Q: What gas to oil mixture should I use in my outboard engine?

  A: With today’s oils, most new and old 2-stroke engines use a 50:1 gas to oil ratio.

Q: How often should I change my water pump impeller?

  A: Normal use warrants a water pump impeller replacement every other year. If you put 100 hours or more, then it should be changed every year.

Q: What do I need to do, to have my engine ready for the spring? (De-Winterizing)

  A: It is recommended to run your engine on a water flush, to burn off fogging fluids in the system.  Also, check your lower unit for water by opening your lower unit drain screw.  After running you engine for the first time, remove your spark plugs and clean or replace them as needed.

Q: What should I do to prevent gas problems in my gas tank?

  A: Your first line of defense is to use additives such as Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment or Sta-bil Marine Formula Fuel Stabilizer.  These help the gas and ethanol from separating in your take, while helping your gas stay fresh.  The use of a Water Separating Fuel Filter is a must these days with the poor quality of gas; it is only a matter of time before you will have water in your gas.  Another tip is to try filling your gas tank with only the amount of gas you think you will use in your trip, this eliminates excess gas sitting in you tank and being able to go bad.

Q: How do I run my engine when I am not in the water?

  A: To run your engine out of the water, you would need a Motor Flushing device that attaches to your garden hose and fits around the water pick-ups on the lower unit of your engine.  Some engines, such as Jet engines or small outboards, use a special adapter that feeds the power head direct from your garden hose.  A large bucket with a continuous flow of water also works in some applications, but is not the preferred choice.  CAUTION: DO NOT RUN YOUR ENGINE WITHOUT A WATER SOURCE.

Q: How do I determine if my boat is a short shaft vs. long shaft?

  A: To determine your transom length, you would measure from the top of the transom to the deepest part of the boat hull.  15" is a short shaft, 20" is a long shaft, and 25" is an extra long shaft.

Q: How big of a motor can I put on my boat?

  A: Maximum horsepower ratings are established for your boat by the boat manufacturer and then certified by the USCG. A plate fastened to your hull provides that information. We strongly recommend that you comply with the maximum horsepower rating that has been established for your boat.

Q: How do I know which motors models have electric start, power trim, or a tiller?

  A: The listing below shows Mercury model designations. From the first few letters in each model number you can easily identify the specifications of the motor.

            M = Manual

            E = Electric

            H = Hand (Tiller)

            PT = Power Trim

            L = Long Shaft

            XL = Extra Long Shaft

            O = Oil Injection

            EFI = Electronic Fuel Injection

            DFI = Direct Fuel Injection

            PK = Pro Kicker

            BF = Big Foot

            GA = Gas Assist