• What type of fuel can I use?
• Can I use reformulated or oxygenated fuels?
• What type of oil should I use? Can I use synthetic oil?

What type of fuel can I use?

2001 models and newer Mercury MerCruiser engines beginning with serial number 0M300000 will operate satisfactorily when using a major brand of unleaded fuel meeting the following specifications:

• USA and Canada - Have 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 - Have 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 .

Consult the Owner's Manual for more details.

Use the following chart to determine correct fuel for engines prior to 2001

Notes:

1. The cylinder heads on these engines have hardened exhaust valve seat inserts.
2. If gasoline with alcohol must be used, periodically inspect complete fuel system for leaks and do not store fuel in boat's fuel tank for long periods of time.
3. To increase valve life on all MerCruiser engines, the following recommendations should be considered:

• Use a propeller that allows engine to operate at or near the top of its maximum RPM range when at full throttle with a normal boat load.
• Operation at 3/4 throttle setting or lower is recommended. Refrain from prolonged operation at maximum (full throttle) RPM.

4. If unleaded gasoline is not available, use a major brand of leaded gasoline.
5. MCM 5.7L Alpha or Bravo EFI: S/N 0F415136 and Below
   MCM/MIE 454 & 502 Magnum Stern Drive or Ski EFI: S/N 0F417515 and Below
   MIE 350 Magnum Ski EFI: S/N 0F350545 and Below.
   USE 87 (R+M)/2 or 90 RON minimum octane Unleaded REGULAR Gasoline Without Alcohol. DO NOT USE Premium Gasoline. (Note 2)

Can I use reformulated or oxygenated fuels?

Reformulated (oxygenated) gasolines are required in certain areas of the USA. The two types of "oxygenates" used in these fuels are alcohol (ethanol) or ether (MTBE or ETBE). These reformulated gasolines are acceptable for use in your MerCruiser engine. If the gasoline in your area contains either methanol (methyl alcohol) or ethanol, you should be aware of certain adverse effects that can occur. See your operation and maintenance manual for details.

What type of oil should I use? Can I use synthetic oil?

Engine Oil

To help obtain optimum engine performance and to provide maximum protection, we strongly recommend the use of the following oils listed in the order of recommendation:

1. MerCruiser / Quicksilver Synthetic Blend, NMMA FC-W rated, 4 cycle oil.
2. MerCruiser / Quicksilver 25W40 NMMA FC-W rated oil.
3. A NMMA FC-W rated oil.
4. MerCruiser / Quicksilver 4-cycle 25W40, non FC-W rated oil.
5. A good grade straight weight detergent automotive oil per the operating chart below.

NOTE: The use of non-detergent oils, multi-viscosity oils (other than as specified), non-FC-W rated synthetic oils, low quality oils or oils that contain solid additives are specifically not recommended.

This crankcase oil recommendation supersedes all previously printed crankcase oil recommendations for MerCruiser gasoline engines. The reason for this change is to include the newer engine oils that are now available in the recommendation.

Older owner manuals, service manuals and other publications that are not regularly updated will not be revised to show this latest engine oil recommendation. Current owners manuals, service manuals and other service publications that receive regular updates will receive this revised recommendation the next time they are updated.