Gear Lube

[richvr6]

I plan on changing the gear lube come the spring and wanted to know if using synthetic oil on a 1996 120 hp 2 stroke mercury force motor is good. I also plan on running 93 octane gas also with it.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Gear Lube

Don't wait till spring.Should be done in the fall.Any water in the unit can freeze and do damage.
Synthetic oil is good.I change the oil in my lowers a LOT(can't afford new ones).I use 80/90 from Wally World.
These motors were made to run on regular.I doubt there will be much difference.
If you can get non-ethanol gas.Non-e gas runs cooler.No alcohol and it won't attract moisture as fast.

 

[Jiggz]

Re: Gear Lube

Jerry has it right. However, the timing for your questions obviously means you can go ahead and do the Spring gear lube oil change and then follow Jerry's recommendation of doing it again in Fall before the freeze. I practice the same as a part of my lay up maintenance for the boat.

 

[Outsider]

Re: Gear Lube

It's been beat to death, but 93 octane (in and of itself) will only do something for your wallet (like make it thinner) unless Mercury recommended it ...

 

[sschefer]

Re: Gear Lube

It's been beat to death, but 93 octane (in and of itself) will only do something for your wallet (like make it thinner) unless Mercury recommended it ...

Merc has always recommended premium fuel for two strokes of that era. You should stick with it. It costs a few cents more but your cylinders will run cooler and that's the key to making these motors last. That will balance out the opertaing and maintenance cost over time.

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: Gear Lube

Merc has always recommended premium fuel for two strokes of that era.

Copy and paste from manual below.... I think the only Force that needed 92 was the 150 5 cylinder but that was before 1996.
Fuel requirements
Recommended:
Regular unleaded from a major supplier, 87 pump posted octane minimum, with no alcohol
Regular unleaded, 87 pump posted octane minimum, with no more than 10% ethanol

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Gear Lube

I forget the rest of the US has already frozen solid!!! It was almost 79 here yesterday.Sorry.
I'd drain it just to be sure.J