Mercury 90 Questions

[mak1965]

I am sorry if this subject has been beaten up a lot! i am a new Boat owner and it seems like I can get great info and help here. I just purchased a Stracraft Deckboat FD161. It has a Mercury 90

Which cheaper priced Oil can I use in it, I paid $25 for a gal of Mercury!!!

Also, If I use the hose attachment under the cover to flush the motor after use, should I run the engine?

Also Anyone who reads this, I would greatly appreciate any tips or hints to help me in the quest of becoming a knowledgable Boat owner and taking care of my new investment well, OH yeah can I winterize this thing myself? and what do you guys think of me having the boat in the driveway all winter?? I am on the Delmarva penninsula, not much snow. Please advise! It is GREATLY appreciated! Mark K

mkunie@verizon.net

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Mercury 90 Questions

Stay with the Mercury oil. While I'm sure there is cheaper TCW3 rated oil out there that will work just fine, why take a chance? And if you are going to take care of it yourself by all means buy a manual.

 

[TonyNoriega]

Re: Mercury 90 Questions

I would strongly recommend using the Merc Quicksilver oil....there has been volumes written about the use of proprietary oils vs. generic and if you do some searches you'll be reading for hours. Sam's Club has the Merc oil for 16 dollars a gallon.

As for the flushing, that's another subject that will get you differing opinions but on my Yamaha, although the manual tells me I can get a thorough rinse without running the motor, I do it anyway (run the motor). I run in salt water exclusively and don't mind the little bit of extra effort it takes to hook up the earmuffs.

If I were you - being an new owner of boat and motor - I would pull the cowling and familiarize myself with the different components of the motor, tracing the fuel flow, oil flow, etc. and try to get a working knowledge of the layout. It may serve you further down the line when a problem arises on the water, far away from help.

Congratulations and best of luck!

 

[mak1965]

Re: Mercury 90 Questions

Thanks so much for the start! I have ideas now!!