This is from the Mercury web site:
What type of oil should I use? Can I use synthetic oil?
To help obtain optimum engine performance and to provide maximum protection, we recommend the use of Mercury Precision 4-Cycle 25W-40 Marine Engine Oil. This oil is a special blend of 25-weight and 40-weight oils for marine engines. If not available, a good grade, straight weight, detergent automotive oil of correct viscosity, with an API service rating of SH,CF/CF-2 may be used.
In those areas where Mercury Precision 4-Cycle 25W-40 Marine Engine Oil or a recommended straight weight oil is not available, a multi-viscosity 20W-40 or, as a second but less preferable choice, 20W-50, with API service ratings of SH,CF/CF-2 may be used.
IMPORTANT: The use of non-detergent oils, multi-viscosity oils (other than Quicksilver 25W-40 or a good quality 20W-40 or 20W-50), synthetic oils, low quality oils or oils that contain solid additives are specifically NOT recommended.
The table below is a guide to crankcase oil selection. The oil filter should always be changed with the engine oil.
AIR TEMPERATURE
Oil Type
All Temperatures
Mercury Precision 4-Cycle 25W-40 Marine Engine Oil
Below 32? F (0? C)
SAE 20W
32-50? F (0-10? C)
SAE 30W
Above 50? F (10? C)
SAE 40W
This crankcase oil recommendation supersedes all previously printed crankcase oil recommendations for MerCruiser gasoline engines. The reason for this change is to include the newer engine oils that are now available in the recommendation.
Older owner manuals, service manuals and other publications that are not regularly updated will not be revised to show this latest engine oil recommendation. Current owners manuals, service manuals and other service publications that receive regular updates will receive this revised recommendation the next time they are updated.
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