optimax oil for 2 strokes Merc Optimax ??????

[hammersley]

OK - my son has a 90 HP optimax that uses this oil - and he's told that since it's an injected oil - it is not recommended to use anything other than this stuff. Now it's $25/gallon - ----two questions.....



1. Is this true or just BS

2. Can you buy this oil cheaper than that?????

 

[fest3er]

OK - my son has a 90 HP optimax that uses this oil - and he's told that since it's an injected oil - it is not recommended to use anything other than this stuff. Now it's $25/gallon - ----two questions.....



1. Is this true or just BS

2. Can you buy this oil cheaper than that?????

Quick answer? Magnusson-Moss Act. If they require that only their oil be used, they must supply it free. But, of course, they don't require it. See

http://www.mercurymarine.com/electrical_faqs

Any oil that meets NMMA TC-W3 can be used.



Amsoil makes such a synthetic oil; it's somewhat less expensive than the oil you mentioned, but may well be the best oil on the market for your son's usage. [I'm a dealer; I *have* to say that. ] PM me if you want details.



Quicksilver is another brand (actually, Quicksilver and the Mercury brand are the same oil. Apparently Wally World sells an inexpensive TC-W3 lube. And there are other mfrs out there, too.



N

 

[WCPoe]

Optimax oil

Hammersley - We also bought a Merc Optimax and have been using the Mercury DFI oil. I was reluctant use anything else until my warranty is up. The Optimax DFI oil is showing $29. 99/gallon on WEST MARINE's sight I believe. My dealer said that Mercury's Premium Plus Oil for two strokes is fine to use but the DFI oil is slightly better. I researched this and believe both these oils are considered type TC-W3 type oils by the manufacturers association, (NMMA), and I think this is what is specified in our operator's manuals. I found a fully synthetic TC-W3 Pennzoil at WalMart but I as I said I'm reluctant to experiment until the warranty is up. The link below is the 2. 5 gallon bottle at West Marine's site but it's more expensive than the Merc oil. I believe I saw this same oil jug at Wally World at a much cheaper price. I must tell you that the Merc DFI oil is only a synthetic blend and the Pennzoil shows a fully synthetic type oil which I think would be better.



I emailed Mercury with questions about the alternate oils and they responded:



In regards to your first question, we recommend following the instructions

of the engine's Owner's Manual. Below we have pasted the Oil

Recommendation section of the manual.



"Oil Recommendation

Mercury or Quicksilver Optimax/DFI 2-Cycle engine oil is recommended for

your engine. If Optimax/DFI 2-Cycle engine oil is not available, we

recommend using Mercury or Quicksilver TC-W3 Premium Plus 2-Cycle Oil.

Severe engine damage may result from use of an inferior oil. "



We do not recommend oil other than that specified in the Owner's Manual

because Mercury and Quicksilver OptiMax oil is produced specifically for

your engine.



Anyway, I'll may switch over to the Pennzoil if it's cheaper at Wally World after my warranty run's out :{



http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/10001/-1/10001/54680/10001/398/169/6