Here are just a few maintenance items that all boaters should be aware of:
We recommend the use of 87 octane regular unleaded fuel in your boat regardless of the power option. Today’s fuel manufacturers generally start every grade of fuel they produce at or below 87 octane. They then “boost” the octane rating by adding alcohol to the fuel in the form of ethanol to achieve the desired octane level. The higher alcohol levels in fuel can certainly cause some running issues that are very undesirable. Symptoms that may arise are engines that are hard to start when hot or cold, engine dieseling (also called run-on), vapor lock, or just poor overall performance. By using 87 octane fuel, you will be assured that you are using a fuel with the lowest possible alcohol content, thereby lessening the chances of the above mentioned problems. We also recommend the use of a good fuel stabilizer such as Johnson / Evinrude 2 + 4 fuel conditioner. Regular use of this product will keep the fuel system clean as well as keeping the fuel from deteriorating and causing your fuel system problems and the poor performance issues mentioned above. Alcohol blended fuels begin to break down within three weeks of the refinery process. Likewise, alcohol blended fuels also attract moisture that will eventually decrease the octane of the fuel, and cause your engine to perform poorly. So if you have the same fuel sitting in your tank for a period of three weeks or longer, the fuel is starting to separate and will likely be causing you some problems very soon thereafter. Keep in mind that any fuel system issues related to stale fuel are NOT covered by warranty. It is your responsibility to maintain the fuel system. The cost of 2 + 4 and your time to dump it in the tank is far less than any repair bill!
Another important issue worth mentioning is lubricating oils. Your manufacturer has designed specific oil to protect your engine for many years of trouble free use. Always follow the manufacturers recommendations for using the correct oil. Do not use “automotive” oils in 4-stroke outboards or sterndrive engines. Automotive oils are not formulated to withstand the high load and high RPM operation that marine engines are constantly subjected to. Likewise, do not use 2-stroke outboard oils that do not post an outboard manufacturers name on the label. Brands such as Penzoil marine, Lubrimatic, and Super Tech do NOT build outboard engines. Aftermarket oils are less expensive than name brand oils for a reason….THEY’RE NOT THE SAME!!!
Below is a list of manufacturer recommended oils for your specific brand and type of engine:
Outboards
Johnson/Evinrude 2-stroke carbureted models: Use Johnson/Evinrude XD-30 or XD-50
Evinrude 2-stroke “Ficht” direct injected models: Use Johnson/Evinrude XD-50
or XD-100.
Evinrude E-tec direct injected models: Use Johnson/Evinrude XD-100 ONLY.
Yamaha 2-stroke engines (all models): Use Yamalube 2-M (blue cap on bottle)
Yamaha 4-stroke engines (all models): Use Yamalube 4-M (gold cap on bottle)
Mercury 2-stroke carbureted and E.F.I. outboards including carbureted and E.F.I.
Sport Jet models: Use Mercury/Quicksilver Premium or Premium Plus 2-stroke oil.
Mercury 2-stroke Optimax direct injected outboards including Optimax Sport Jet
Use Mercury/Quicksilver Optimax oil ONLY.
Mercury 4-stroke engines: Use Mercury/Quicksilver 10w30 4-stroke oil.
Mercury Verado 4-stroke engines: Use Mercruiser 25w40 sterndrive engine oil.
Sterndrive Engines (also referred to as inboard/outboard, or I/O)
Volvo Penta All models: Use Volvo Penta Dura Plus SAE-30 synthetic.
Mercruiser All models: Use Mercruiser 25w 40 engine oil.
Lower Unit Lube
Volvo Penta All models: Use Volvo Penta 75w90 gear oil.
Mercruiser All Models: Use Mercruiser High Performance gear lube.
Again, we hope that this bit of information will aid to your ease of maintenance, as well as provide you with many years of trouble free time on the water. Remember we also have a top rated Service Department that can handle any of your Maintenance for you as well. Please feel free to contact our service department at (618) 632-6353 in O'Fallon, IL or (417) 272-1277 in Branson West, MO to schedule an appointment.
And as always, remember to boat smart and boat safe!
