New Mercury Optimax Oil Synthetic Blend?

[tabbert94]

I was told today at my local mercury dealer that mercury has switched to a new oil manufacturer and their optimax synthetic blend oil is now different color wise and thicker than the last. How true is this? I found this out because I bought oil a few months ago and when I put it in the boat I swore it was a different color than what it’s always been. Then I started having problem with the reservoir on the motor not filling with the oil I’m assuming because the new optimax oil is thicker and it is still cold here in Ohio. Yes myself and mercury marine certified mechanics went through the whole oiling system and motor and nothing is leaking, broken, or clogged. My guess is this supposed new optimax oil is a problem? Has anyone else had similar issues or heard of this?

[Tim W]

Iv always put quick silver DFI oil in my Pro XS. I bought a jug of it at academy and it was indeed a different color than the jug before that. I think it was lighter.

No issues thus far.

[tabbert94]

Same thing here, it was like a dark reddish/brown before I thought. Now it’s like a lighter clearer brown color

[EuropeanAM]

Been discussed here many times.

[badboyjigs]

I was told today at my local mercury dealer that mercury has switched to a new oil manufacturer and their optimax synthetic blend oil is now different color wise and thicker than the last. How true is this? I found this out because I bought oil a few months ago and when I put it in the boat I swore it was a different color than what it’s always been. Then I started having problem with the reservoir on the motor not filling with the oil I’m assuming because the new optimax oil is thicker and it is still cold here in Ohio. Yes myself and mercury marine certified mechanics went through the whole oiling system and motor and nothing is leaking, broken, or clogged. My guess is this supposed new optimax oil is a problem? Has anyone else had similar issues or heard of this?

are you sure it’s not gelled and clogged ? Many are switching to Pennzoil for this very reason !

[Atlantic1]

With the new DFI being much lighter in color and thicker in viscosity I wonder if it still contains the Molybdenum that it used to have along with Mercury/QS Premium Plus and Yamalube 2M? Anyone know?

[EuropeanAM]

My understanding is that there was a vendor (or in this case, "blender") change. No indication has been given that the actual blend changed, other than the color (dye).

That oil has been out since the very early 2000's without difficulties until the last year or two. IMHO, it was a "component or process problem" at the blender level, more than likely.

[Tim W]

When Yall are saying "gelled", What does that look like? Are you seeing it Gelled in the boat tank or the motor tank? I buy quicksilver DFI oil from Academy and I dont Think Iv ever seen it "gell".

With that being said, my boat doesn't typically sit for long periods of time w no use.

[Savage]

When Yall are saying "gelled", What does that look like? Are you seeing it Gelled in the boat tank or the motor tank? I buy quicksilver DFI oil from Academy and I dont Think Iv ever seen it "gell".

With that being said, my boat doesn't typically sit for long periods of time w no use.

Looks like "Jelly" clumps, found mainly on the pick-up screen in the remote boat tank.

[Atlantic1]

My understanding is that there was a vendor (or in this case, "blender") change. No indication has been given that the actual blend changed, other than the color (dye).

That oil has been out since the very early 2000's without difficulties until the last year or two. IMHO, it was a "component or process problem" at the blender level, more than likely.

Don,

I appreciate the response. I’ve always used the DFI oil and was concerned about the gelling that has been reported and was considering switching over to Quicksilver Premium Plus. Glad to see the new formulation is the same as the old except for the dye and hopefully any gelling issues.

[Arctic cat 1000]

Do you know what the part number is on the oil you put in a few months ago that had problems. Wondering if the new part number is clogging up also. . I may just switch to Mercury racing oil for 10 dollars more. Don’t need clogging up everything

[Atlantic1]

Same thing here, it was like a dark reddish/brown before I thought. Now it’s like a lighter clearer brown color

Just re-read your OP. If I understand correctly you didn’t have any issues until adding the new PN# amber DFI oil to the existing traditional brown DFI oil in the tank? If so that is troublesome, what was the outcome? Have to dump and clean the tank?

[EuropeanAM]

Just re-read your OP. If I understand correctly you didn’t have any issues until adding the new PN# amber DFI oil to the existing traditional brown DFI oil in the tank? If so that is troublesome, what was the outcome? Have to dump and clean the tank?

I think you are reading into his statement. He didn't say that he's had problems with the "Now it's like a lighter clearer brown color".

[buzzzzbait88]

I had some dark brown oil i got last year and it gelled on me, but not exactly like others have seen. Didn't stay on the screen, but was told thick to pass through it. I bought 2 new gallons from freedom marine and it was the lighter color. Zero issues after freedom flushed my system and cleaned everything.