Specifications; Fuel Recommendations - Mercury 496 MAG Bravo Owner's Manual

CA964

Fuel Recommendations

Use of improper gasoline can damage your engine seriously. Engine damage resulting from use of
improper gasoline is considered misuse of engine, and damage caused thereby will not be covered
under the limited warranty.
FUEL RATINGS
Mercury MerCruiser engines will operate satisfactorily when using a major brand of unleaded gasoline as
follows:
USA and Canada - having a posted pump Octane Rating of 87 (R+M)/2 minimum. Premium gasoline [92
(R+M)/2 Octane] is also acceptable. DO NOT use leaded gasoline.
Outside USA and Canada - having a posted pump Octane Rating of 90 RON minimum. Premium gasoline (98
RON) is also acceptable. If unleaded gasoline is not available, use a major brand of leaded gasoline.
CA878
USING REFORMULATED (OXYGENATED) GASOLINES (USA ONLY)
This type of gasoline is required in certain areas of the USA. The two types of oxygenates used in these fuels
is Alcohol (Ethanol) or Ether (MTBE or ETBE). If Ethanol is the oxygenate that is used in the gasoline in your
area, refer to Gasolines Containing Alcohol also.
These Reformulated Gasolines are acceptable for use in your Mercury MerCruiser engine.
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GASOLINES CONTAINING ALCOHOL
If the gasoline in your area contains either methanol (methyl alcohol) or ethanol (ethyl alcohol), you should be
aware of certain adverse effects that can occur. These adverse effects are more severe with methanol.
Increasing the percentage of alcohol in the fuel can also worsen these adverse effects.
Some of these adverse effects are caused because the alcohol in the gasoline can absorb moisture from the
air, resulting in a separation of the water/alcohol from the gasoline in the fuel tank.
The fuel system components on your Mercury MerCruiser engine will withstand up to 10% alcohol content in
the gasoline. We do not know what percentage your boat's fuel system will withstand. Contact your boat
manufacturer for specific recommendations on the boats fuel system components (fuel tanks, fuel lines, and
fittings). Be aware that gasolines containing alcohol may cause increased:
•
Corrosion of metal parts.
•
Deterioration of rubber or plastic parts.
•
Fuel permeation through rubber fuel lines.
•
Starting and operating difficulties.
FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD: Fuel leakage from any part of fuel system can be a fire and explosion
hazard which can cause serious bodily injury or death. Careful periodic inspection of entire fuel
system is mandatory, particularly after storage. All fuel components including fuel tanks, whether
plastic metal or fiberglass, fuel lines, fittings, fuel filters and carburetors/fuel injection components
should be inspected for leakage, softening, hardening, swelling or corrosion. Any sign of leakage or
deterioration requires replacement before further engine operation.

Specifications

CAUTION
WARNING
INDEX
39