Mercury Four Stroke Outboard Oil Change Kits FAQs
Which oil and lubricants should I use for my Mercury outboard service?
Marine engines have to put up with a lot of wear. From the intense vibrations, high RPMs (up to 6,400 RPMs for some Mercury outboard models), salt water, and damaging UV rays — just to name a few — it’s not easy for your Mercury outboard engine out on the water.
Because of the intense wear, it’s always best to use genuine Mercury Marine Precision Oils and lubricants to protect your engine. Mercury oils and lubricants are designed precisely (hence, the term “precision") to endure the types of events your Mercury outboard engine goes through on a regular basis and prevent unnecessary wear and tear on your engine components.
There are a few types of Mercury outboard engine oil you can choose from. The right choice will depend on the model of your Mercury outboard engine. For example, some engines prefer a synthetic blend 25W-40, while others might prefer a lighter 10W-30 outboard oil.
To determine which type of engine oils and lubricants you should use in your Mercury outboard, consult your owner’s manual.
What comes in a Mercury Outboard Oil Change Kit?
It’s not always easy to determine which type of oil and filter you need for your service — or how much oil you need. That’s why PartsVu makes it easy to service your outboard engine with Mercury outboard oil change kits.
Oil cha nge kits are pre-assembled with everything you need to make your service a breeze. They come with the right amount and type of engine oil and the exact oil filter(s) you need for your specific outboard model. We stock Mercury oil change kits for almost every model ranging from 6hp up to 400hp.
How do I protect my Mercury outboard engine from unnecessary wear?
The best way to keep your Mercury outboard engine running for years to come is to protect it from unnecessary wear and tear with protective products. Here are just a few of the best products to protect your Mercury outboard:
- Corrosion Guard
- Marine Grease
- Fuel System Cleaner
- Fuel Stabilizer
- Mercury Engine Oils and Lubricants
Changing your oil regularly with genuine Mercury oils and lubricants is the best way to ensure the internal workings on your outboard engine are well-lubricated and can function at peak efficiency. Mercury marine oils and lubricants are specifically designed for marine engines, which provide up to 33% better camshaft and wear protection.
When you have your Mercury outboard engine covered inside and out, you’ll be able to even more time on the water without worrying about mechanical issues.
How do I check hours on my Mercury outboard?
Checking the hours on your Mercury outboard does more than just tell you how long your engine has been running. It’s also the best way to track service intervals and know when your Mercury outboard is due for an oil change or other maintenance. For example, most dealers suggest Mercury outboard oil change frequencies of around 100 hours.
The best way to check hours on your Mercury outboard is to simply check the console display. Most boats — especially newer models — have digital or rotary displays right on the dashboard to show you how many engine hours your Mercury outboard has.
If your boat doesn’t have the hours on the console display, you can use an engine diagnostic reader. Simply hook the reader to your Mercury outboard, and it’ll show you the hours — along with other useful information about your engine. You may need to go to a dealer to get access to a diagnostic reader.
Finally, you can install an aftermarket engine hour reader. These readers have wiring that wraps around your engine’s spark plug wires. When your engine is running, the meter is counting, giving you an accurate reading of your engine hours.
Where are my Mercury outboard’s grease points?
Performing a Mercury outboard oil change is only one part of the maintenance equation. Your engine also has moving parts that require grease. However, it’s not always easy to know where the grease points on your Mercury outboard actually are!
There are several grease points you should look for on your Mercury outboard engine:
- Grease fittings
- Moving and pivot point locations
- Bolts and screws
- Propeller shaft
Basically, anything that moves, touches, pivots, grinds, or spins needs grease every now and then.
Typically, it’s a good idea to grease your outboard engine every time you perform a service — or at the very least, annually. If you use your boat in saltwater, you should grease it more frequently, as saltwater breaks down grease and can cause more friction between moving points.
Whenever you grease your Mercury outboard engine, be sure you’re using genuine Mercury marine lubricants. Only Mercury lubricants are designed to work specifically with Mercury engines!
How do I look up my Mercury outboard serial number?
A key part of engine maintenance is to know which parts, oils, and accessories to use on your model of Mercury outboard engine. Different engines need different pieces and maintenance essentials, so make sure you get the right equipment. But how do you know what the right equipment is? With your engine’s serial number!
Your Mercury outboard engine serial number lets you easily look up the parts and accessories that work with your specific engine. And luckily, it’s easy to look up your serial number.
For Mercury outboards 6hp and lower, you can find the engine serial number right on top of the swivel bracket. If you don’t see it right away, you may need to tilt the engine up and trim to the left to see the ESN tag.
If your Mercury outboard engine has more than 8hp, the serial number is about halfway down the transom assembly on the right side. You might also be able to find it just under the engine’s powerhead.
Once you do find your serial number, be sure to take a picture of it on your phone — or write it down, if you prefer more old-school methods. That way, you can always have your engine’s serial number handy when you need to order parts or a Mercury outboard oil change kit.
Are all Mercury four-stroke oil change kits the same?
No, Mercury four-stroke oil change kits may differ based on the model and year of the outboard engine. Different kits may also contain different components based on the manufacturer's recommendations. It's important to check the specific kit for your engine to ensure you have the correct parts and amount of oil needed for a proper oil change.
Where can I find Mercury marine service, such as a boat oil change, near me?
You can find authorized Mercury Marine dealers and service centers near you by visiting the Mercury Marine website and using their dealer locator tool. Simply enter your location and select the type of service you need, such as an oil change, and the tool will provide a list of authorized dealers and service centers in your area. You can also contact Mercury Marine customer service for assistance in finding a service center near you.
What is the best oil to run in a Mercury outboard?
Mercury specifically recommends using their own brand of oil, Quicksilver. However, any high-quality marine oil that meets the engine's requirements and standards can be used.
How many quarts of oil does a Mercury outboard take?
The amount of oil needed for a Mercury outboard varies by model and size. It is recommended to refer to the owner's manual or consult with a certified Mercury dealer to determine the exact amount of oil needed for a specific engine.
How often should I change the oil in my Mercury outboard?
Mercury recommends changing the engine oil and oil filter every 100 hours of use or once a year, whichever comes first. However, if the engine is used heavily or in extreme conditions, it may need to be changed more frequently.
What kind of oil does a Mercury 4-stroke take?
Mercury 4-stroke engines require the use of 25W-40 marine oil that meets or exceeds the standards set by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). Quicksilver brand oil is recommended, but other high-quality marine oils that meet the standards can also be used. It is important to check the owner's manual or consult with a certified Mercury dealer to ensure the correct oil is used.
What is a Mercury outboard oil change kit?
A Mercury outboard oil change kit is a package that contains all the necessary items to perform an oil change on a Mercury outboard motor.
What comes in a Mercury outboard oil change kit?
Typically, a Mercury outboard oil change kit includes the appropriate amount and type of oil for the specific outboard model, a new oil filter, and a drain plug gasket.
What are the benefits of using a Mercury outboard oil change kit?
Using a Mercury outboard oil change kit ensures that you have all the necessary components for an oil change, which saves time and reduces the chance of making mistakes during the process. It also ensures that you are using the correct oil and filter for your specific outboard model.
How often should I change the oil on my Mercury outboard?
It is recommended to change the oil in your Mercury outboard every 100 hours of use or at least once a year, whichever comes first.
Can I use any type of oil with my Mercury outboard?
No, it is important to use the type of oil recommended by Mercury for your specific outboard model. Using the wrong type of oil can damage the engine.
How do I know which oil change kit to use for my Mercury outboard?
The appropriate oil change kit for your Mercury outboard can be found in the owner's manual or by contacting a Mercury dealer. It is important to use the correct kit for your specific outboard model.
Which oil change accessories do I need to keep my workspace clean?
To keep your workspace clean during an oil change, you may want to consider using the following accessories:
- Oil drain pan: This is used to catch the old oil as it's drained from the engine.
- Funnel: A funnel can help you pour the new oil into the engine without spilling.
- Oil filter wrench: This is used to remove the old oil filter and replace it with a new one.
- Shop towels: These can be used to wipe up any spills or drips.
- Gloves: Gloves can protect your hands from hot oil and keep them clean.
- Oil absorbent pads or kitty litter: These can be used to soak up any oil that may have spilled on the ground.
- Trash bags: You'll need these to dispose of the old oil, oil filter, and any used rags or pads.
Having these accessories on hand can make the oil change process cleaner and easier.
What's in a 2019 Mercury 60 hp outboard 4 stroke oil change kit?
A typical 2019 Mercury 60 hp outboard 4-stroke oil change kit includes the following items:
- Mercury 10W-30 FC-W synthetic blend marine engine oil (2.1 quarts)
- Mercury 4-stroke oil filter
- Drain plug gasket
- Drip tray
It's worth noting that some oil change kits may vary slightly depending on the specific model of the outboard engine. It's always a good idea to double-check the contents of the kit before making a purchase.
What's the shelf life of a Mercury marine oil change kit?
The shelf life of a Mercury marine oil change kit can vary depending on the specific kit and its components. Generally, the oil and filter in the kit have a shelf life of about two years if stored in a cool, dry place. However, other components, such as fuel stabilizer or gear lube, may have a different shelf life. It is recommended to always check the expiration dates or shelf life of individual components before using them.
Is a Mercury 40 hp 4 stroke oil filter interchangeable with a Mercury 60 hp 4 stroke oil filter, Mercury 90hp oil filter, or a Mercury 115 oil filter?
It depends on the specific oil filter part number. Some Mercury oil filters are interchangeable between different engine models, while others are not. It's important to refer to the owner's manual or parts catalog to determine the correct oil filter part number for your specific engine model.
What is typically not included in Mercury outboard engine oil change kits?
Mercury outboard engine oil change kits typically do not include a replacement oil filter wrench or drain plug gasket. It is recommended to have these tools on hand before performing an oil change. Additionally, kits may not include gear lube or fuel filter replacements, which may be necessary for a complete maintenance service. It is important to read the contents of the kit carefully to ensure that it includes everything needed for the specific engine model.
Does Mercury offer a warranty to cover oil change kits for Mercury outboard engines?
Mercury offers a limited warranty for their oil change kits for Mercury outboard engines. However, the specifics of the warranty may vary depending on the particular kit and the region or country where it is purchased. It is best to consult the warranty information included with the kit or contact Mercury customer service for more details.
What are the most popular Mercury outboard oil change kits sold by PartsVu?
PartsVu stocks a comprehensive selection of Mercury outboard oil change kits. The following are the most popular Mercury 4 stroke oil change kits you’ll find available in our catalog:
- Mercury Verado oil change kit
- MerCruiser 3.0 oil change kit
- MerCruiser 5.0 oil change kit
- 9.9 Mercury 4stroke outboard oil change kit
- Mercury 60 hp 4 stroke oil change kit
- Mercury 115 oil change kit / Mercury 115 outboard oil change kit
- Mercury 115 pro xs oil change kit / Mercury pro xs 115 oil change kit
- Mercury 150 4 stroke oil change kit
- Mercury 150 oil change kit
- Mercury 150 outboard oil change kit
- Mercury 150 pro xs oil change kit
- Mercury 200 pro xs oil change kit
- Mercury 250 pro xs oil change kit
What is the Mercury marine oil change system?
The Mercury marine oil change system is a device that allows for clean and easy oil changes on Mercury outboard engines. The system consists of a pump, hoses, and an adapter that is inserted into the oil drain on the engine. The pump is connected to a container of new oil, and when activated, it pumps the new oil into the engine while simultaneously drawing out the old oil through the drain hose and into a separate container. This system helps ensure a more thorough oil change, while also reducing the mess and hassle of traditional oil changes.
Do Mercury dealers off an all in one oil change?
Yes, many Mercury dealers offer all-in-one oil change services for Mercury outboard and sterndrive engines. These services typically include the oil change, oil filter replacement, and a full inspection of the engine. It's always best to contact your local dealer to confirm their specific services and pricing.
Does Mercury still manufacture an oil change kit for 50 hp Mercury 4 stroke outboard engines built before 2000?
Mercury does not manufacture an oil change kit specifically for 50 hp Mercury 4 stroke outboard engines built before 2000. However, it is still possible to purchase the individual components needed to perform an oil change on those engines, such as the oil filter and the appropriate type and quantity of oil.
Where can I learn more about Mercury Outboard Oil Change Kits?
PartsVu understands that boaters want to learn how to perform their own Mercury outboard maintenance. From maintaining your Mercury outboard, Mercury sterndrive, and MerCruiser engines, there’s always something new to learn and save money. That’s why PartsVu offers our comprehensive blog, The PartsVu Xchange.
Read up on the latest developments in boating, as well as search for everything you need to know about Mercury marine engine maintenance.
To get you off to a good start, these are some of the most important articles on how to change oil on inboard boat motor, items needed for oil change, and more:
