FUEL AND OIL
19
Fuel Recommendations
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 damage caused thereby will not be
covered under the limited warranty.
FUEL RATINGS
Mercury Marine 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 90 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 2 types of oxygenates used in these
fuels are 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 Marine 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 from the gasoline in the fuel tank.
The fuel system components on your Mercury Marine 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 cause increased:
•
Corrosion of metal parts
•
Deterioration of rubber or plastic parts
•
Fuel permeation through rubber fuel lines
•
Starting and operating difficulties
!
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 possible adverse effects of alcohol in gasoline, it is recommended that only alcohol-free
gasoline 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.
IMPORTANT: When operating a Mercury Marine engine on gasoline containing alcohol, storage of
gasoline in the fuel tank for long periods should be avoided. Long periods of storage, common to boats,
create unique problems. In cars, alcohol-blend fuels normally are consumed before they can absorb
enough moisture to cause trouble, but 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.
Oil Recommendation
Recommended Oil
MercuryOptimax/DFI or Quicksilver DFI 2-Cycle Engine Oil
Summary of Contents for Optimax 150
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