Infineum offers two-stroke and four-stroke additive packages to help meet the lubrication requirements across the entire spectrum of small engine applications. Our wide selection of small engine additives are offered under the Infineum S Series brand name. As specifications tighten and engine technology develops, Infineum continues to introduce new ranges of small engine additive packages. Our packages have been developed as complete and versatile solutions to this changing market, allowing lubricant formulators maximum flexibility.

Infineum two-stroke additive packages are formulated to provide outstanding engine performance, including reduced smoke, improved cleanliness, reduced ring sticking, improved lubricity and reduced engine maintenance. Success in these areas has come as a result of Infineum's focus on improving the burnability of the finished oils, which leads to fewer deposits and less smoke.

Infineum four-stroke additive packages are formulated to meet the needs of specific applications. In this way, performance can be optimized in the areas of cleanliness, wear, corrosion, oxidation stability, and clutch friction performance. Infineum recognizes that the lubrication needs of ATVs vary from those of motorcycles, which vary from those of outboard engines, which in turn vary from those of lawnmower engines, none of which are optimally met by PCMO or HDD technologies.


Performance claims and emissions drivers

The Small Engine market is being driven by consumer demand for more powerful equipment, stricter government regulations for exhaust emissions, and the need to formulate oils for distinct applications.

Outboard

In North America, manufacturers of outboard engines remain under pressure to comply with the emissions limits imposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Even stricter limits have been drawn up for California by the Air Resources Board. OEMs are utilizing both two-stroke Direct Fuel Injection technology and four-stroke technology to achieve the emissions performance mandated by the EPA and CARB. Europe faces similar restrictions, with proposals to amend EU Directive 94/25/EC to include the introduction of exhaust and sound emissions limits.

To address OEM concerns regarding wear and rust associated with the widespread use of standard crankcase oils in four-stroke outboard engines, the National Marine Manufacturers Association is developing a new four-stroke oil standard called FC-W, targeted to be ready later in 2003. This new FC-W standard will specifically address rust and wear, as well as other performance areas.

EU Directives are also in place to regulate emissions within Europe for all areas of small engine - outboard and land equipment.


Two-stroke land equipment

Not surprisingly the highest usage of two-stroke oil for land equipment is in Asia-Pacific. Driven by the needs for reduced exhaust smoke, and improved cleanliness and lubricity, the JASO two-stroke oil standards were developed, and are now established as the new land equipment performance levels. The JASO FC quality level is most often recommended by OEMs.

In Europe, where engines are larger and tend to be of higher performance, OEMs demanded greater detergency and improved spark plug fouling than provided by JASO FC quality oils. This has led to the development of the Global ISO-EGD standard. An analogous quality level of JASO FD will be added to the JASO standards in 2003.


Four-stroke motorcycle oils

Motorcycle OEMs are switching to four-stroke engines, driven by the need to reduce emissions. Operating conditions for motorcycles are more severe than in automobiles, with higher operating temperatures, wider power bands and higher engine speeds. In addition, a large number of applications use only one lubricant for the engine compartment, transmission and the various clutches – integral clutch or wet clutch - which makes friction performance of the oil critical.

This has led to the development of JASO standards for four-stroke motorcycle engine oils. With input from OEMs, Infineum has developed specific products, thoroughly tested in the field, to address the issues facing four-stroke oils. Compared with standard automotive oils, finished oils formulated with Infineum four-stroke additive packages provide optimized performance, ensure strong clutch friction feel, protect against corrosion, and deliver outstanding wear protection.

To find a detailed list of products available to you, please do not hesitate to contact your local sales representative or contact us.