to 1977 motors for these... Prior to that better to stick to 10:1 or tweek it to run on 16:1 the bearings are shorter pre 68.... and cannot taske the leaner oil mix.

Regards,
John
SOS

[Colin]

£12.50 too, p&p UK just £1.00

Hello John.

I'll have to check the carb on my 1973 Forty Plus, but if I need one will you ship to Canada?

[John@sos]

Yes, I ship all over the world, if you would like parts, mail me direct please!

Regards
John
SOS