Does oil brand matter on an optimax?

A buddy of mine got a new boat a little over a year ago with an opti on it. He was complaining the other day about how much the optimax oil costs. He said the dealer told him if he didn’t use optimax oil, it would void the warranty. My thought is the dealer was just looking for some extra income through some seriously expensive oil. I know Mercury recommends Quicksilver oil for my classic 2-stroke, but I have never used it. Just ordered 2 gallons of Klotz from the new site sponsor. Does anyone know if it really matters if you use optimax oil in an optimax? I figure people here should have plenty of answers / opinions.

As an aftermarket oil dealer for Klotz, this is one of the most common questions that is brought up in discussion.
And rightfully so, when you are spending a 4-5 digit figure on a motor!

As far as warranty is concerned, a dealer can not force you to use a certain brand of oil to maintain your warranty status, only a rating or specification that must be met by the oil that you choose. That info is spelled out in what is called the Magnason – Moss warranty act.
In somewhat simplified terms, some cars / trucks require 92 octane gasoline. The dealer doesn’t tell you it must be Shell or BP gasoline, but that it needs to be 92 octane – which is met by a “standard” formula. The same is true with oil such as the TCW-3 rating.

Here is a link to the Klotz web site that has an excerpt of the Mag-Moss act on it: http://www.klotzlube.com/tech/magnuson_moss_warranty.pdf
(cut & paste to your browser).

You can use aftermarket oils and if you do, use a good quality, premium oil (preferably synthetic). There are several brands out there. Klotz is just one of them that is 100% synthetic.

The important thing is you have to use what you are comfortable with for your motor because using oars suck!

Rick
Tams Racing Products
[email protected]

I have a 2003 135 Optimax and I use only the Optimax oil for it. The only thing I have done is change plugs and it has over 125 hours on it.
On a side note, good luck finding that Optimax oil. I usually get it at Crystal Pierz in St. Cloud. I went there last Wednesday and they were sold out of the Opti oil and also the Mercury Quickleen that I use with my gas. They said the only place around was Fleet Farm, so I went there. They didn’t have any of either of them. So, the next day I called A1 Marine in Annandale and they said they had one jug left of Opti oil and I told them to hold it and I would be in on Saturday. When I got there it was the only one. I thought in years past I paid about $25 a jug, but this was $32 this year.
SOOOO…. if anyone knows where they have some and at what price, please let the rest of us know.

(p.s. 26.00 per gallon for the Klotz)

Quote:

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(p.s. 26.00 per gallon for the Klotz)

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And 4 bucks shipping I just ordered 2 gallons today for myself.

Ok Rick…for a guy that doesn’t fish much…that’s sure a nice avatar.

Not to change the topic…but who borrowed you the walleye?

Here is an odd question for the synthetic pro’s..

Have you ever heard comments of losing fuel economy with synthetics? I switched to AMS oil for my last few tanks of gas and the motor is running as good as ever, but I am burning fuel like crazy.. probably a 20% loss. Does this make any sense?

I would have suspected gas, but this is over a few tanks and I always run non-oxygenated. My carbs are freshly rebuilt so I know its not a dirty carb issue. This is in an older pre-mix motor.

Quicksilver is made by Mercury, and my 250 opti owners man recommends that Quicksilver is used.

Which product are you talking about for $26 per gallon? I’m not seeing it on the Klotz site.

Dave,
I guess I have never heard of that from just switching oil.
20% is a huge difference. Especially if you are saying that it is running great.

A good test would be to switch back to what ever you were using before. Take the variable out and if you still experience the same fuel consumption, then you would eliminate the oil switch as the culprit.
I will ask around about that one…

Rick
Tams Racing Products
[email protected]

AJ,
It is the KL-333 Outboard X2 oil that I sell by the gallon for 26.00 (plus the cost of shipping)

Rick
Tams Racing Products
[email protected]