Q: My mechanic/dealer tells me I must use only the OEM oil brand that matches the brand of equipment I have or my warranty will be void.
A: No. You are not limited to the purchase of only this specific brand of oil. For example, you might buy a new outboard engine and wish to use an oil such as Phillips 66 "Injex" instead of the OEM brand. On the label, you should find the proper API designation and NMMA symbol. This will indicate that the oil has been approved and licensed by the same company that built the engine and is fully approved for warranty use. An owner's manual should tell you to look for oils bearing the NMMA symbol (under the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act).
Q: I have heard that all "red" two-cycle oils should be avoided.
Why is that?
A: Color is an identifier and should not be used as an indicator of oil quality. Oil manufacturers have a choice of colors for two-cycle oils and some choose not to dye the oil at all. If you are using premix fuel and oil, color can be very helpful in determining if the mix has been made. Red fuel/oil mix does not contrast well with red fuel containers; thus, red has lost some support as the color of choice. The products in the Phillips 66 two-cycle engine oil product line, for example, are dyed purple.
Q: I understand that I should use twice as much oil if I use any brand of oil other than the one recommended by my mechanic/dealer.
Why do I have to use twice as much?
A: There is often no documented information given by the manufacturer to support this statement or any industry information to back it up. Such a practice would cause an excess of unburned oil in the combustion chamber, leading to "ring coking" and premature failure. For Phillips 66 Injex, Synjex and InjexPro two-cycle engine oils, always use exactly the same fuel/oil mix as recommended by the manufacturer.
Q: I always put in a little extra oil each time so I can be sure I'm protected or, there's always a little left so I just dump it in. Is this good for my motor/engine?