Bought my Merc 150 Pro XS new in 2023. Ran it for 38 hours that summer. Changed all filters and oils when the season ended. My dealer did the 100 hour service on my engine at 85 hours this summer. I’d rather pay some extra money if i can help my engine to live longer
You got on the head with the maintenance. Im retired coast guard mechanic 21 years and we used to run those hondas for 3-5k hours. One time I had an engine that's came back to us that we took off at 3k hours. It probably went another 3k hours. That's mostly what we did is just maintenance, maintenance, maintenance.
I have a Honda outboard. It only gets E0 (ethanol free) gas and Honda stabilizer everytime gas is added. The guy who works on my boat told me to drain the tank too since the boat sits for over 6 months before I use it again. In the spring I add about a quarter tank of E0 + stabilizer and run it down then fill it. Another thing I do since I am up in the Midwest is put the boat and trailer on jack stands to keep the tires from getting flat spotted from sitting in the garage all winter.
Awesome video and explanation. I purchased a 2015 Ranger Z118C with the 2015 Merc optimax 150 pro xs, in the first five months I had issue with the fuel system; it happened like a snap of your fingers. Ran the boat the day before a tiny tournament, it ran great, got up the day of the tournament, stopped for fuel (put in highest octane 94) drove to the launch… we started half way down the lake and it started slowing down and chugging, spent rest of the day trying to figure out why there was so much gas circles around the motor, in the water. Turned out to be fuel system, diaphragm and reeds. The mechanic said it was lack of maintenance, still say to this day it was the gas where I filled up, even my newer Tacoma was idling funny. I guess I’ll never know because the motor I got in the deal was the original motor. In the long run, the bill was $2200 and if it was caught sooner, it probably would have cost less to fix.
I have a 1997 Mariner 40 hp 2 str I've been running 87 octain 10% ethanol in my boat for years now no problems runs perfect I like a little Seaform every now and then to decarbon these 2 strk's I think it helps but I do use my boat two to three times a week and being a mechanic all my life I maintain a the time and don't abuse it she just keeps on ticking.
Mercury says not to run high octane fuel. The plugs can foul from running premium. It took me some time to find non ethanol regular so i ran non ethanol premium. I had a misfire with only 22 hours on the engine (250 pro xs). Replaced plugs and stopped running 91 octane. All good so far. I also use Quickcare and Quickclean.
Depends what model you have. The supercharged platforms call for a minimum of 89 octane, with 91 octane preferred. The naturally aspirated engines all can run off regular 87 octane.
Well octane simply means the gases ability to resist combustion under pressure it is useless in low compression engines and mandatory to prevent knock in high compression engines this is the big oil lie to consumers regular and premium suggest something is better about the quality and it literally has nothing to do with that
Branded fuel such as Exxon , Shell, BP , already have some additional additives but I do run Mercury Quick Clean in every tank. But I would also say that not letting your motor get up to operating temperature before you take off can be just as bad .
I live on NC coast where non-ethanol is available, that's the only gas that goes in my boat and small engines, along with additive. I don't get to fish much through the winter but keeping the outboard drained, I have never had freeze issues. Through the winter, if I am not fishing, I run my engine on a flush bag every 2 weeks for approximately 30 minutes to keep the gas moving through the fuel system.
I own Cowley's marine in California and yes 100% it's fuel. I cannot even begin to count the # of customers I have harped on or told that they need to run stable and good fuel and every year they bring in the boat because it's not running correctly because they didn't do what I told and we end up doing ringings in the engine because of detination in a cylinder and that's if we caught it before it breaks a piston. I love watching your videos.
Every time I put gas in the boat, I add the appropriate amount of Sta-bil or Startron in it and have never had a lick of fuel problems. Simple and just common sense
@willmillett I've used my boats a lot and also had them set for a long time. Either way, they've fired right up every time. Had multiple motor manufacturers as well. If people would just take ownership seriously and study and learn and do the small things right, the big things don't happen near as much.
We change oils when we winterize and do plugs/filters zincs in the spring. Regardless of hours yes technically they can go for more than the 50hrs most people do but by doing it every season problems become very infrequent.
I knew what you were going to say before I opened the video. I treat every time I gas up. I think about where I'm going and how much fuel I'll be burning and fill approximately so I'm not leaving fuel to go bad. (I fish almost every weekend) Take it for service and a ocean over every year. Pushing 800 hrs on my SHO and have had zero issues.
Truth! 90% of all engine troubles I fix are fuel related. Run ethanol-free premium if possible. If not, additives that stabilize and prevent ethanol phase separation are a must.
Premium is not important non ethanol is if the motor compression is not high enough to need higher octane which is literally all premium is then it's a waste this is a lie the oil companies have used to make consumers think premium means better fuel when it does not when I was a mechanic we had a class on fuel by a big fuel maker they said they put all the same additives in all grades of fuel the only difference is octane and octane does nothing but make gas resist knock so lower compression engines benefit 0 from using it
I personally have done it both ways. I prefer pumping out all the fuel in the tank. I do run additives in my fuel (sta-bil and ring free). I like knowing that that the tiny bit of fuel left in the tank is treated and I will be topping up with fresh fuel come spring! I think my odds are a lot better then hoping 40-50 gallons of gas are ok for 4-5 months!
I have a 2024 225 Merc pro xs. Life the first year was bad. I’ve only put 1.9 hours on it . What maintenance should I have done to it? It has fuel that was added in dec 2023
Everything you said made sence. I just wish you was close to me here in Tennessee. I would love to have someone as knowledgeable as you. I would trust you to work on my boat no problem. Love you guys and the video. You all are awesome 🎣🔥
I use YamaLube Ring Free religiously and run noE fuel. 324 hours on my ‘07 HPDI. Lower under lube every year, new plugs every 50 hours. But, how many hours should I have injectors serviced?
I’m a tech in upstate NY . This past summer I did around 70 carb rebuilds on outboards, 90% of which were caused by issues due to ethanol fuel ! I tell all of my customers to run non ethanol fuel . If you are running through tank fills of fuel quickly ethanol is ok but the minute it sits for a while the ethanol evaporates and leaves behind all its shit and plugs up carbs and injectors , takes out fuel pumps (electric and mechanical ) . I’ve rebuilt a ton of power heads due to cylinders going lean and blowing up all because of fuel ! Run non ethanol before additives is my recommendation!
I agree. Problem is non ethanol fuel isn’t always available conveniently. I wish all marinas on the water had only non ethanol fuel. Would make things easier.
I believe with gasoline, the biggest issue is it being exposed to the atmosphere. If you plan on using your boat throughout the cold seasons and you have a tank relatively full then topping it off is best as it will allow less atmospheric pressure. If you do not plan on using it for months on end then adding an oil based additive before running the tank empty is your best bet. This will help everything down the line stay lubricated slightly to prevent dry rot thru then entire system
I have a huge question. When it comes to fuel and water filters I always use the ones with the clear tub at the bottom that has the little twist open thing so you can drain the water out. But everyone else I see runs the blue solid filter. So which is better
Not using an outboard is what’s behind the fuel problem. If you use your boat then ethanol doesn’t matter. All modern outboards are designed to run on Unleaded fuel.. Don’t let your motor sit for months at a time. If you do fuel additives are your friend. I like Startron. My boat doesn’t sit longer than a month during with winter months. I’ve never had a fuel related problem.
My new in July '23 Merc 115 XP, I had an oil change at 15 hours and again in the Fall. This summer I brought it in for some 1 year boat issues and they said I had 279 hours on the motor in 12 months. I'm curious if hours are simple the boat is running at any speed by time or is there a speed adjustment. I fish daily in chunks of the year so propably fish 125 days a year. In a normal day I'm not running my engine 2 hours. I do have to do sub 5 mph through a creek for 25-30 minutes each way. Do those idling sub 5 mph count to Hours reported by the motor as impaired to going full? Does the Mercury report give other helpful to know information. If you use your boat 5 days a week would you still use a stabilizer? Any advice on how to select a boat mechanic to work on my engine.
I agree a good fuel additive is huge! However the G2 worked out just fine with 300 hour no service. In all reality apart from possibly fuel filter/ water separator. What’s to go bad? Spark plugs impelors leg oil should all make that. The G2 has a sight glass for checking the leg oil. I can see as a service shop why you don’t like it. But for me owning Evinrude E-Tecs since 2004 has saved me allot of hassle and money on servicing.
I agree that fuel is the most mismanaged component of boat ownership. I have owned bass boats for over 40 years. I have an industrial maintenance background and also have a private pilots license. I preach preventive maintenance to my friends constantly and I tell them if they did a preflight inspection on their boat like I did a plane, they wouldn’t have as many problems as they do! One of my preflight items when flying is a fuel sump sample! Imagine that!!!! Don’t forget that water flow, I once had a dirt dobber clog my water outlet during the summer. Because my boat launch start up check list requires the engine take a quick piss, I trailered it and with a small length of wire, cleared the obstruction and saved the day! Pay attention and wear your life vest and live to fish another day even if you blow your engine!
2015 mercury pro xs optimax 250 with 260 hours... i run that thing every week wide TF open pinned back every spot i go 😂 87oct and startron additive... she seems to run like a scalded dog. What u think team??
The best damn fuel additive out there is Castle Highway 95! We've done the phase separation tests with everything we could get our hands on! Hands down the BEST ethanol fixer out there!
I had the same line of questioning to a few of my customers about honing on their I/O’s….. The scenario was as such: “Once you get on plane, back out of the throttle and cruise at around 3000-3500 RPM. You’ll not only increase longevity, but decrease fuel consumption.” “Why can’t I run it at 4500 all the time?” “What I want you to do when you leave here is put your vehicle into low gear, mash the throttle, and hold it there till you get to where you’re going.” “Why would I do that? I’d blow my engine up!” “Precisely! So why do you think it’s ok to run your boat like that?” I got no response…… This conversation was with a customer who blew up two MerCruiser 4.3 V6 engines within three years…… Even after that conversation, I seen the guy on the local lake, trimmed all the way out, running full tilt, jumping waves with it…. I just shook my head and said to myself, “ya know, he’s funding your bank account, let him go.”
If you belive in fuel treatments but never really tested, seek out project farm channel and his fuel stabilizer test. He is not sponsored and does the best unbiased comparison test out there.
I have a 2006 Mercury 150 it has been serviced every year sense I bought it only 2 times have I had to take it to have something else done service does help for sure
I’ve got 250 yahama Sho.. with 567 hrs 2015 I’ve ran 100% gas whole time with mercury full treatment every couple fuel ups regardless if I’ve got 50-100 hrs always take shop in spring I’ve changed water pump every 3 years changed spark plugs twice so far.. fixing do new set this spring.. bought boat new 2015 January.. always do new filters on each visit lower unit when do water pumps..full load of tackle and I mean way to much tackle to fuel load live well with partner cooler etc the ole skeeter 250 runs low 70’s after 9 years and over 500 hrs almost 600 hrs by spring. Never had issue other then hitting log break prop lower unit but went with torque master new 25 prop fury2
So I'm a over the road driver and im home every 3 weeks and i put the boat on the water when i get home weather permitting. The question i have should i put non ethanol gas in it or still use 87 octane?
What do you think about running the fuel out completely for winter storage. I use only non ethanol with ring free and additive during the season and I only put 4 or 5 gallons every time I go out so I always have fresh gas.
YOU FELLOWS ARE SPOT ON, I THINK THAT THE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE IS SPREAD TOO FAR APART. 300 HOURS, THAT IS ON THE MAJOR STUFF. FILTERS, AS YOU SAID NEED TO BE DONE MUCH SOONER WITH TODAYS SHIT FUEL. GLAD YOU RECOMMENDED FUEL ADDITIVES/STABALIZERS. THANK YOU FOR THE GREAT VIDEO!
Merc tech here in upstate NY. My personal opinion is for most boats even 100 hours is to much to be doing oil changes. We do a lot of fleet services and they often go 100-150 hours between changes and they are absolutely smoked. There is nothing left of the gear oil at 100 hours
I use Stabil and yamalube in a 2001 yamaha 225 2 stroke. When she's is running good thiers nothing better. Dont tell me you dont like that 2 stroke smoke its nostalgic. Peace out, my boats paid for and that the best thing.
Knew an old guy that ran a old 75 Merc 2 stroke with used regular motor oil for years and never had an issue. Smoked like hell and stunk but it ran fine.
When I was a kid, in the 60’s, it was one quart non detergent 30 weight to 6 gallons of fuel. If there was 2 stroke oil, nobody used it in our coastal Maine community.
It’s worth the cost to ensure your OB runs for the next 10 years. I pay more for boat storage than I can for annual services. For those who can store their boats at home, you have zero excuses not to invest $300-$500 a year on preventive maintenance. You spend more than that on your car, let alone if you have to replace tires for $1K! Protect your investment.
Ring free and stabil 360 every fill , only 10 gallons a trip , 2008 250 series 2 hpdi , just change water fuel seperator filter once a year and non ethanol fuel and of course let it warm up in gear before taking off.
I can 100% say the Japanese are testing to different fuel specs. The book on my Yamaha says minimum 89 octane for US. But minimum octane in Australia is 94. That tells me they are testing to different country fuel specifications.
have 2019 Mercury 9.9, ethnol caused me to have 2 carbs, 3 fuel pumps. Ethnol Free no issues. In Northern VA counties, only ethnol gas at all marinas. I travel to get ethnol free gas.
Well if you have a new Mercury with a warranty/extended warranty you want a shop with service records where you were keeping it properly serviced. If not they will find a way to deny warranty!! Guarantee that!
I love sea foam use it in everything. I’ve had sta bil clog an injector after setting in heated storage. Called the dealer and said run seafoam never had a problem since
Thank you for being there am being honest I change different grades of fuel during the time that I use my boat and I use additives I don't think sea foams all that damn great I like Lucas
I have learned that my 200 Venom does NOT like ethanol!!!! I’ve ran 2 tanks of it since I’ve owned it in 4 years. With ethanol, it runs exactly like the carbs are stopped up. Without it, it runs like a scalded dog! Non ethanol or nothing!
Recreational gas is worth the extra $$$. Ethanol free . Some of these boats come rigged with the cheapest fuel lines thea manufacturer can find. The ethanol eats away at the lining on the inside of the fuel line and then you get a constant flow of flake debris heading right into your filter and engine. I've seen it 1 St hand on some buddies boats. They pump the cheapest reg 87 and they have problems all year long
I would say lack of real maitenance is the biggest killer. For exampel you can’t run a outboard i salt and never flush it or never change the internal anodes. Loads of thet shit going on on this side of the pond. We can get a motor thats had a 300h service the year before and you can se that nobody has toucht the lids for the internal anodes. And you pop the lids and se that theres nothing left of them. And ethanol feul should never be used in a outboard, it’s pure shit. On this side of the pond we do not have a choise, we alway have a minimum of 5% mixed in our 98oktane😢
Bought my Merc 150 Pro XS new in 2023. Ran it for 38 hours that summer. Changed all filters and oils when the season ended. My dealer did the 100 hour service on my engine at 85 hours this summer. I’d rather pay some extra money if i can help my engine to live longer
You got on the head with the maintenance. Im retired coast guard mechanic 21 years and we used to run those hondas for 3-5k hours. One time I had an engine that's came back to us that we took off at 3k hours. It probably went another 3k hours. That's mostly what we did is just maintenance, maintenance, maintenance.
I have a Honda outboard. It only gets E0 (ethanol free) gas and Honda stabilizer everytime gas is added. The guy who works on my boat told me to drain the tank too since the boat sits for over 6 months before I use it again. In the spring I add about a quarter tank of E0 + stabilizer and run it down then fill it. Another thing I do since I am up in the Midwest is put the boat and trailer on jack stands to keep the tires from getting flat spotted from sitting in the garage all winter.
Looking for a new 20hp 4-stroke EFI outboard. Which brand would you buy? Which brand has less plastic fuel parts?
Awesome video and explanation.
I purchased a 2015 Ranger Z118C with the 2015 Merc optimax 150 pro xs, in the first five months I had issue with the fuel system; it happened like a snap of your fingers. Ran the boat the day before a tiny tournament, it ran great, got up the day of the tournament, stopped for fuel (put in highest octane 94) drove to the launch… we started half way down the lake and it started slowing down and chugging, spent rest of the day trying to figure out why there was so much gas circles around the motor, in the water. Turned out to be fuel system, diaphragm and reeds. The mechanic said it was lack of maintenance, still say to this day it was the gas where I filled up, even my newer Tacoma was idling funny. I guess I’ll never know because the motor I got in the deal was the original motor. In the long run, the bill was $2200 and if it was caught sooner, it probably would have cost less to fix.
I have a 1997 Mariner 40 hp 2 str I've been running 87 octain 10% ethanol in my boat for years now no problems runs perfect I like a little Seaform every now and then to decarbon these 2 strk's I think it helps but I do use my boat two to three times a week and being a mechanic all my life I maintain a the time and don't abuse it she just keeps on ticking.
Anyway to compare various additives to see the differences in results? Ringfree, sta-bil, star tron ,Quicksiver, etc.
Reply
Mercury says not to run high octane fuel. The plugs can foul from running premium. It took me some time to find non ethanol regular so i ran non ethanol premium. I had a misfire with only 22 hours on the engine (250 pro xs). Replaced plugs and stopped running 91 octane. All good so far. I also use Quickcare and Quickclean.
My 250 pro xs does NOT like premium. Merc knows what they are talking about!
Depends what model you have. The supercharged platforms call for a minimum of 89 octane, with 91 octane preferred. The naturally aspirated engines all can run off regular 87 octane.
Well octane simply means the gases ability to resist combustion under pressure it is useless in low compression engines and mandatory to prevent knock in high compression engines this is the big oil lie to consumers regular and premium suggest something is better about the quality and it literally has nothing to do with that
In your guys opinion what is the best additive for a 2023 Mercury 225. I always run non-ethanol. But would definitely like to do a little extra.
Yep…I have a 2008 Mercury ProXS 250 with only 190 hours on it and still do yearly maintenance on it to prevent the fuel from ruining components.
Branded fuel such as Exxon , Shell, BP , already have some additional additives but I do run Mercury Quick Clean in every tank. But I would also say that not letting your motor get up to operating temperature before you take off can be just as bad .
I live on NC coast where non-ethanol is available, that's the only gas that goes in my boat and small engines, along with additive. I don't get to fish much through the winter but keeping the outboard drained, I have never had freeze issues. Through the winter, if I am not fishing, I run my engine on a flush bag every 2 weeks for approximately 30 minutes to keep the gas moving through the fuel system.
I own Cowley's marine in California and yes 100% it's fuel. I cannot even begin to count the # of customers I have harped on or told that they need to run stable and good fuel and every year they bring in the boat because it's not running correctly because they didn't do what I told and we end up doing ringings in the engine because of detination in a cylinder and that's if we caught it before it breaks a piston.
I love watching your videos.
So you recommend Sta-Bil on a regular basis? How about Startron?
Every time I put gas in the boat, I add the appropriate amount of Sta-bil or Startron in it and have never had a lick of fuel problems. Simple and just common sense
I never add any. Never had any issues. I also use my boat multiple times a month
@willmillett I've used my boats a lot and also had them set for a long time. Either way, they've fired right up every time. Had multiple motor manufacturers as well. If people would just take ownership seriously and study and learn and do the small things right, the big things don't happen near as much.
Stabil is snake oil, run rec 90 end of story. And if u can’t find it you order it spend a few hundred to save your 100k investment
Might be wasting money but I always use non-ethanol fuel and add Star Tron to it. I run it all year and it's still running strong since 2001.
We change oils when we winterize and do plugs/filters zincs in the spring. Regardless of hours yes technically they can go for more than the 50hrs most people do but by doing it every season problems become very infrequent.
I run ethanol free 91 with Mercury quick kleen in every fill up in my 18 optimax. Is this a good path to take?
I knew what you were going to say before I opened the video.
I treat every time I gas up. I think about where I'm going and how much fuel I'll be burning and fill approximately so I'm not leaving fuel to go bad. (I fish almost every weekend)
Take it for service and a ocean over every year. Pushing 800 hrs on my SHO and have had zero issues.
Truth! 90% of all engine troubles I fix are fuel related. Run ethanol-free premium if possible. If not, additives that stabilize and prevent ethanol phase separation are a must.
Premium is not important non ethanol is if the motor compression is not high enough to need higher octane which is literally all premium is then it's a waste this is a lie the oil companies have used to make consumers think premium means better fuel when it does not when I was a mechanic we had a class on fuel by a big fuel maker they said they put all the same additives in all grades of fuel the only difference is octane and octane does nothing but make gas resist knock so lower compression engines benefit 0 from using it
Question when storing your boat should you have a full tank of gas or the lest amount of fuel?
Full, according to the manuals and instructions on additives.
Almost full, where air goes, water goes. This is even more important if you are running a gas with ethanol.
I personally have done it both ways. I prefer pumping out all the fuel in the tank. I do run additives in my fuel (sta-bil and ring free). I like knowing that that the tiny bit of fuel left in the tank is treated and I will be topping up with fresh fuel come spring! I think my odds are a lot better then hoping 40-50 gallons of gas are ok for 4-5 months!
Heated garage likely won't matter. Unheated garage I would keep it full.
question :: good or bad ? before parking the boat while idling disconnect fuel supply to power head and, allow motor to run itself out of fuel ?
I have a 2024 225 Merc pro xs. Life the first year was bad. I’ve only put 1.9 hours on it . What maintenance should I have done to it? It has fuel that was added in dec 2023
😮 Always put star tron in when I'm gasing up ! Not much non ethanol around here !
87 octane ethanol free for me as well as Quickcare and Quickleen in my Mercury 250 XS 4 stroke. Thanks for the info.
Everything you said made sence. I just wish you was close to me here in Tennessee. I would love to have someone as knowledgeable as you. I would trust you to work on my boat no problem. Love you guys and the video. You all are awesome 🎣🔥
I use YamaLube Ring Free religiously and run noE fuel. 324 hours on my ‘07 HPDI. Lower under lube every year, new plugs every 50 hours. But, how many hours should I have injectors serviced?
I have a 1977 johnson25 Hp. Do the older outboards run better with a non ethanol 90% fuel?
I’m a tech in upstate NY . This past summer I did around 70 carb rebuilds on outboards, 90% of which were caused by issues due to ethanol fuel ! I tell all of my customers to run non ethanol fuel . If you are running through tank fills of fuel quickly ethanol is ok but the minute it sits for a while the ethanol evaporates and leaves behind all its shit and plugs up carbs and injectors , takes out fuel pumps (electric and mechanical ) . I’ve rebuilt a ton of power heads due to cylinders going lean and blowing up all because of fuel ! Run non ethanol before additives is my recommendation!
I agree. Problem is non ethanol fuel isn’t always available conveniently. I wish all marinas on the water had only non ethanol fuel. Would make things easier.
@ all of the marinas in my area only sell non ethanol it’s about a dollar more per gallon .
@@bigdadys98x not here in Connecticut saltwater marina unfortunately. Regular 87 or diesel. In my area of New Haven atleast
I believe with gasoline, the biggest issue is it being exposed to the atmosphere. If you plan on using your boat throughout the cold seasons and you have a tank relatively full then topping it off is best as it will allow less atmospheric pressure. If you do not plan on using it for months on end then adding an oil based additive before running the tank empty is your best bet. This will help everything down the line stay lubricated slightly to prevent dry rot thru then entire system
I have a huge question. When it comes to fuel and water filters I always use the ones with the clear tub at the bottom that has the little twist open thing so you can drain the water out. But everyone else I see runs the blue solid filter. So which is better
What are your thoughts on a Lithium battery for a 150 h.p 2017 Mercury 4 stroke?
Not using an outboard is what’s behind the fuel problem. If you use your boat then ethanol doesn’t matter. All modern outboards are designed to run on Unleaded fuel..
Don’t let your motor sit for months at a time. If you do fuel additives are your friend. I like Startron.
My boat doesn’t sit longer than a month during with winter months. I’ve never had a fuel related problem.
Ethanol sucks
Fuel filter/separator before the engine. Saves so much from getting into the fuel system
My new in July '23 Merc 115 XP, I had an oil change at 15 hours and again in the Fall. This summer I brought it in for some 1 year boat issues and they said I had 279 hours on the motor in 12 months. I'm curious if hours are simple the boat is running at any speed by time or is there a speed adjustment. I fish daily in chunks of the year so propably fish 125 days a year. In a normal day I'm not running my engine 2 hours. I do have to do sub 5 mph through a creek for 25-30 minutes each way. Do those idling sub 5 mph count to Hours reported by the motor as impaired to going full? Does the Mercury report give other helpful to know information. If you use your boat 5 days a week would you still use a stabilizer? Any advice on how to select a boat mechanic
to work on my engine.
I agree a good fuel additive is huge!
However the G2 worked out just fine with 300 hour no service. In all reality apart from possibly fuel filter/ water separator. What’s to go bad? Spark plugs impelors leg oil should all make that. The G2 has a sight glass for checking the leg oil. I can see as a service shop why you don’t like it. But for me owning Evinrude E-Tecs since 2004 has saved me allot of hassle and money on servicing.
I agree that fuel is the most mismanaged component of boat ownership. I have owned bass boats for over 40 years. I have an industrial maintenance background and also have a private pilots license.
I preach preventive maintenance to my friends constantly and I tell them if they did a preflight inspection on their boat like I did a plane, they wouldn’t have as many problems as they do! One of my preflight items when flying is a fuel sump sample! Imagine that!!!!
Don’t forget that water flow, I once had a dirt dobber clog my water outlet during the summer. Because my boat launch start up check list requires the engine take a quick piss, I trailered it and with a small length of wire, cleared the obstruction and saved the day!
Pay attention and wear your life vest and live to fish another day even if you blow your engine!
2015 mercury pro xs optimax 250 with 260 hours... i run that thing every week wide TF open pinned back every spot i go 😂 87oct and startron additive... she seems to run like a scalded dog.
What u think team??
Same here. I rawdawg her hardcore.
The best damn fuel additive out there is Castle Highway 95! We've done the phase separation tests with everything we could get our hands on! Hands down the BEST ethanol fixer out there!
I had the same line of questioning to a few of my customers about honing on their I/O’s….. The scenario was as such:
“Once you get on plane, back out of the throttle and cruise at around 3000-3500 RPM. You’ll not only increase longevity, but decrease fuel consumption.”
“Why can’t I run it at 4500 all the time?”
“What I want you to do when you leave here is put your vehicle into low gear, mash the throttle, and hold it there till you get to where you’re going.”
“Why would I do that? I’d blow my engine up!”
“Precisely! So why do you think it’s ok to run your boat like that?”
I got no response…… This conversation was with a customer who blew up two MerCruiser 4.3 V6 engines within three years…… Even after that conversation, I seen the guy on the local lake, trimmed all the way out, running full tilt, jumping waves with it…. I just shook my head and said to myself, “ya know, he’s funding your bank account, let him go.”
Could you do a show on ranger oil, bath hubs and what you would change to or over to a different style hub Lubrication😢😂
I don't use Seafoam, I use StarTron primarily, but what's the issue with Seafoam Marine? Just curious?
If you belive in fuel treatments but never really tested, seek out project farm channel and his fuel stabilizer test. He is not sponsored and does the best unbiased comparison test out there.
What about Sea Foam? I put a can in every time I fill up or per tank.
Same with me 🤔🤷
@@curtadams3281Me too, what's up with Sea Foam?
I run 1oz Seafoam per gallon of non ethanol. No problems.
What is your opinion bring free versus Lucas ethanol fuel treatment for a 250 SHO
I have a 2006 Mercury 150 it has been serviced every year sense I bought it only 2 times have I had to take it to have something else done service does help for sure
I’ve got 250 yahama Sho.. with 567 hrs 2015 I’ve ran 100% gas whole time with mercury full treatment every couple fuel ups regardless if I’ve got 50-100 hrs always take shop in spring I’ve changed water pump every 3 years changed spark plugs twice so far.. fixing do new set this spring.. bought boat new 2015 January.. always do new filters on each visit lower unit when do water pumps..full load of tackle and I mean way to much tackle to fuel load live well with partner cooler etc the ole skeeter 250 runs low 70’s after 9 years and over 500 hrs almost 600 hrs by spring. Never had issue other then hitting log break prop lower unit but went with torque master new 25 prop fury2
So I'm a over the road driver and im home every 3 weeks and i put the boat on the water when i get home weather permitting. The question i have should i put non ethanol gas in it or still use 87 octane?
We can’t find no ethanol fuel around here. Which of the additives is best?
Enertech Gas RX
I totally agree you should always take it to a certified boat mechanic and service is what keeps them going and we need the as boat owners
great video as usual....maintenance is the key to any engine.....
always love the energy!
I run additives and change everything every year regardless of hours. I run Amsoil engine oil and lower unit oil from day one. 2018 Yamaha SHO
What do you think about running the fuel out completely for winter storage. I use only non ethanol with ring free and additive during the season and I only put 4 or 5 gallons every time I go out so I always have fresh gas.
Not necessary at all.
It definitely doesn't hurt
Awesome vid
GR8 vid as usual guys!
Phaser 3000 is by far the best ethanol additive on the market. Gotta agree with Andy on not using Seafoam!
YOU FELLOWS ARE SPOT ON, I THINK THAT THE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE IS SPREAD TOO FAR APART. 300 HOURS, THAT IS ON THE MAJOR STUFF. FILTERS, AS YOU SAID NEED TO BE DONE MUCH SOONER WITH TODAYS SHIT FUEL. GLAD YOU RECOMMENDED FUEL ADDITIVES/STABALIZERS. THANK YOU FOR THE GREAT VIDEO!
What’s your thoughts on lehr propane outboards there’s a 25hp for sale near me for dirt cheap and im thinking about grabbing it
I agree . I spend about 3 to 400 hundred dollars a year on preventative maintenance. It's money well spent
Should you put addatives in your fuel if you use rec fuel exclusively.
Merc tech here in upstate NY. My personal opinion is for most boats even 100 hours is to much to be doing oil changes. We do a lot of fleet services and they often go 100-150 hours between changes and they are absolutely smoked. There is nothing left of the gear oil at 100 hours
I use Stabil and yamalube in a 2001 yamaha 225 2 stroke. When she's is running good thiers nothing better. Dont tell me you dont like that 2 stroke smoke its nostalgic. Peace out, my boats paid for and that the best thing.
Do that fuel test you were talking about. You could also have some setup with the various additives to see the differences in results?
Knew an old guy that ran a old 75 Merc 2 stroke with used regular motor oil for years and never had an issue. Smoked like hell and stunk but it ran fine.
When I was a kid, in the 60’s, it was one quart non detergent 30 weight to 6 gallons of fuel. If there was 2 stroke oil, nobody used it in our coastal Maine community.
Very Risky Oiler...lol
Why not Sea Foam? I used Merc Kwick clean, Startron and Sea Foam
All three of these agents together to clarify
It’s worth the cost to ensure your OB runs for the next 10 years. I pay more for boat storage than I can for annual services. For those who can store their boats at home, you have zero excuses not to invest $300-$500 a year on preventive maintenance. You spend more than that on your car, let alone if you have to replace tires for $1K! Protect your investment.
B.O.A.T. - Break Out Another Thousand
Another great video
Ring free and stabil 360 every fill , only 10 gallons a trip , 2008 250 series 2 hpdi , just change water fuel seperator filter once a year and non ethanol fuel and of course let it warm up in gear before taking off.
I can 100% say the Japanese are testing to different fuel specs. The book on my Yamaha says minimum 89 octane for US. But minimum octane in Australia is 94. That tells me they are testing to different country fuel specifications.
I run a 200 suzuki with 100 octane non ethanol with VP Racing octanium getting it to approx 106 octane.
Marine Ethanol for outboard gas.To eliminate the ethanol & moisture in gasoline.
I fill mine in the winter then pump it out in the spring and run it in the car keeps the gas fresh and moisture free
have 2019 Mercury 9.9, ethnol caused me to have 2 carbs, 3 fuel pumps. Ethnol Free no issues. In Northern VA counties, only ethnol gas at all marinas. I travel to get ethnol free gas.
Well if you have a new Mercury with a warranty/extended warranty you want a shop with service records where you were keeping it properly serviced.
If not they will find a way to deny warranty!! Guarantee that!
Can you do a video on the Yamaha ox66 motors
B.O.A.T. - Broken Or About That.
Why not sea foam?
I love sea foam use it in everything. I’ve had sta bil clog an injector after setting in heated storage. Called the dealer and said run seafoam never had a problem since
what about running non-ethanol. is that a waste of money?
Just curious Why not Seafoam ?
Very nice finally a episode on common sense
How much does running non-ethanol fuel alleviate any of these problems? Seems like good gas would make a difference.
What about a 20 hour service, my dealer said no 20 hour service only a 100 hour service, please explain this
ive always used no ethanol and have never had problems
Thank you for being there am being honest I change different grades of fuel during the time that I use my boat and I use additives I don't think sea foams all that damn great I like Lucas
I have learned that my 200 Venom does NOT like ethanol!!!! I’ve ran 2 tanks of it since I’ve owned it in 4 years. With ethanol, it runs exactly like the carbs are stopped up. Without it, it runs like a scalded dog! Non ethanol or nothing!
good stuff
Recreational gas is worth the extra $$$. Ethanol free . Some of these boats come rigged with the cheapest fuel lines thea manufacturer can find. The ethanol eats away at the lining on the inside of the fuel line and then you get a constant flow of flake debris heading right into your filter and engine. I've seen it 1 St hand on some buddies boats. They pump the cheapest reg 87 and they have problems all year long
I run SeaFoam! Ahoooohhhh. Why not run seafoam? Is it bad? I've had good luck on my 2 stroke with it.
Agree. I run Seafoam marine in everything and it really seems to have solved most problems. Wish I understood all the hate.
I think Seafoam has some isopropyl alcohol in it
Not sure about the marine formula
I think that’s why some don’t like it
Not to mention UA-cam has made a lot of expert mechanics!
What’s wrong with using sea foam?
Long Shaft outboards have more lower unit crashes to debris under the water.
why dont your recommend Seafoam
Doing your own service intervals is so easy!!! If you have to take your boat somewhere for that you shouldn’t even own the boat.
I just try not to let my fuel sit 😏
agree fuel. most people don't treat their fuel
I would say lack of real maitenance is the biggest killer. For exampel you can’t run a outboard i salt and never flush it or never change the internal anodes. Loads of thet shit going on on this side of the pond. We can get a motor thats had a 300h service the year before and you can se that nobody has toucht the lids for the internal anodes. And you pop the lids and se that theres nothing left of them. And ethanol feul should never be used in a outboard, it’s pure shit. On this side of the pond we do not have a choise, we alway have a minimum of 5% mixed in our 98oktane😢
No mention of ethanol free fuel ?
Get into the habit of adding Stabil & or other additives into every tank of fuel you use on the water