With the widespread introduction of the four-stroke outboard engine technology, NMMA considered it necessary to develop a marine engine oil category specifically for marine four-stroke engines. With all of the major outboard engine manufacturers producing four-stroke outboards to further reduce emissions and increase fuel economy, the need for oil specifically designed for the unique marine environment became necessary.
Working with the NMMA, industry leaders in lubrication technology developed testing criteria for this marine four-stroke oil. These criteria include bench tests for viscosity, corrosion, filter plugging, foaming and aeration. In addition, the oil must successfully pass a 100-hour general performance engine test.
Once an oil has been tested by a sanctioned test laboratory, NMMA will issue a license for the oil’s formulation and registers approved brands.
FC-W® lubricants have demonstrated the necessary performance and quality needed in today’s high performance four-stroke marine engines. The next time you are purchasing four-stroke oil for your marine engine, look for the FC-W® trademark.
For more information regarding oil certification, contact:
Tom Marhevko
Senior Vice President, Engineering Standards
312.946.6213
2016 FC-W® Registered Four-Stroke-Cycle Marine Oils List