Fluid recommdations for 6.2 MPIs in N. California
 

Hello all,

Last fall I purchased a 2003 292 w/ dual 6.2s, 140 hours on the meters then, about 170 when I put her in the warehouse 6 weeks ago.

Since we have short winters here, I'm getting ready to pull the boat out of storage and do a pre-spring change of all fluids, filters, etc. I run fairly hard, and am wondering if anyone here has recommendations beyond those in the owners manual for service intervals as well as weights & brands of engine oil, drive oil, and hydr. steering fluid.

The biggest questions I have are do I really have to buy the Mercury engine oil, and why do they specifically recommend NOT using synthetics? My last boat was a Volvo 280 HP 5.7 injected and seemed to run fine on synthetic, but I'm wary of hurting my pride & joy Formula.

Any other service tips to extend parts life\reliability are also welcome. Thanks.