OptiMax Oil Alternative

[Auggie]

I've only ran Quicksilver OptiMax oil in my 250 OptiMax. I'm starting to see on various forums that the oil can coagulate and prevent proper lubrication. I'm also tired of paying $70+/ gallon.

A quick fix would be a new boat. However, I've enjoyed no payments for a number of years and would rather purchase the oil.

Some are suggesting Penzzoil XLF. Have any of you made the switch and how have you liked the alternate oil?

 

[scrotcaster]

Ive ran Penzzoil for years with great luck, no complaints and reasonable price. However mine is just a 75 hr Yam

 

[shorthairsrus]

why switch if you havent had problems ---- is an opti direct injected? I always ran XD 100 and had the computer tweeked thinking it was XD 50 so it was pumbing more oil in. The thing ran clean..no issues. Plugs always looked good when i replaced them. I

 

[v193]

I switched once in my 225opti, wasnt long i had it rebuilt, if you run an opti, only run opti oil....this was advice from probably the best boat mechanic in North Dakota....Russ

 

[Wall-eyes]

Same with me the mercury oil is designed for it and my mechanic buddy who is mercury certified said don't use other stuff asking for trouble. Not worth it for waht these motors cost.

 

[701FishSlayer]

If it ain't broke don't fix it.

 

[Up Y'oars]

I'm also in another fishing/boaters forum. Yamaha owners all over have switched to Mobil1 synthetic 10w30. I switched ten years ago and it's all I run now for both motors. $24gal

 

[SLE]

I'm also in another fishing/boaters forum. Yamaha owners all over have switched to Mobil1 synthetic 10w30. I switched ten years ago and it's all I run now for both motors. $24gal

you aint gonna run that in an Opti, atleast not for very long, lol

 

[bravo]

I’d be nervous to switch but I get it. My 225 Optimax chugged oil compared to my 115. Some dealers will refill jugs with bulk quicksilver for cheaper if that’s a option.

 

[Up Y'oars]

you aint gonna run that in an Opti, atleast not for very long, lol

Doesn't the owner's manual state which grade of oil is acceptable? For example, SJ or better?

 

[SLE]

Doesn't the owner's manual state which grade of oil is acceptable? For example, SJ or better?

Yes, per mercury "Effective October 2010, Mercury OptiMax / DFI or Quicksilver DFI 2-Cycle engine oil is the recommended oil for all OptiMax models - including Pro XS". An Optimax is a 2-stroke Direct Injected Engine and requires 2-stroke DFI engine oil. I'm not aware of any Mobile One products that can be used. It should have a minimum rating of TCW3 but the DFI specific oils have aditives to reduce carbon deposits caused by the direct injection fuel system. Many have used merc premium plus 2-cycle outboard oil with success. Both of mine were fed a strick diet of Mercury Optimax Synthic Blend oil which runs about $50/gal, probably a little more these days. Never an issue in over 500 hours logged between those two engines.

 

[Fester]

I've only ran Quicksilver OptiMax oil in my 250 OptiMax. I'm starting to see on various forums that the oil can coagulate and prevent proper lubrication. I'm also tired of paying $70+/ gallon.

A quick fix would be a new boat. However, I've enjoyed no payments for a number of years and would rather purchase the oil.

Some are suggesting Penzzoil XLF. Have any of you made the switch and how have you liked the alternate oil?

Stay with opti oil! Not worth the risk of blowing it up. Some dealers may sell it to you in bulk to save a few bucks.

 

[5575]

Ran super tech $10 a gallon then" from Walmart for 15 years in several Yamaha hpdi 2 strokes. Sometimes using 17 gallons a year, never had a single engine issue..ever.

 

[Davey Crockett]

Ran super tech $10 a gallon then" from Walmart for 15 years in several Yamaha hpdi 2 strokes. Sometimes using 17 gallons a year, never had a single engine issue..ever.

My ez go buggy loves that stuff.

 

[v193]

Ran super tech $10 a gallon then" from Walmart for 15 years in several Yamaha hpdi 2 strokes. Sometimes using 17 gallons a year, never had a single engine issue..ever.

That is not an opti.....opti's are a whole different beast

 

[eyexer]

Doesn't the owner's manual state which grade of oil is acceptable? For example, SJ or better?

What your suggesting is four stroke engine oil Opti’s are two strokes