Fuel And Oil; Fuel Recommendations - Mercury 200 User Manual

Fuel Recommendations

IMPORTANT: Use of improper gasoline can damage your engine. Engine damage resulting from the
use of improper gasoline is considered misuse of the engine, and damage caused thereby will not be
covered under the limited warranty.
FUEL RATINGS
Mercury Marine engines will operate satisfactorily when using a major brand of unleaded gasoline
meeting the following specifications:
USA and Canada ‑ Model 275: Having a posted pump Octane Rating of 92 (R+M)/2 Octane is required
for best performance. Having a posted pump Octane Rating of 87 (R+M)/2 minimum is acceptable,
however performance losses may occur. Do NOT use leaded gasoline.
Outside USA and Canada ‑ Model 275: Having a posted pump Octane Rating of 96 RON is required for
best performance. Having a posted pump Octane Rating of 90 RON minimum is acceptable, however
performance losses may occur. If unleaded gasoline is not available, use a major brand of leaded
gasoline.
USA and Canada ‑ Models 200/225/250: 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 ‑ Models 200/225/250: 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.
USING REFORMULATED (OXYGENATED) GASOLINES (USA ONLY)
This type of gasoline is required in certain areas of the USA. The 2 types of oxygenates used in these
fuels are 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.
These Reformulated Gasolines are acceptable for use in your Mercury Marine engine.
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 Marine 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 boat's 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 the 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 should be inspected for
leakage, softening, hardening, swelling or corrosion. Any sign of leakage or deterioration requires
replacement before further engine operation.
Because of possible adverse effects of alcohol in gasoline, it is recommended that only alcohol‑free
gasoline be used where possible. If only fuel containing alcohol is available, or if the presence of alcohol
is unknown, increased inspection frequency for leaks and abnormalities is required.

FUEL AND OIL

WARNING
!
22