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FUEL AND OIL
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. Do not use 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, which can result 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
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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.
Fuel Additives
To minimize carbon deposit buildup in the engine, it is recommended to add
Mercury or Quicksilver Quickstor fuel stabilizer additive to the engine's fuel at each tank fill throughout the boating season. Use additive as directed on container.
Avoiding Fuel Flow Restriction
IMPORTANT: Adding components to the fuel supply system (filters, valves, fittings, etc.) may restrict the fuel flow. This may cause engine stalling at low speed, and/or a lean fuel condition at high RPM that could cause engine damage.
Low Permeation Fuel Hose Requirement
Required for outboards manufactured for sale, sold, or offered for sale in the
United States.
• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires that any outboard manufactured after January 1, 2009, must use low permeation fuel hose for the primary fuel hose connecting the fuel tank to the outboard.
• Low permeation hose is USCG Type B1‑15 or Type A1‑15, defined as not exceeding 15/gm²/24 h with CE 10 fuel at 23 °C as specified in SAE J
1527 ‑ marine fuel hose.
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EPA Pressurized Portable Fuel Tank Requirements
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires portable fuel systems that are produced after January 1, 2011, for use with outboard engines to remain fully sealed (pressurized) up to 34.4 kPa (5.0 psi). These tanks may contain the following:
• An air inlet that opens to allow air to enter as the fuel is drawn out of the tank.
• An air outlet that opens (vents) to the atmosphere if pressure exceeds
34.4 kPa (5.0 psi).
Fuel Demand Valve (FDV) Requirement
Whenever a pressurized fuel tank is used, a fuel demand valve is required to be installed in the fuel hose between the fuel tank and the engine. The fuel demand valve prevents pressurized fuel from entering the engine and causing a fuel system overflow or possible fuel spillage.
The fuel demand valve has a manual release. The manual release can be used
(pushed in) to open (bypass) the valve in case of a fuel blockage in the valve.
a c b
a Fuel demand valve ‑ installed in the fuel hose between the fuel tank and the engine b Manual release c Vent/water drain holes
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Mercury Marine's Pressurized Portable Fuel Tank
Mercury Marine has created a new portable pressurized fuel tank that meets the preceding EPA requirements. These fuel tanks are available as an accessory or are provided with certain portable outboard models.
SPECIAL FEATURES OF THE PORTABLE FUEL TANK
• The fuel tank has a two‑way valve which allows air to enter the tank as the fuel is drawn to the engine, and also opens to vent to the atmosphere if internal pressure in the tank exceeds 34.4 kPa (5.0 psi). A hissing noise may be heard as the tank vents to the atmosphere. This is normal.
• The fuel tank includes a fuel demand valve that prevents pressurized fuel from entering the engine and causing a fuel system overflow or possible fuel spillage.
• When installing the fuel tank cap, turn the cap to the right until you hear a click. This signals that the fuel cap is fully seated. A built‑in device prevents overtightening.
• The fuel tank has a manual vent screw which should be closed for transportation and open for operation and cap removal.
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Since sealed fuel tanks are not vented, they will expand and contract as the fuel expands and contracts during heating and cooling cycles of the outside air.
This is normal.
REMOVING THE FUEL CAP
b a
a Fuel cap b Manual vent screw c Tab lock
c
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IMPORTANT: Contents may be under pressure. Rotate the fuel cap 1/4 turn to relieve pressure before opening.
1. Open the manual vent screw on top of the fuel cap.
2. Turn the fuel cap until it contacts the tab lock.
3. Press down on the tab lock. Rotate the fuel cap 1/4 turn to relieve the pressure.
4. Press down on the tab lock again and remove the cap.
DIRECTIONS FOR USING THE PRESSURIZED PORTABLE FUEL TANK
1. When installing the fuel tank cap, turn the cap to the right until you hear a click. This signals that the fuel cap is fully seated. A built‑in device prevents overtightening.
2. Open the manual vent screw on top of the cap for operation and cap removal. Close the manual vent screw for transportation.
3. For fuel hoses that have quick disconnects, disconnect the fuel line from the engine or fuel tank when not in use.
4. Follow Filling Fuel Tank instructions for fueling.
Filling Fuel Tank
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WARNING
Avoid serious injury or death from a gasoline fire or explosion. Use caution when filling fuel tanks. Always stop the engine and do not smoke or allow open flames or sparks in the area while filling fuel tanks.
Fill the fuel tanks outdoors away from heat, sparks, and open flames.
Remove the portable fuel tanks from the boat to fill them.
Always stop the engine before filling the tanks.
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Do not completely fill the fuel tanks. Leave approximately 10% of the tank volume unfilled. Fuel will expand in volume as its temperature rises and can leak under pressure if the tank is completely filled.
PORTABLE FUEL TANK PLACEMENT IN THE BOAT
Place the fuel tank in the boat so the vent is higher than the fuel level under normal boat operating conditions.
Engine Oil Recommendations
Mercury or Quicksilver NMMA FC‑W or NMMA FC‑W catalyst compatible certified SAE 10W‑30 4‑Stroke Marine Engine Oil is recommended for general, all‑temperature use. As optional choices, Mercury or Quicksilver NMMA FC‑W
SAE 25W‑40 Mineral Marine 4‑Stroke Engine Oil or SAE 25‑W40 Synthetic
Blend Marine 4‑Stroke Engine Oil may be used. If the recommended Mercury or Quicksilver NMMA FC‑W certified oils are not available, a major outboard manufacturer's brand of NMMA FC‑W certified 4‑Stroke outboard oil of similar viscosity may be used.
IMPORTANT: The use of nondetergent oils, multiviscosity oils (other than
Mercury or Quicksilver NMMA FC‑W certified oil or a major brand NMMA FC‑W certified oil), low quality oils, or oils that contain solid additives are not recommended.
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Checking and Adding Engine Oil
IMPORTANT: Do not overfill. Tilt outboard out/up past vertical for approximately one minute to allow trapped oil to drain back to the oil sump. Tilt outboard to vertical (not tilted) position when checking engine oil. For accurate readings, check oil only when engine is cold or after engine has not run for at least an hour.
1. Before starting (cold engine) tilt outboard out/up past vertical to allow trapped oil to drain back to the oil sump. Allow outboard to remain tilted for approximately one minute.
2. Tilt outboard to vertical operating position.
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3. Remove the top cowl. Refer to Maintenance ‑ Top Cowl Removal and
Installation
.
4. Pull out the dipstick. Wipe the dipstick end with a clean rag or towel and push it back in all the way.
5. Pull the dipstick back out again and observe the oil level. Oil should be in the operating range (cross hatched region).
IMPORTANT: Do not try to fill the oil level to the top of the operating range
(cross hatched region). Oil level is correct as long as it appears in the operating range (cross hatched region).
b d a c
a Oil level operating range b Top bar c Bottom bar d Upper 1/3 level
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6. If the oil level is below the operating range (cross hatched region), remove the oil filler cap and add approximately 500 ml (16 oz) of the specified outboard motor oil. Allow a few minutes for the added oil to drain to the oil sump and check the level on the dipstick. Repeat the process until the oil level is on the operating range (cross hatched region). Do not try to fill to the upper end of the operating range (cross hatched region).
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IMPORTANT: Inspect oil for signs of contamination. Oil contaminated with water will have a milky color to it; oil contaminated with fuel will have a strong fuel smell. If contaminated oil is noticed, have the engine checked by your dealer.
7. Push the dipstick back in all the way.
8. Install the oil fill cap hand‑tight.
9. Install the top cowl.
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