Brand New Engine - Prevent Carbon buildup

[NelsonQ]

Folks

I've owned a few used motors in the past few years and understand the value of performing a decarb on your motor as a good measure of maintenance.

However, since I've just purchased a brand new 2010 Mercury Optimax DFI 175HP, would running Sea Foam, etc in it regularly be sufficient to prevent carbon buildup? And if so, should I use it every tank or every 2nd or 3rd tank (46 gallon tank)

Just wondering since it's starting new, what approach would you recommend?

Also, on that vein, would you wait until after the break in period before using it on a regular basis.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Brand New Engine - Prevent Carbon buildup

You don't need to do anthing other other than run the nasty looking brown Optimax synthetic oil. Do not use a semi synthetic oil or Mercury Premium oil in the engine. The injectors can't handle it, regardless of what anyone else will tell you.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Brand New Engine - Prevent Carbon buildup

You can certainly add SeaFoam to the fuel but since you have a new engine there is no carbon buildup so the additive helps condition the fuel which you should be doing anyway to prevent fuel system issues. That and adding a water separating fuel filter if the boat does not already have one.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Brand New Engine - Prevent Carbon buildup

No need to run any additional carbon additives when using Opti Oil. The oil already has carbon guard in it's formulation.

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: Brand New Engine - Prevent Carbon buildup

Thanks guys.... I'll certainly be sticking to the Opti oil as recommended as I've heard nothing other than 'you must use it'. And, even if it wasn't the case, for the first 5 years for warranty purposes I'll be using nothing but what Mercury recommends to ensure no disagreements if problems occur.

I'm not sure if the boat has a water separation filter (I'll say with great certainty no) so I'll be adding that as one of my 'to do's' before she hits the water. Might just call the dealer and tell him to add it when he does the boat prep/setup.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Brand New Engine - Prevent Carbon buildup

even though they're easy to add, get the dealer to do it, but tell him where, especially if it's the kind with the drainable bowl (racor) so you can have access, or if you would prefer to have it in a compartment.