Section 4 - Specifications
90-8M0074347
eng
OCTOBER 2012
Page 51
Gasoline Containing Alcohol
If the gasoline in your area contains either methanol (methyl alcohol) or ethanol (ethyl alcohol), be aware of possible adverse
effects. These adverse effects are more severe with methanol and worsen according to the percentage of alcohol in the fuel.
Alcohol in gasoline can absorb moisture from the air, causing the water and the alcohol to separate from the gasoline in the fuel
tank.
IMPORTANT: 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 your boat's fuel system components (fuel tanks, fuel lines, and fittings).
Be aware that gasoline containing alcohol may cause increased:
•
Corrosion of metal parts
•
Deterioration of rubber or plastic parts
•
Fuel permeation through the 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.
IMPORTANT: If you use gasoline that contains or might contain alcohol, you must increase the frequency of inspection for
leaks and abnormalities.
IMPORTANT: When operating a Mercury MerCruiser engine on gasoline containing alcohol, do not store the gasoline in the
fuel tank for long periods. Cars normally consume alcohol‑blend fuels before they can absorb enough moisture to cause
trouble, boats often sit idle long enough for phase separation to take place. Internal corrosion may take place during storage if
alcohol has washed protective oil films from internal components.
Engine Oil
For optimum engine performance and maximum protection, use the following oil:
Application
Recommended Oil
All MerCruiser engines
Mercury MerCruiser Full‑Synthetic Engine Oil, 20W‑40, NMMA FC‑W rated
IMPORTANT: Lubrication requirements for catalyzed engines differ from the requirements for noncatalyzed engines. Some
marine‑grade lubricants contain high levels of phosphorus, which can damage the catalyst system on MerCruiser engines.
Although these high‑phosphorus lubricants may allow acceptable engine performance, exposure over time will damage the
catalyst. Catalysts damaged by lubricants containing high levels of phosphorus may not be covered by the MerCruiser Limited
Warranty.
If Mercury MerCruiser Full‑Synthetic Engine Oil, 20W‑40 oil is unavailable, use the following lubricants, listed in order of
recommendation. If you are servicing a catalyst engine, use these for short periods of time only.
1. Mercury/Quicksilver 25W‑40 Synthetic Blend, NMMA FC‑W–rated 4‑cycle MerCruiser oil
2. Mercury/Quicksilver 25W‑40, NMMA FC‑W–rated 4‑cycle MerCruiser oil
3. Other recognized brands of NMMA FC‑W–rated 4‑cycle oils
4. A good‑grade, straight‑weight detergent automotive oil according to the last row of the operating chart below