Development of a New Outboard Engine Oil Ring Sticking and Detergency Test

In late 1990 the outboard engine manufacturers, through the NMMA, National Marine Manufacturers Association requested improved outboard engine oils and a new oil category, TC-W3^®, to overcome piston ring sticking field failures in high performance engines. The development of a ring sticking test for TC-W3^® using a 15 hp (11. 2kW ) Mercury engine was accomplished during 1991 and early 1992. Some of the test development investigations included the effects of fuel, fuel to oil ratio, fuel flow, compression ratio, cooling water outlet temperature and flow rate.