Section 4 - Specifications
90-8M0074347
eng
OCTOBER 2012
Page 53
Minimum oil pressure
At 2000 RPM
207 kPa (30 psi)
At idle
28 kPa (4 psi)
Thermostat
Seawater‑cooled models
71° C (160° F)
Models with closed cooling
Timing at idle
2° ATDC
Firing order
1‑3‑4‑2
Minimum battery rating
375 CCA, 475 MCA, 90 Ah
Spark plug type
AC MR43LTS
Champion RS12YC
NGK BPR6EFS
Spark plug gap
0.9 mm (0.045 in.)
Emission control system
Engine modification (EM)
Fuel Requirements
IMPORTANT: Use of improper gasoline can damage your engine. Engine damage resulting from the use of improper
gasoline is considered misuse of the engine and any resulting damage will not be covered under the limited warranty.
Fuel Ratings
Mercury MerCruiser engines will operate satisfactorily when using a major brand of unleaded gasoline meeting the following
specifications:
USA and Canada—
having a posted pump octane rating of 87 (R+M)/2 minimum. Premium gasoline 92 (R+M)/2 octane is also
acceptable. Do not use leaded gasoline.
Outside USA and Canada—
having a posted pump octane rating of 91 RON minimum. Premium gasoline (98 RON) is also
acceptable. If unleaded gasoline is not available, use a major brand of leaded gasoline.
Using Reformulated (Oxygenated) Gasolines (USA Only)
This type of gasoline is required in certain areas of the USA. The two types of oxygenates used in these fuels is alcohol
(ethanol) or ether (MTBE or ETBE). If ethanol is the oxygenate that is used in the gasoline in your area, refer to
Gasolines
Containing Alcohol
.
These reformulated gasolines are acceptable for use in your Mercury MerCruiser engine.
Gasolines Containing Alcohol
If the gasoline in your area contains either methanol (methyl alcohol) or ethanol (ethyl alcohol), you should be aware of certain
adverse effects that can occur. These adverse effects are more severe with methanol. Increasing the percentage of alcohol in
the fuel can also worsen these adverse effects.
Some of these adverse effects are caused because the alcohol in the gasoline can absorb moisture from the air, resulting in a
separation of the water‑alcohol mixture from the gasoline in the fuel tank.
The fuel system components on your Mercury MerCruiser engine will withstand up to 10% alcohol content in the gasoline. We
do not know what percentage your boat's fuel system will withstand. Contact your boat manufacturer for specific
recommendations on the boat's fuel system components (fuel tanks, fuel lines, and fittings). Be aware that gasolines containing
alcohol may increase:
•
Corrosion of metal parts
•
Deterioration of rubber or plastic parts
•
Fuel permeation through the rubber fuel lines
•
Difficulty starting and operating the engine
!
WARNING
Fuel leakage is a fire or explosion hazard, which can cause serious injury or death. Periodically inspect all fuel system
components for leaks, softening, hardening, swelling, or corrosion, particularly after storage. Any sign of leakage or
deterioration requires replacement before further engine operation.
Because of the possible adverse effects of alcohol in gasoline, we recommend only alcohol‑free gasoline when possible. If the
only fuel available contains alcohol or if you do not know whether the fuel contains alcohol, inspect for leaks and abnormalities
more frequently.
