New oil requirements for ALL Optimax engines!!!
 

Thought I would pass this along to my boater Bretheran who cares!!

Fresh off the Mercury Marine web site:

New Oil Recommendation for All OptiMax Engine Models
Effective October 2010, Mercury OptiMax / DFI or Quicksilver DFI 2-Cycle engine oil is the recommended oil for all OptiMax models - including Pro XS. (The previous recommendation stated the use of Mercury Premium Plus 2-Cycle Outboard Oil in ProXS models and OptiMax oil in non-ProXS models.)

OptiMax / DFI oil is a superior oil when compared to the Premium Plus oil. While both products are high quality 2-cycle engine oils suitable for use in OptiMax engines, the OptiMax / DFI oil contains a higher percentage of additives that reduce carbon deposit formation.

Over time, under normal operating conditions, carbon deposits accumulate in the power cylinder (piston, cylinder head, liners). In most cases the carbon deposits do not create a problem, but carbon deposits that form on the piston - particularly behind the piston rings and piston skirts - can reduce engine life and performance.

OptiMax / DFI oil is specially formulated to prevent the carbon deposits from forming. It also does a better job of reducing existing carbon deposits than the Premium Plus oil. Going forward, the Operation, Maintenance and Warranty manuals for OptiMax outboards will recommend Mercury OptiMax / DFI or Quicksilver DFI 2-Cycle engine oil to help maximize engine life and performance.

Operation, Maintenance and Warranty and Service manuals are in the process of being updated and will contain the following:

Oil Recommendation

Recommended Oil Mercury OptiMax / DFI or Quicksilver DFI 2-Cycle Engine Oil

Mercury OptiMax / DFI or Quicksilver DFI 2-Cycle Engine Oil is recommended for your engine. If Mercury OptiMax / DFI or Quicksilver DFI 2-Cycle Engine Oil is not available, we recommend using Mercury or Quicksilver TC-W3 Premium Plus 2-Cycle Oil. Severe engine damage may result from use of an inferior oil.