What oil for 2006 Optimax-90

Hey......I purchased my new boat, and was wondering a couple things.

The manual states Optimax Oil, or Quick Silver premium TC-3 Oil.

Does anyone use anything OTHER than the Optimax Oil in their Optimax engines. I was wondering, because I have about 10 gallons of the Quick Silver left over, and thought I could use it......If NOT, then I will sell it and get Optimax Oil.

The problem is.....Optimax is about 2x the cost of Quick Silver.

Also, where can I get the Optimax around the Louisville Area. BPS didn't have it, and none of the local stores either.....Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks,

Geo

You mentioned Quick Silver premium for the opti. When I was at BPS that was all I could find. Since it was on sale for $14.00 or so I bought some. However, I have an EFI engine. Being this was all I could find, i.e. no regular Quick Silver or regular Mercury oil, I didn't have a choice. It doesn't mention anywhere on the label that it is for opti's only. Is this Q.S. Premium safe to run in an EFI engine or only opti's? I haven't put any in my oil tank; but, since I am going to KY Lake this weekend I will need to. So if any knows what's up and whether it is safe to run in an EFI engine, plus respond.

Thank you.

I only run Opti Oil in my Opti. Most dealers carry it in bulk and you can buy it cheaper. I know Jetta Marine at KY lake has it for around $16 a gallon.

Hall Marine in Owensboro, KY also sells it in bulk.

Charlie

I know J& R outboard has Opti Max oil, located about 1 1/2 miles off the Gene Snyder Freeway, that's where I buy mine. # is 502-968-7955, also Anglers Outpost # 1-859-881-5266 located in Nickolasville, Ky. close to Lexington, Ky.

Check your owner's manual. Basically it will call only for tc-3 oil. Don't matter what brand. As long as it is not listed that you run a certain oil for warranty purposes it would be your preference.(I use the cheap Wal-mart brand. It is tc-3 and has less detergent than higher priced brands.) I run a 99' 200 merc efi. All that was ever stated in the manual was not to run fuels greater than 87 octane. Higher octane would cause the engine to run too hot. I have never understood the need for synthetic 2-cycle oil. It doesn't change how the engine runs and since the winterization process is running a stabilizer/cleaner through the fuel system, I use a product called Seafoam that stabilizes and cleans internal fuel systems in one shot. This is of coarse my own opinion. I am not in any way a mechanic or expert, only stating what works for me.

Direct from the Manual.......Page 37.

"Mercury Optimax/DFI or Quicksilver DFI 2-cycle Engine Oil is recommended for your engine. If Mercury Optimax/DFI or Quicksilver DFI 2-cycle Engine Oil is not available, then we recommend using Mercury or QuickSilver TC-W3 Premium Plus 2-cycle Oil. Severe engine damage may result from use of an inferior engine oil".

So, I guess, the Mercury TC-W3 Premium that I have is OK.........BUT I really should use the DFI 2-cycle Engine Oil instead. Too bad, because that stuff is EXPENSIVE.

Thanks,

Geo

I see where several Opti owners have replied. I to have a Optimax, and Optimax oil is all I use. My old boat had a Merc Black Max on it and I used the Quicksilver oil in it. I called Mercury when I got my Opti, and they strongly urged me to use only the Opti oil. I'm in central Ky. and Kaylors Marine sells it in bulk for $17.00 a gallon. The Opti's are oil injected at 25:1, -vs- the older Mercs that are 50:1. Just my opinion but I would only use the Optimax oil.

I'd stick to the Opti oil.....

It's a little confusing but the Premium is the regular grade for lower H.P. motors.
The premium PLUS is the good stuff, I have a 2001 225HP EFI.
If I had a Opti then that is what I would use Opti oil only.
Dave

There used to be a guy that posted over on the boat board, I think his name was Tony. I know everyone said he was the best Merc mechanic in the world, much less KY... LOL

Anyway, I have an Opti-max, and I asked him this question. He told me that the Opti oil is manufactured to make the oil molecules a little smaller than regular 2 cycle oil. He said the regular TCW-3 oils would stop up the oil injecter ports, and that the smaller molecules were developed to over come this problem. My boat is about 4.5 years old, and so far no problems... knock on wood.

Now I am no mechanic, or chemist, just reguragetating what Tony said, and based my belief on his telling the truth based upon all his support from the rest of the board.

I have a 5 gallon gas can that I take down to Jet-A and buy my oil in bulk from them. You can not store oil in thin plastic, as it will eat through it... thin plastic being milk cartons. I know Jet-A made a deal to get a lot of empty, clean milk jugs because that was how most people bought the bulk, and they sell it in them, but always warned you to change the storage. So I bought the Gas can. I also kept a couple of 5 qt Pennzoil jugs, washed them out with gas very well, then used them to pour the oil from the 5 gallon can to the 5 qt jug. This way I can take oil with me on trips, plus it is easier to add to my boat.

I hope this helps... Good luck,

Tight lines and God Bless

Danny

I work for a major branded lubricant company and can tell you that someone other than Mercury is making there oil. We make marine lubricants which are for sale under our brand as well as brands for other companies. While I am not knocking the opti oil at all because it is probably a really good product or Mercury would not put it's name on it. I have a lot of respect for Mercury and their products that is the reason I have owned two Mercury engines in the last 6 years. However my point is, more than likely it is one of only a few companies capable of packing marine lubricants. I have owned two Mercury Optimax's since 2000 and have never placed anything other than my companies brand in the engine. Our product exceeds TCW3 specs and provides a warranty against any damage that would be caused by our product. The same applies for Mercury's Fuel System Cleaner products, etc. This warranty is offered to everyone who purchases our product. In addition, similar type warranties are offered by most major lubricant companies who are worth their salt. I am not hesitant in the least to run our product in my engine. I have also heard the same rumors about running 89 octane but can tell you that if you read your manual you will find out otherwise.

In closing I would be concerned about placing a private label type product in my engine just because I know what "some" companies will do in order to get the business, especially the business at Wal*Mart. I have seen lubricant packaging companies us recycled oil to produce all kinds of lubricant products. At times quality is not an issue, but the lowest price is.

Thanks to everyone who replied......

I'm going to stick with the Optimax oil, and sell the QuickSilver I still have to a buddy.

BTW.....I found the Optimax BULK at R & W Marine on Fern Valley.

Later,