FUEL AND OIL
34
FUEL CONTAINING ALCOHOL
If the fuel 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 fuel
can absorb moisture from the air, resulting in a separation of the water/
alcohol from the gasoline in the fuel tank.
The fuel system components on your Mercury 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 boats fuel system components (fuel
tanks, fuel lines, and fittings).
Fuel containing alcohol may increase:
• Corrosion of metal parts.
• Deterioration of rubber or plastic parts.
• Fuel permeation through rubber fuel lines.
• Starting and operating difficulties.
!
CAUTION
When operating a Mercury engine with fuel containing alcohol, avoid
storing the fuel in the fuel tank for long periods of time. Long storage
periods, common to boats, create unique problems. In cars,
alcohol‑blend fuels are normally consumed before they can absorb
enough moisture to cause trouble. However, boats often sit idle long
enough for phase separation to take place. In addition, internal corrosion
may take place during storage if alcohol has washed protective oil films
from internal components.
IMPORTANT: Because of possible adverse effects of alcohol in gasoline,
it is recommended that only alcohol‑free fuel be used where possible.
If only fuel containing alcohol is available, or if the presence of alcohol is
unknown, increased inspection frequency for leaks and abnormalities is
required.
Oil Recommendation
Recommended Oil
Premium Plus 2‑Cycle TC‑W3 Outboard Oil
Summary of Contents for 225 Sport XS OptiMax
Page 4: ...iv ...