A reader asks: I’m currently running Polaris Blue 2-Stroke Oil in my snowmobile. Looking at switching to AMSOIL Synthetic Injector Oil. As Polaris Blue is a mineral oil and the AMSOIL is a synthetic oil, do I have to completely empty the oil tank? Would there be any problems with mixing these oils?
Our answer: All types of two-stroke injector oils can be mixed. There will not be any compatibility issues. All brands of synthetic, semi-synthetic and conventional 2-cycle oils are compatible.
Does A 2-Stroke Oil Injector Tank Need To Be Emptied When Switching Brands?
You do not have to complete empty your injector oil reservoir when switching oil types or brands. Simply run the oil level down to a safe point and pour the new oil on top.
While all two-stroke oils are compatible, they are not created equal. High-quality synthetic 2-stroke injector oils will create less exhaust smoke, offer improved performance, improved wear control and cleaner engine internals.
Therefore, when switching brands, you may note different performance characteristics when the new oil comes on-stream.
Arctic Cat’s most significant change for 2021 is the introduction of the “Blast” 4000 series of mid-sized snowmobiles. Blast models are powered by a 397cc, 2-stroke, single-cylinder engine. This engine features electronic-fuel-injection and a 3-stage APV exhaust valve. Blast motors generate about 70-horsepower. There is a Blast 4000 “M” (mountain), “ZR” (trail) and “LT” (utility) version of this series.
We can offer AMSOIL Synthetic Oils for Arctic Cat snowmobiles at wholesale prices in Canada and the US. There is free shipping on qualified orders. Contact us for pricing using the form on this page or call us at 1-800-748-5781.
AMSOIL Synthetic Oils For Arctic Cat Snowmobile Engines
AMSOIL Interceptor Synthetic 2-Stroke Oil
An ultra-premium oil for the 600cc and 800cc C-TEC2 engines. Also perfect for the new Blast Series 400cc engine. Interceptor contains powerful detergents that fight deposits in APV valves. Delivers industry-leading performance and wear protection.
AMSOIL Synthetic 2-Stroke Injector Oil
A full-synthetic substitute for Arctic Cat Formula 50 Mineral 2-Stroke Oil. This oil is a terrific upgrade for the Arctic Cat 565cc fan-cooled engines of previous model-years. AMSOIL Injector Oil offers robust wear protection and clean engine internals at a great price.
AMSOIL Formula 4-Stroke Power Sports 0W-40 Synthetic Motor Oil
The perfect 0W-40 substitute for Arctic Cat C-TEC4 Synthetic 4-Stroke Engine Oil. A safe choice for all turbo and non-turbo 4-stroke motors. Designed to withstand extreme heat and hard operation. Flows quickly in arctic conditions.
2021 Arctic Cat Snowmobiles With AMSOIL Synthetic Oil Suggestion
Here is the 2021 Arctic snowmobile line-up along with the proper AMSOIL synthetic oil for each engine option.
Blast M 4000 146 2.0, 397cc l/c- Interceptor
M 8000 Hardcore Alpha One (all models), 794cc l/c- Interceptor
M 8000 Mountain Cat Alpha One (all models), 794cc l/c- Interceptor
AMSOIL Dominator Synthetic 2-Stroke Racing Oil could be considered the best product in its category on the planet. But we spend far more time talking customers OUT of buying Dominator for snowmobiles than selling it. Let us explain.
Dominator is designed for 2-stroke racing engines only. It is made for very hot operating temps and engines that are pushed to sky-high RPM.
A daily-use trail or mountain sled simply will not run hot enough to completely burn off Dominator’s additive package. What if your engine is modified or even turbo-charged? AMSOIL Interceptor is the more appropriate choice for all recreational use. This is the case regardless of how fast you ride.
Another major consideration is that Dominator’s detergent content is relatively low. The reason for this is that racing engines torn down frequently and run ultra-hot. So there is little need for a significant amount of detergent in the formula. When used in recreational engines, Dominator could contribute to some deposit build-up. Interceptor has a very robust detergent package. For this reason alone, Interceptor is a far better choice that Dominator in high-performance snowmobiles with variable exhaust power valves.
Does Interceptor Offer Less Wear Protection Than Dominator?
In terms of protection and performance, Interceptor is not a step down from Dominator. Dominator has a slightly thicker viscosity than Interceptor. But Interceptor also withstands extreme heat and heavy loads, while keeping power valves clean over extended periods. Interceptor is not a compromise for recreational-use. It provides the perfect balance of performance, top-notch protection and clean operation.
Getting The Correct Oil For The Job
We recently had a call from a customer that owned two Ski-Doo snowmobiles. One with the latest 800cc E-TEC engine and a 550cc fan-cooled engine in the other. He assumed that Dominator Racing Oil was AMSOIL’s best two-stroke oil. Therefore, he believed that he was doing right by his engines by using Dominator.
As a result of our conversation, he chose Interceptor for both machines. He could have used AMSOIL Synthetic Injector Oil in the 550cc fan-cooled engine. But he went with Interceptor in order to keep one oil on hand.
Here are AMSOIL’s three snowmobile 2-stroke injectors oils and a brief description of their intended use.
AMSOIL Interceptor– the premium choice for the very latest high-performance engines. Especially ideal for engines with power valves. A terrific upgrade over OEM synthetic injector oils. Interceptor is one of AMSOIL’s most acclaimed products
AMSOIL Synthetic Injector Oil– A value-priced synthetic 2-stroke oil. Ideal for utility machines, fan-cooled models or older high-performance engines. Suitable for use with power valves.
A reader asks: What is the correct oil to gas mixture for a 1973 Ski-Doo TNT 340 snowmobile? Is it safe to use synthetic oil in older 2-stroke engines like this?
Our answer: The ratio suggested by Ski-Doo 45 years ago would not be relevant today. Oil technology has changed dramatically since the 1970’s. The ratio used should be the one suggested on the label of the chosen oil.
Vintage snowmobiles from that era suggested premix ratios ranging from 20:1 to 40:1. Conventional 2-stroke oils from the 70’s would have a fraction of the film strength of today’s sophisticated synthetic 2-stroke oils. Anyone who rode snowmobiles back in those days remembers the notoriously smoky exhaust. A larger volume of oil had to added to the fuel to provide adequate engine protection.
When using a modern 2-cycle oil, go with the ratio suggested on the oil bottle label. It will work just fine.
AMSOIL 2-Stroke Oil Choices For Vintage Snowmobiles
If you looking for an AMSOIL synthetic 2-cycle oil for your classic sled, we’ve got two candidates.
AMSOIL Synthetic 2-Stroke Injector Oil is a value-priced synthetic that offers big features at a better price than many conventional and semi-syn 2-cycle oils. This product offers clean burning performance, low-smoke and exceptional wear protection. Synthetic 2-Stroke Injector Oil is also versatile as it can be used in snowmobiles or outboard engines. Ideal for either premix or oil injection systems.
AMSOIL Interceptor Synthetic 2-Stroke Oil is the absolute cream of the crop for the very latest high-tech snowmobiles. It also highly effective as a premix in older engines. Interceptor offers a sophisticated synthetic base oil and a high detergent content for ultra-clean combustion and incredible deposit-fighting ability. Interceptor is the ultimate 2-stroke oil for maximum performance and wear control.
With either AMSOIL choice, go with the prescribed 50:1 ratio. This is a very conservative ratio that will deliver clean combustion and the best possible wear protection in any 2-cycle snowmobile engine. Use this ratio regardless of the original oil/gasoline mix ratio recommended by the snowmobile manufacturer.
Is Modern Synthetic 2-Stroke Oil Safe for Vintage Engines?
There are no compatibility problems with running synthetic 2-stroke oil in older engines. Synthetic oil is 100% compatible with all seal and gasket materials. There is nothing but strong benefits to using synthetic oil in older 2-strokes. Expect minimal exhaust smoke, improved throttle response and maximum wear protection.
Can running the latest synthetic 2-stroke oils cause problems in older outboards, snowmobiles, dirt bikes or lawn/garden engines?
A reader asks: I’ve got a 1995 25-horse Johnson outboard engine. Can a newer synthetic 2-stroke oil like HP Marine be used? Is there any risk that it will plug the carb or cause gelling?
Our answer:There is absolutely no problem with running the latest synthetic 2-stroke oils in older engines. In fact, there is nothing but upside to using a modern synthetic oil in an older two-stroke engine. This applies not only to outboard engines, but also older generations of snowmobiles, motorcycles, chainsaws, or ATVs.
An elite synthetic oil like AMSOIL HP Marine Synthetic 2-Stroke Oil will improve every operational aspect of your engine. Expect very low exhaust smoke, reduced friction, improved wear protection and better throttle response.
There is no risk of gelling or carburetor plugging from synthetic 2-stroke oil formulated for the latest 2-stroke engines. In fact, the opposite will occur. AMSOIL 2-stroke oils like HP Marine will provide cleaner engine internals and a strong resistance to engine deposits.
So yes, you can confidently use a modern 2-stroke oil in an older engine. Note that AMSOIL also offers a budget-priced synthetic 2-cycle oil that is also a great option. AMSOIL Synthetic 2-Stroke Injector Oil has a smaller price tag, but still offers all of the synthetic benefits. It is a versatile option that is a great fit for older two-cycle engines. Like HP Marine, AMSOIL Injector Oil can be used in oil injection systems or as a premix at 50:1. A great fit for older 2-stroke dirt bikes and snowmobiles is also AMSOIL Interceptor.
Questions? Contact us using the form on this page or call us at 1-800-748-5781.
A reader asks:I own a Mazda RX-8 rotary sports car. At present, some of the engine oil is injected directly into the combustion chamber to lubricate the apex, corner and side seals. This plays havoc with the engine exhaust emissions. What I want to do is to mount a separate tank with AMSOIL 2-stroke oil and pump it into the oil injection system. I think it will do a better job keeping the engine internals clean than engine oil. Which AMSOIL 2-stroke oil would be suitable for this?
Using 2-Stroke Oil In a Mazda RX- 8 Rotary Engine?
Our answer: Keeping Mazda RENESIS engines running strong and deposit-free is a well-worn subject for the RX-8 crowd. Injecting or premixing two-stroke oil to reduce rotor seal wear is also a popular topic with performance-oriented RX-8 owners. AMSOIL does not have an official opinion on using 2-stroke oil in Mazda rotary engines. But AMSOIL Technical Services does admit that this a relatively common practice.
Apparently, the best result is attained by using AMSOIL Interceptor Synthetic 2-Stroke Oil mixed at a ratio of 100:1 with the fuel. There are also aftermarket two-stroke injector pump/reservoir kits for the RX-8 engine that feed oil at about 100:1.
Regardless of the delivery method chosen, AMSOIL Interceptor would be the best choice. Interceptor’s high detergent content fights deposit formation. It is also a top-tier product for wear protection in 2-stroke engines. Given its all-star attributes, it would be the best option for this unorthodox function.
The video below shows how quickly Ski-Doo XPS 2-Stroke Fully Synthetic Oil, Polaris VES Synthetic 2-Cycle Snowmobile Oil, Arctic Cat CTEC2 Synthetic 2-Cycle Oil and AMSOIL Interceptor Synthetic 2-Stroke Oil flow when cooled down to -40°F.
Let’s compare the cold flow capabilities of the three main OEM synthetic 2-stroke oils with AMSOIL Interceptor Synthetic 2-Stroke Oil. In today’s sophisticated 2-stroke engines, immediate oil flow is vital. But extremely cold temperatures can strain the cold flow capabilities of even the most expensive, high-tech 2-stroke oil.
Ski-Doo, Polaris and Arctic Cat do not publish the cold-pour-points of their 2-stroke oils. The cold-pour-point lab test literally determines the temperature where an oil congeals and stops flowing. AMSOIL Interceptor’s cold-pour-point is -58°C (-72°F). Arctic Cat does make mention that their CTEC2 Synthetic 2-Cycle Oil delivers up to 50% easier cold starts.
Now you may say, “I don’t ride my sled in extreme cold. I don’t need an oil that flows down to -50 below.” Keep in mind that even under relatively normal winter weather, dry starts should be avoided (even for a fraction of a second). Why not use an oil that delivers instant oil circulation? As you’ll see in the video below, it’s quite apparent that AMSOIL Interceptor flows faster than Ski-Doo XPS Synthetic, Polaris VES Synthetic and Arctic Cat CTEC2 Synthetic.
More Than Just Fast Oil Flow During Cold Starts
So not only does AMSOIL Interceptor deliver world-class cold flow capabilities, it also provides the utmost protection in extreme heat. It is also famous for steadfast wear control, low-smoke and clean power valves over long stretches. We were once privy to an off-the-record comment by a highly placed AMSOIL executive. He said, “If our competitors knew how generously we had formulated Interceptor, they would think we were crazy”. Considering the endless praise Interceptor has received from our customers over the last decade, we can’t doubt that statement.
Lastly, consider Interceptor’s price. With Oildepot’s wholesale programs, Interceptor can be delivered to your doorstep for far less money than the price that your Ski-Doo, Polaris and Arctic Cat dealers are asking for their synthetic 2-stroke oils. Request a wholesale price list using the form on this page.
A reader asks: I am looking for some input on outboard 2-stroke oil selection. Having reviewed all the product literature from AMSOIL, it seems that I have three choices, but I cannot determine which is best suited from my motor. My engine is a Mercury Outboard 90 hp, and my choices seem to be: (i) Synthetic 2-Stroke Injection Oil (AIO), (ii) HP Marine Synthetic 2-Stroke Oil (HPM) and (iii) Outboard 100:1 Pre-Mix Synthetic 2-Stroke Oil (ATO). I pre-mix my fuel at 50:1. The outboard is carbureted. The original oil spec recommended by Mercury was TC-W.
Our answer: There is not a wrong choice between those three products for your engine. Any one of these products would be a fantastic upgrade. But let’s narrow it down.
“HPM” HP Marine
AMSOIL HP Marine Synthetic 2-Stroke Oil (HPM) would be the ultra-premium choice. This sophisticated formula pulls out all the stops providing exceptional wear control and world-class deposit prevention. HP Marine also offers some quality features that are specific to marine applications. It has an anti-rust/corrosion package which provides engine protection both in and out of season. It also delivers very clean emissions and low aquatic toxicity. For engines that require premix, mix HP Marine at a 50:1 ratio.
“ATO” Outboard Synthetic 2-Stroke Pre-Mix Oil
Also very much a premium choice, “ATO” Outboard Synthetic 2-Stroke Pre-Mix Oil is AMSOIL’s dedicated oil for pre-mix only. This highly concentrated pre-mix oil that is designed to safely be mixed at ratios of 100:1. Outboard 2-Stroke Oil offers clean operation, low smoke/odor, low aquatic toxicity and optimum throttle response. Despite the proven 100:1 mix ratio, ATO Outboard makes absolutely no compromises in terms of wear control. It also contains a powerful anti-rust ingredient to keep engine internals pristine all year long.
“AIO” Synthetic 2-Stroke Injector Oil
AMSOIL Synthetic 2-Stroke Injector Oil (AIO) is a fantastic synthetic 2-stroke oil option with a moderate price tag. Despite being called an “injector oil”, it is designed for flawless operation when used as a premix at 50:1. AIO also delivers the features one expects from a good synthetic oil such as improved performance, excellent wear control and low smoke. Also quite suitable for snowmobiles, ice augers and two-stroke-powered yard tools.
To sum up, all of the mentioned products would work extremely well in your engine. The premium options would be HP Marine and ATO Outboard Synthetic 2-Stroke Pre-Mix Oil. A budget-priced alternative is AIO Synthetic 2-Stroke Injector Oil. AIO is still an upgrade over the vast majority of synthetic 2-stroke oils on the market. It really comes down to the price and a few nuanced differences in these products.
Contact us using the form on this page for prices and questions.
If you’ve got a Mercury Marine OptiMax outboard engine and are looking at 2-stroke injector oil options. Let’s compare Mercury OptiMax/DFI 2-Cycle Oil with AMSOIL HP Marine Synthetic 2-Stroke Oil on both features and cost.
About Mercury OptiMax/DFI 2-Cycle Oil
OptiMax DFI 2-Stroke Oil is formulated for Mercury’s direct fuel-injected OptiMax series of 2-stroke outboard engines. The OptiMax Oil is a synthetic-blend injector oil formulated to minimize deposits and prevent wear in these high-output motors. It also contains additives to prevent rust and corrosion of internal engine parts.
About AMSOIL HP Marine Synthetic 2-Stroke Oil
HP Marine is AMSOIL’s premium 100% synthetic 2-stroke oil for direct fuel-injected outboard engines. HP Marine was formulated specially for the hostile operating conditions of DFI 2-stroke engines. This has been verified by exhaustive field testing. The full-synthetic formula reduces friction for maximum performance and fuel efficiency. The hallmark of HP Marine is clean, deposit-free operation for maximum performance and engine life. HP Marine also contains a powerful anti-rust and corrosion package for in-season and off-season protection.
Why Is Mercury Optimax 2-Cycle Oil A Synthetic Blend?
Mercury has long been an advocate of using semi-synthetic blends for both their premium 2-stroke and 4-stroke engine oils. Is there a particular benefit to using synthetic-blend oils in Mercury Marine engines? The short answer is no. There is no mechanical, metallurgical or any other functional reason for synthetic-blends to be any sort of advantage in Mercury outboard engines. Mercury does not offer any sort of explanation for this reasoning.
It’s a safe to assume that Mercury uses synthetic-blends rather than full-synthetic oils because it keeps input costs down. As synthetic oils are irrefutably proven to be superior in high-performance 2-stroke marine, snowmobile and motorcycle applications, there is absolutely no other basis for Mercury to take this route. Lastly, Mercury’s literature offers that Optimax/DFI 2-Cycle Oil is graced with a “carefully modified base stock blend with a synthetic additive package”. There is absolutely no implication that this product is 50% synthetic.
Price of Mercury OptiMax/DFI 2-Cycle Oil In Canada And USA
Below is an average of suggested retail prices found at random Mercury Marine dealerships. Prices may vary in your region. Mercury OptiMax/DFI 2-Cycle Oil is sold in 4-litre and 10-litre containers in Canada and 1-US gallon (3.78L) and 2.5-US gallon (9.45L) jugs in the United States.
Canada (CAD$)
4-litre jug- $60.78
10-litre jug- $140.44
United States (USD$)
1- US gallon jug- $43.85
2.5 US gallon jug- $95.22
Price Of Mercury OptiMax/DFI 2-Cycle Oil Versus AMSOIL HP Marine
AMSOIL prohibits us from publishing their wholesale prices, but we can illustrate on a percentage basis how the price of AMSOIL HP Marine Synthetic 2-Stroke Oil compares to Mercury OptiMax/DFI 2-Cycle Oil. The AMSOIL HP Marine pricing data below is based on wholesale prices when purchasing a full case of 4X1 US gallons with average shipping charges included. Remote destinations may have extra shipping charges. HP Marine comes in US quart and US gallon formats and beyond that, they step up to kegs and drums.
Canada
4-litre jug- OptiMax/DFI 2-Cycle Oil costs 60% more than AMSOIL HP Marine
10-litre jug- OptiMax/DFI 2-Cycle Oil costs 42% more than AMSOIL HP Marine
United States
1- US gallon jug- OptiMax/DFI 2-Cycle Oil costs 50% more than AMSOIL HP Marine
2.5-US gallon jug- OptiMax/DFI 2-Cycle Oil costs 40% more than AMSOIL HP Marine
Again, the AMSOIL prices in this comparison are based on wholesale prices when purchasing a full case of four gallons and include average shipping charges.
Conclusion
Consider that AMSOIL’s HP Marine 2-Stroke Injector Oil is a full synthetic formula that is designed to be safe and highly effective in the newest DFI 2-stroke engines. Yet it costs considerably less than the synthetic-blend Mercury OptiMax/DFI 2-Cycle Oil found at boat dealers. In our opinion, AMSOIL’s delivers legendary quality and is a great value at any price. The quality of OEM oils tends to be adequate, while the price tag tends to be anything but. Just because Mercury puts their name on the jug does not mean that it is the best oil for your engine.
Contact us for a wholesale price list using the form on this page or call us at 1-800-748-5781 and we’ll show you how easy and cost-effective it is to upgrade your Mercury OptiMax outboard engine to AMSOIL HP Marine Synthetic 2-Stroke Oil. We ship from warehouses in Canada and the United States.
Definition of flash point according to Google: “The temperature at which a particular organic compound gives off sufficient vapor to ignite in air.”
Occasionally we see folks pointing out the flash point values of 2-stroke oils, claiming that a higher flash point number is superior to oils with a lower flash point. The implication being that 2-stroke oils with a lower flash point will burn off prematurely at high operating temperatures, leaving engines vulnerable to damage under heavy loads. The short answer to this debate is that the flash point does not matter and here’s why.
Once 2-stroke oil comes in contact with gasoline, the flash point of the oil drops dramatically. The oil takes on a flash point closer to that of the fuel when the two come into contact. This is true in oil-injected and direct-injected 2-strokes (where the fuel meets the oil in the engine) or premix engines (where the oil meets the fuel in the gas can). You may note the term “miscibility” is often listed in 2-stroke oil specifications. This refers to the abilty of the oil mix with the gasoline and essentially become a “homogeneous solution”.
Also consider that the exhaust temperature of late model snowmobiles can be in the 1200°F range. So comparing the flash point number of 2-stroke oils in the bottle isn’t all that relevant once the oil has been mixed with gasoline and goes through the combustion process.
What To Consider When Choosing A 2-Stroke Oil
Is the ash content suitable for your application? As in, does your engine call for an API-TC “low-ash” oil or a TCW-3 “ashless oil”? Does the oil contain a high quality base oil? Does it contain a healthy dose of anti-wear additives and detergent agents? Is it suitable for use with variable exhaust power valves?
The flash point number has more pertinence for the MSDS sheet or for your snowmobile dealer’s fire insurance policy. At the end of the day, they all go out the exhaust in smoke. The more important questions are how well does the oil protect your engine and is it leaving harmful deposits behind?
If you looking for an AMSOIL synthetic 2-cycle oil for your classic sled, we’ve got two candidates.
Interceptor offers a sophisticated synthetic base oil and a high detergent content for ultra-clean combustion and incredible deposit-fighting ability. Interceptor is the ultimate 2-stroke oil for maximum performance and wear control.
Also very much a premium choice, 
Why Is Mercury Optimax 2-Cycle Oil A Synthetic Blend?
