Merc Oil

I’ve got a 150 EFI on a 19′ Ranger . Since I have owned it I have put Merc Premium Plus Oil in it. Well I was getting down on oil in the reserve so I sent the empty jug and the wife to the dealership where I always go (she was driving right by there). When she got there the gentlemen told her that they no longer carry the Premium Plus Oil. They gave her the Premium Oil and told her that it should work. I don’t doubt the guys at the dealership, but the whole women and mechanics….Before I dump it in, anyone have any thoughts?

My only comment is that was out of line for the dealer to sell you something and say it “should” work.

I am quite sure you would be OK here but just throw a call to a dealer and verify to satisfy your conscience.

I have a 96 150 efi.I’ve been using oil from Wal-Mart since it was new.Merc doesn’t make their own oil.Just my .02

“should” could’ve been her words but I’ll give the dealer a call and find out to make sure.

If you have had good luck with Walmart oil more power to you. I feel that the motor manufacturers have the oil made to a very high standard whereas walmart has it made to a very low price.

I have to beleive that Merc has more interest in your engine being reliable than Walmart does.

I feel the extra $10.00 now is a better deal than $5000.00 on new powerhead later.

I’ll give you my .02 on the oil issue since I have been quite in tune with this subject for about 12 years. Ever since I got into snowmobiling. I doubt there is a 2-stroke oil out there that could hurt your motor but perhaps affect longevity with prolonged use. For a motor like yours I would spend the extra money for a brand name. Personally I now use Amsoil in everything and have about 6 years under my belt. No issues whatsoever with outboard, sleds, weedwackers, chain saw, etc. I’m a believer.

If your motor was a OpitMax, do not use the premium oil. In your case you have a EFI, I would not have a problem using that oil. There is something about the OpitMax that using premium oil will mess up the injectors. You have to use the premium plus on the OpitMax. I had a 99 Opit 150 that I had this problem on.

I have been told that as long as 2 cycle oil has TCW-3 on it that it meets or exceeds all manufacturer’s standards. Personally I do use the less-expensive oil and have for many years and I have had no motor problems due to the brand of oil I use. I also know that many marine dealers buy their oil bulk and they don’t always use the name brand oil. I guess as long as it meets or exceeds all manufacturer’s standards and is guaranteed then I have no problem saving $10.00 a gallon. 2 cycle oil is a distillate and I would think that all TCW-3 grade would be the same unless there are additives.

Eyehunter

Quote:

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TCW-3 on it that it meets or exceeds all manufacturer’s standards.

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TCW-3 is just a rating. It does not mean it automatically meet all manufaturers standards. If you google up “TCW-3” there is a ton of info and opinions on the topic. Here is a good read on the subject.

TCW-3 Debate

I have had some bad experience with cheap oil. In particular the Fleet Farm Ship “Wreck” brand. So there are bad TCW-3 oils on the market. Bass and Walleye boats mag did a great article on the topic a few years ago. Merc and Johnson oils do indeed have some expensive additives that make them unique.

Good Luck.

-J.

I’d like to know how many producers of oil are really out there?I picture it as not that many,with just different labels being put on them.When I bought my boat the dealer sent me home with a 1 gallon jug filled from their 100/gal barrel.

My previous boat gunked up on me down at the lake of the Ozarks. I towed it in to the closest shop shop and the mechanic started asking me qustions. What kind of oil are you burning he asked? I proclaimed Wal Mart TCW 3. He scoffed and said you get what you pay for and proceed to chuck my new spark plugs and clean the carbs. Last cheap oil I ever bought.

In defense of Spincast’s opinion, I have a 06′ 225 Merc Pro XS. The manual says to use Merc. premium plus oil. I have called a few dealers and visited and chatted on some bass boat sites and have found the the quick silver brand is just the same, only half price. Point being, it is the same oil out made by the same company, only marketed differently. I suspect the same with all the other oils. Of course each manufactuer wants and preaches that you need to buy only their oil etc. but others work. You all might be to quick to blame the oil for problems that aren’t oil related. IMO Merc. brands are only sold in Merc. dealers and Quick silver sold at all other interested vendors. Quick silver has all the same names too. EFI oil, premium plus oil, etc. I am sure and have been told its basically out of the same bulk tank. I have put on 40 solid hours since April with no problems.

Just thought I’d give an update from what I heard from the dealer. The difference b/t the Premium and Premium Plus is simply an additive (Premium Plus has it, Premium doesn’t). The additive is put in for extreme use and higher RPM engines (like a 150 EFI). He said that you can use the Premium oil in it and it would be fine, but to be safe he suggested just using the Premium Plus or buying the additive. I don’t recall the exact name for the additive but it is “something” cleen, also made by Mercury. It takes 1oz per 6 gallons (of gas).

As for using other oils. I agree with most, I’ll spend my extra dime on quality oil because it’s one thing I would rather not worry about.

You’re right ERON, Quick Silver is Merc.