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CA261
Specifications
Fuel Recommendations
IMPORTANT: 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
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.
CA291
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 MerCruiser engine.
CA618
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”. In-
creasing 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 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 spe-
cific 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.
WARNING
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.
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