Winterizing Mercury Optimax

[mike54]

Hi,

2005 175 Opti on the back of a 2005 Triton tr 186. Stored for 8 months. Other than adding gas stabilizer to the tank, should I fill up with regular or premium gas. Thanks.

[SilverFox579]

87 only. There is a dedicated forum for your 2.5L Optimax (one below this one) be sure to post serial number when you go there. From the FAQ at top of the 2.0/2.4/2.5L forum - Recommended Annual Maintenance or Winterization for Optimax Engines

[mike54]

Thanks.

[jtracc]

87 only. There is a dedicated forum for your 2.5L Optimax (one below this one) be sure to post serial number when you go there. From the FAQ at top of the 2.0/2.4/2.5L forum - Recommended Annual Maintenance or Winterization for Optimax Engines

My 2013 150 Pro xs manual says I can use 91. After having issues with crappy 87 gas I did the swap mid summer and she us running like a top. So 91 it is or poor performance with 87.

[SilverFox579]

This FAQ topic at the top of the 2.0/2.4/2.5L & 3L forums has most current recommendations (highlighted in dark blue below) as well as Don's advice on fuel selection. Do not presume "minimum" to mean higher octane is better - Oil, Battery, Spark Plugs, Fuel and Fuel Additive Recommendations

FUEL:
-All models- MAXIMUM ETHANOL CONTENT: 10%. Ethanol content may adversly affect engine performance.
-See "Mercury's View of Ethanol" on Sherm's board at: http://www.bbcboards.net/mercury-mot...nded-fuel.html
-Standard Opti's (ALL) 87 Octane MINIMUM.
-Standard 2-stroke Carb/EFI Models: 87 Octane MINIMUM.
-XS, XB or Racing PRIOR to 2006- CONSULT OWNER'S MANUAL! Most require High-Test!
-ProXS and 250XS 2006-UP: 87 Octane MINIMUM. IF poor idle quality occurs, could can try 89 Octane (mid-grade) to see if quality improves.
-300XS- Consult Owner's Manual. High Grade (minimum 91 Octane) fuel required!

Fuel Additive Recommendations:
-Stabilize fuel ANYTIME fuel will not be consumed and replaced within 15 days!!!
-Optis (ALL, including XS & ProXS): Quickleen in EVERY TANK OF FUEL. You CAN combine Mercury QuickCare or QuickStor Fuel System Treatment & Stabilizer with Quickleen. Use the recommended "dose" of each product per the bottle instructions. For anyone questioning Quickleen recommendation- see Service Bulletin 2001-12 (yes, it's been recommended since 2001!!!).
-Quickleen may be used in ANY Mercury engine- it helps to prevent/remove carbon buildup (primary purpose).

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"Mercury Component Cocktail"- for EVERY tank of fuel, whether or not your fuel contains Ethanol: (Chemically, this works much the same as the previously recommended (and now to avoid alcohol content) cocktail, and requires less components.) This is Don's Preferred "Cocktail":

-1oz Mercury QuickCare +
-1oz Mercury QuickLeen
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Per 5 Gallons of Fuel (in EVERY TANK).

In addition to the above, it is acceptable to add 150:1 mix of Premium PLUS in the fuel tank (for OPTIMAX engine models). This has been proven to benefit fuel system components by providing additional lubrication ONLY to the fuel system components (especially the direct injectors- which are often left DRY after engine shutdown).

(If leaving fuel in boat for more than 30 days, be sure to also add Mercury QuickStor).
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Fuel Selection:

Make your fuel selections based on the following criteria, IN THE FOLLOWING ORDER:

-High Traffic, Top-Tier (Name Brand) Fuel
-Appropriate Octane Rating (see above info)
-Lowest possible ethanol content (NEVER to exceed 10%).
-While it may be preferable to utilize a fuel that contains lower (or no) ethanol, use of fuels that are SUBSTANTIALLY higher octane can result in decreased performance, decreased fuel economy, and potential for carbon buildup. Higher octane fuels burn SLOWER and COOLER.

Your engine, your choice.