Why Yamalube Ring Free Plus Matters More Than You Think
When it comes to protecting your Yamaha outboard, many boaters focus on oil changes, water pumps, and seasonal service. But one of the most powerful defenses for your engine is actually one of the simplest—and most affordable. At Cope Marine, we strongly recommend four Yamaha essentials every owner should use:
Yamaha Ring Free Plus
Yamalube Fuel Stabilizer & Conditioner Plus
Yamalube Engine Oils
Genuine Yamaha Oil Filters
This article highlights a product many boaters underestimate: Yamalube Ring Free Plus. If you’ve ever wondered whether you really need it, the answer is almost always yes—especially if you want your Yamaha outboard to run smoothly for years to come.
What Makes Yamalube Ring Free Plus So Important?
Ring Free Plus is a high-strength fuel additive engineered specifically for Yamaha marine engines. It tackles two of the most damaging issues outboards face:
Carbon buildup inside the combustion chamber
Fuel contamination caused by ethanol-blended gasoline and debris
Let’s look at why these issues matter and how this single additive helps prevent major engine problems.
The Carbon Problem: Why Outboards Build Deposits Faster Than Cars
Many boaters assume outboards and automotive engines behave similarly—but the conditions they operate in couldn’t be more different.
High RPMs, Water-Cooled Exhaust, and Long Idle Periods
Outboards regularly operate between 3500 and 6000 RPM, far higher than a vehicle cruising at around 2200 RPM.
Their exhaust systems and oil sumps are immersed in water, reducing operating temperatures.
They spend extended periods idling or trolling, which increases the likelihood of incomplete combustion.
All of this accelerates carbon buildup far faster than in automotive engines.
Why Carbon Buildup Is Dangerous
Unchecked carbon can cause:
Piston rings to stick, reducing compression
Glazed cylinder walls, increasing blow-by and crankcase pressure
Gasket failures
Fuel contaminating the crankcase oil, a harmful situation known as “making oil”
These issues lead to reduced performance, higher maintenance costs, and a shorter engine lifespan.
The Simple Fix
Just one ounce of Yamaha Ring Free Plus per 10 gallons of fuel prevents these deposits from forming and keeps internal components clean.
Fuel Contamination: Ethanol’s Hidden Threat to Outboards
Around Illinois, Missouri, and across the Midwest, ethanol-blended gasoline (typically E10) is common, and it presents real challenges for marine engines.
Why Ethanol and Water Don’t Mix—Literally
Ethanol naturally attracts water. Water enters the fuel system through:
Tank condensation
The moisture-rich marine environment
Accidental exposure during fueling
Because water is heavier than gasoline, it settles at the bottom of the tank—exactly where your fuel pump draws from.
Phase Separation: A Recipe for Engine Damage
When enough water accumulates:
Ethanol separates from the fuel
It bonds with the water
The water-ethanol mixture increases in volume
Your engine can end up pulling water-rich fuel, leading to corrosion, misfires, or complete failure
Even premium ethanol-free fuel does not eliminate the risk of contaminants that can enter the tank from gas station storage tanks.
Where Ring Free Plus Helps
Along with carbon control, Ring Free Plus helps combat the harmful deposits and corrosion that ethanol contamination can create—making it a critical part of any Yamaha owner’s fuel treatment routine.
A Small Investment With Big Returns
For such a simple product, Yamalube Ring Free Plus delivers major benefits:
Cleaner combustion chambers
Longer-lasting piston rings
Reduced risk of ethanol-related fuel problems
Better overall performance
Longer engine life
It’s one of the most cost-effective ways to protect your Yamaha outboard—whether you fish on Carlyle Lake, cruise Table Rock Lake, or explore rivers around the St. Louis Metro.
Get Genuine Yamaha Maintenance Products at Cope Marine
To get the best performance from your Yamaha outboard, stick with genuine Yamaha products. At Cope Marine in O’Fallon, IL and Branson West, MO, we carry:
Yamalube Ring Free Plus
Yamalube oils & additives
Genuine Yamaha oil filters
Full maintenance kits
Our team is always ready to help you choose the right products and keep your outboard running strong.
📍 Cope Marine – O’Fallon, IL
📍 Cope Marine – Branson West, MO
Stop in today or contact us for expert maintenance guidance tailored to the way you boat.