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Author Topic:   OptiMax Oil

jackswhaler posted 03-31-2005 11:29 PM ET (US)
I understand that Mercury Marine markets a two-stroke oil called Optimax which is supposed to be for their OptiMax outboard. My Nantucket will soon be delivered with the 135 OptiMax and I'm wondering if this oil is necessary? Will the Quicksilver Premium Plus work as well? This oil is also supposed to be for DFI engines.
homey posted 04-01-2005 06:23 AM ET (US)
Virtually any brand with a TCW3 label is sufficent. As long as it is "TCW3" your NEW motor is covered under warranty. The key to reliability is proper break-in, and preventive maintenance (decarb, plugs, thermos, and waterpumps). The Mercury Quicksilver oil is overpriced.
JBCornwell posted 04-01-2005 08:06 AM ET (US)
DFI engines have different lube needs than conventional two-strokes.
The oil is applied alone to the crankcase surfaces without being mixed with fuel. It is also used in much smaller quantities.
Check your owners manual for Brunswick's requirements and follow them exactly.
I wouldn't say that Optimax oil is required, but oil formulated for DFI engines may be. There are several.
Good luck.
Red sky at night.. .
JB
jimh posted 04-01-2005 08:29 AM ET (US)
If I had just invested in an outboard motor that cost $12,000, and I was unsure about how to care for it or what lubricants it needed, I would give more weight to recommendations in the owner's manual than most other sources. Particularly in the break-in period.
After the engine has been run for 20-30 hours, you might experiment with other lubricants and see if there is any particular advantage to changing from the recommended lubricants. During the warranty period I would be more prone to follow the recommended procedures.
The potential for savings in the lubricating oil will be in proportion to your use. If you are a charter boat captain and run the engine 6-8 hours a day, perhaps you could save significantly if your lubricating oil cost was reduced.
If you are just going to use the boat occasionally, the opportunity to save money by using less expensive lubricants will be smaller. It might not make sense to risk problems with the engine to save $50 a season in oil.
kline posted 04-01-2005 08:53 AM ET (US)
Jack,
I had a dfi on my last boat and used the quick silver oil.
I now have a Nantucket with the 135 opti and was advised to switch to the opti oil. My dealer switched my unused oil for the opti oil. I figure I would rather be safe and use the recommended oil. I have had no problems and hope to continue that way!
Steve
njwhaler posted 04-01-2005 08:55 AM ET (US)
I would agree with Jim. Use the recommended oil. Also, they recommend using Quicklean (spelling??)with your gas. A Certified Mercury mechanic also recommended that to me.
Jim, any experience with that product?
handn posted 04-01-2005 09:14 AM ET (US)
I would use the Optimax oil. Using it, I had no trouble for 1200 hours when I traded the boat.
Carbon buildup is one thing that kills two strokes. Using Optimax oil, I had virtually none. While live baiting, the boat would troll all day at idle while not skipping a beat.
There is another boat with Optis in our Mexican marina. He used whatever cheap oil he could find and the port engine blew at 350 hours. I can't prove that cheapie oil was the culprit but I have my suspicions.
Optis are touchy enough without feeding them cheap oil.
bluewaterpirate posted 04-01-2005 09:48 AM ET (US)
I've used the OptiDFI Oil for 3 years in my 225 Opti not one issue with my motor. DO NOT cut corners on lubricants ..... Cheers ..... Tom
jimp posted 04-01-2005 10:40 AM ET (US)
My 2003 Merc Optimax 225 Owner's Manual says to use Optimax oil or Merc's Premium Plus. My dealer says either will do and sells the Premium Plus in "bulk" for about $13/gallon. The Opti oil is quite a bit more.
Don't use regular 2-stroke oil. Not worth it for your $10,000 engine.
Read the manual when you get it. Talk to your dealer. Don't listen to anecdotal info.
JimP
whalerajm posted 04-01-2005 11:31 AM ET (US)
There was an earlier thread on TCW3 oils in which someone noted that the Wallmart SuperTech oil was actually Penzoil...
Also the packaging claims that it meets all manuf warranty requirements (Johnson, Evinrude, Merc, etc.).
I can't imagine Penzoil/Quaker state would market a lower quality oil and still claim to meet manuf warranty guidelines.
Any thoughts on quality of SuperTech TCW3 oil?
Although argument that peace of mind that comes with using brand name oil is worth the addl 300% markup is compelling, it does not answer the question as to quality (or lack there of) of the off brand oils.
My thinking is since that the engine manuf's don't make their own brand name oil, any TCW3 that meets manuf warranty requirements should be just as good as as the stuff they put their name and markup on.
Evinrude TCW3 sells for $20-25...Wallmart SuperTeck is $5.98!
half shell posted 04-01-2005 07:26 PM ET (US)
If you really want to save on oil I hear the chinese are sending a new cheap two stroke oil soon.However pour a smple of the cheapest and the opti and look sniff whatever and tell me the difference.the opti or any premium oil is better. My 150 ficht uses only ficht oil at 27.00 a gallon and is running new 450 hrs latter.
dads 135 opti uses opti only with the same trouble free results.
Regards Bob
PS I would suspect most dfi engine failures were due to cheap wally oil.
jackswhaler posted 04-01-2005 08:37 PM ET (US)
Thanks to all for the good advice. I'll go with the Optimax oil and use the Wally oil I bought in my old 25 horse two stroke. I'm gettin anxious -- it's due to arrive in the next ten days!!! I may explode by then!
whalerajm posted 04-02-2005 08:08 AM ET (US)
From the threads I have read on CW regarding premium name brand TCW3 oil vs. off-brands, i.e., Walmart SuperTech, the only sources referenced validating superior quality of brand name oils have been the marine dealers selling it, aka the people making money om it. The majority "opinion" is that it's better to be safe than sorry, an argument I can't disagree with, BUT, since paying more does not guarantee better quality...
Can anyone out there tell me what the differences really are between the engine manuf brand name oils and the off-brands that meet engine manuf warranty requirements?
Being a suspicious consumer, I suspect we are simply paying a premium for the same TCW3 with your engine manufacturer's name on it...another middleman in the retail distribution food chain.
JBCornwell posted 04-02-2005 08:49 AM ET (US)
WalMart's SuperTech TC-W3 is my choice for CARBURETED 2 stroke outboards. I consider it a "brand name" oil, just as I would Quaker State or Pennzoil.
If I had a DFI 2 stroke I would prefer an oil specific to DFI engines.
Red sky at night. . .
JB
half shell posted 04-02-2005 10:03 AM ET (US)
I agree 100% with JB carb two stroke oil tcw3 most will be fine However with DFI do a scratch and sniff I am no chemist but there is a.........
difference
Regards Bob
jackswhaler posted 04-02-2005 11:10 AM ET (US)
I've read somewhere (and been told by the dealer) that the high priced spread has added cleaners. And I believe this to be true for the DFI oils vs the regular carb oils. My original question though, was whether I needed to spend the $27 for the Optimax oil or would the Quicksilver (Mercury) Premium Plus for DFI engines work just as well. I found it for $18 at Boaters World. One person even said that their manual for a 2003 Opti called for either oil of these two oils. Makes you wonder why you need to spend the extra $9. On the other hand, $9 isn't going to break anyone and it's worth it if the motor is better protected.
jimh posted 04-02-2005 11:17 AM ET (US)
You may be running into just a brand or label difference here. From what I can deduce from the marketplace, the "Mercury" branded products are only sold at authorized Mercury dealers who are also selling engines. The "Quicksilver" products are often very similar to their Mercury counterparts, but are packaged and labeled differently and are sold by non-dealers. For example, you can buy Quicksilver products at retailers like WALMAT, but you can only get the Mercury labeled products from actual Mercury dealers.
I believe this may be part of a general marketing plan to protect the authorized dealers from competition with other mass retailers. The authorized Mercury dealer gets to sell the Mercury brand, while the general retailers have to sell the Quicksilver brand.
Exactly what the difference is in the Mercury oil and the Quicksilver oil is unknown to me.
This same situation applies to many accessory products for the Mercury engines, including propeller, controls, gauges, etc. They are available in both brands, but often appear to be somewhat similar. Perhaps someone who is a Mercury dealer could comment on the distinction between Mercury and Quicksilver products.

jackswhaler posted 04-02-2005 02:19 PM ET (US)
Thanks Jim, that makes a lot of sense and if true, would explain why I can't find the Optimax oil anywhere but at the dealers!
jimmy c posted 04-02-2005 09:12 PM ET (US)
I was under the impression(from a Merc dealer) the Opti-Max oil is a synthetic oil?
The TCW3 is a regular oil ?
Is this correct?
If so the two should never ever be mixed,andwhen changing from
one to the other the entire oil system must be flushed?
worth looking into....
The Chesapeake Explorer posted 04-02-2005 09:58 PM ET (US)
I saw Evinrude E-TEC oil at Eds Superstore ..it was about 39 dollars a gallon. Of course you will get a lot more mileage then 50-1 with the newer motors. Strange I ran 50-1 in my 88 Evinrude.Cheapo stuff that was TWC-3 and used the engine tuner about every 75 hours. Yes I had lots of damage worn out at 1800 hours and 16 years and two engine seizes. But really no bad carbon build up at all. New Yamaha 90 2 S about to be installed on the 87 -17' Montauk.
jackswhaler posted 04-03-2005 10:28 AM ET (US)
I guess it pays to go directly to the source. The following was found in Mercury's FAQs section:
What is the advantage of the OptiMax/DFI Synthetic Blend 2-Cycle Outboard Oil?
The OptiMax/DFI Synthetic Blend 2-Cycle Outboard oil is specifically designed for Mercury Marine direct injected outboard engines. The additive package used in this oil is superior to the other oils we produce and formulated to provide an extra margin of protection in the OptiMax engines. OptiMax engines have additional pressures and temperatures over their carbureted and EFI counterparts.
Can I mix the OptiMax oil with the Premium Plus oil that I have been running in my OptiMax?
Yes. OptiMax oil can be mixed with the Mercury Premium Plus oil that you have been running in your OptiMax.
*OptiMax Oil is ONLY for use with OptiMax Outboard engines and is NOT approved for use with EFI or Carbureted engines manufactured by Mercury Marine, nor is it recommended for use with engines from another manufacturer.
Clark Roberts posted 04-03-2005 05:28 PM ET (US)
I use Wal-Mart TCW-3 oil in all my two strokers (two are EFI and 6 are carb) and I put lots and lots of hours per year on them with not one problem in the approx 5 years of using this oil. In a 2000 Optimax 135 I used Mercury Premium Plus but know others who use the Wal-mart oil in DFI engines and none has had a problem. If the choice is between petroleum based, synthetic or semi-senthetic then same choice as in your automobile. Now, E-tek may be a special case but to date I haven't heard what is special about these oils and all that's out there is anecdotal as are my above statements about my experience with Wal-Mart oil. The basic reason I swithed to the Wal-Mart oil in the first place is availability! I can get is almost anywhere I happen to bost and certainly on way to or from boating locations... almost every town and interstate exit has a Wal-mart store. Little chance that I will have to substitute some other brand and maybe have a compatability problem.
Second reason is that I can't imagine the world's largest retailer putting a product out that could be cause for legal action...etc. Does anyone out there know of anyone with problems that can be directly attributed to Wal-Mart oil. The beat goes on! Happy Whalin'... Clark.. Spruce Creek Navy
PS> I'm not recommending Wal-Mart TCW-3 oil to anyone!
kparis posted 08-18-2009 08:50 AM ET (US)
I want to ask a question about lubricants for the Evinrude E-TEC models, because BRP don't mention any quality characteristics on the packaging of their lubricants. So I need to know if I can use a different brand than the extremely expensive XD100 of Evinrude?

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Author	Topic: OptiMax Oil
jackswhaler	posted 03-31-2005 11:29 PM ET (US) I understand that Mercury Marine markets a two-stroke oil called Optimax which is supposed to be for their OptiMax outboard. My Nantucket will soon be delivered with the 135 OptiMax and I'm wondering if this oil is necessary? Will the Quicksilver Premium Plus work as well? This oil is also supposed to be for DFI engines.
homey	posted 04-01-2005 06:23 AM ET (US) Virtually any brand with a TCW3 label is sufficent. As long as it is "TCW3" your NEW motor is covered under warranty. The key to reliability is proper break-in, and preventive maintenance (decarb, plugs, thermos, and waterpumps). The Mercury Quicksilver oil is overpriced.
JBCornwell	posted 04-01-2005 08:06 AM ET (US) DFI engines have different lube needs than conventional two-strokes. The oil is applied alone to the crankcase surfaces without being mixed with fuel. It is also used in much smaller quantities. Check your owners manual for Brunswick's requirements and follow them exactly. I wouldn't say that Optimax oil is required, but oil formulated for DFI engines may be. There are several. Good luck. Red sky at night.. . JB
jimh	posted 04-01-2005 08:29 AM ET (US) If I had just invested in an outboard motor that cost $12,000, and I was unsure about how to care for it or what lubricants it needed, I would give more weight to recommendations in the owner's manual than most other sources. Particularly in the break-in period. After the engine has been run for 20-30 hours, you might experiment with other lubricants and see if there is any particular advantage to changing from the recommended lubricants. During the warranty period I would be more prone to follow the recommended procedures. The potential for savings in the lubricating oil will be in proportion to your use. If you are a charter boat captain and run the engine 6-8 hours a day, perhaps you could save significantly if your lubricating oil cost was reduced. If you are just going to use the boat occasionally, the opportunity to save money by using less expensive lubricants will be smaller. It might not make sense to risk problems with the engine to save $50 a season in oil.
kline	posted 04-01-2005 08:53 AM ET (US) Jack, I had a dfi on my last boat and used the quick silver oil. I now have a Nantucket with the 135 opti and was advised to switch to the opti oil. My dealer switched my unused oil for the opti oil. I figure I would rather be safe and use the recommended oil. I have had no problems and hope to continue that way! Steve
njwhaler	posted 04-01-2005 08:55 AM ET (US) I would agree with Jim. Use the recommended oil. Also, they recommend using Quicklean (spelling??)with your gas. A Certified Mercury mechanic also recommended that to me. Jim, any experience with that product?
handn	posted 04-01-2005 09:14 AM ET (US) I would use the Optimax oil. Using it, I had no trouble for 1200 hours when I traded the boat. Carbon buildup is one thing that kills two strokes. Using Optimax oil, I had virtually none. While live baiting, the boat would troll all day at idle while not skipping a beat. There is another boat with Optis in our Mexican marina. He used whatever cheap oil he could find and the port engine blew at 350 hours. I can't prove that cheapie oil was the culprit but I have my suspicions. Optis are touchy enough without feeding them cheap oil.
bluewaterpirate	posted 04-01-2005 09:48 AM ET (US) I've used the OptiDFI Oil for 3 years in my 225 Opti not one issue with my motor. DO NOT cut corners on lubricants ..... Cheers ..... Tom
jimp	posted 04-01-2005 10:40 AM ET (US) My 2003 Merc Optimax 225 Owner's Manual says to use Optimax oil or Merc's Premium Plus. My dealer says either will do and sells the Premium Plus in "bulk" for about $13/gallon. The Opti oil is quite a bit more. Don't use regular 2-stroke oil. Not worth it for your $10,000 engine. Read the manual when you get it. Talk to your dealer. Don't listen to anecdotal info. JimP
whalerajm	posted 04-01-2005 11:31 AM ET (US) There was an earlier thread on TCW3 oils in which someone noted that the Wallmart SuperTech oil was actually Penzoil... Also the packaging claims that it meets all manuf warranty requirements (Johnson, Evinrude, Merc, etc.). I can't imagine Penzoil/Quaker state would market a lower quality oil and still claim to meet manuf warranty guidelines. Any thoughts on quality of SuperTech TCW3 oil? Although argument that peace of mind that comes with using brand name oil is worth the addl 300% markup is compelling, it does not answer the question as to quality (or lack there of) of the off brand oils. My thinking is since that the engine manuf's don't make their own brand name oil, any TCW3 that meets manuf warranty requirements should be just as good as as the stuff they put their name and markup on. Evinrude TCW3 sells for $20-25...Wallmart SuperTeck is $5.98!
half shell	posted 04-01-2005 07:26 PM ET (US) If you really want to save on oil I hear the chinese are sending a new cheap two stroke oil soon.However pour a smple of the cheapest and the opti and look sniff whatever and tell me the difference.the opti or any premium oil is better. My 150 ficht uses only ficht oil at 27.00 a gallon and is running new 450 hrs latter. dads 135 opti uses opti only with the same trouble free results. Regards Bob PS I would suspect most dfi engine failures were due to cheap wally oil.
jackswhaler	posted 04-01-2005 08:37 PM ET (US) Thanks to all for the good advice. I'll go with the Optimax oil and use the Wally oil I bought in my old 25 horse two stroke. I'm gettin anxious -- it's due to arrive in the next ten days!!! I may explode by then!
whalerajm	posted 04-02-2005 08:08 AM ET (US) From the threads I have read on CW regarding premium name brand TCW3 oil vs. off-brands, i.e., Walmart SuperTech, the only sources referenced validating superior quality of brand name oils have been the marine dealers selling it, aka the people making money om it. The majority "opinion" is that it's better to be safe than sorry, an argument I can't disagree with, BUT, since paying more does not guarantee better quality... Can anyone out there tell me what the differences really are between the engine manuf brand name oils and the off-brands that meet engine manuf warranty requirements? Being a suspicious consumer, I suspect we are simply paying a premium for the same TCW3 with your engine manufacturer's name on it...another middleman in the retail distribution food chain.
JBCornwell	posted 04-02-2005 08:49 AM ET (US) WalMart's SuperTech TC-W3 is my choice for CARBURETED 2 stroke outboards. I consider it a "brand name" oil, just as I would Quaker State or Pennzoil. If I had a DFI 2 stroke I would prefer an oil specific to DFI engines. Red sky at night. . . JB
half shell	posted 04-02-2005 10:03 AM ET (US) I agree 100% with JB carb two stroke oil tcw3 most will be fine However with DFI do a scratch and sniff I am no chemist but there is a......... difference Regards Bob
jackswhaler	posted 04-02-2005 11:10 AM ET (US) I've read somewhere (and been told by the dealer) that the high priced spread has added cleaners. And I believe this to be true for the DFI oils vs the regular carb oils. My original question though, was whether I needed to spend the $27 for the Optimax oil or would the Quicksilver (Mercury) Premium Plus for DFI engines work just as well. I found it for $18 at Boaters World. One person even said that their manual for a 2003 Opti called for either oil of these two oils. Makes you wonder why you need to spend the extra $9. On the other hand, $9 isn't going to break anyone and it's worth it if the motor is better protected.
jimh	posted 04-02-2005 11:17 AM ET (US) You may be running into just a brand or label difference here. From what I can deduce from the marketplace, the "Mercury" branded products are only sold at authorized Mercury dealers who are also selling engines. The "Quicksilver" products are often very similar to their Mercury counterparts, but are packaged and labeled differently and are sold by non-dealers. For example, you can buy Quicksilver products at retailers like WALMAT, but you can only get the Mercury labeled products from actual Mercury dealers. I believe this may be part of a general marketing plan to protect the authorized dealers from competition with other mass retailers. The authorized Mercury dealer gets to sell the Mercury brand, while the general retailers have to sell the Quicksilver brand. Exactly what the difference is in the Mercury oil and the Quicksilver oil is unknown to me. This same situation applies to many accessory products for the Mercury engines, including propeller, controls, gauges, etc. They are available in both brands, but often appear to be somewhat similar. Perhaps someone who is a Mercury dealer could comment on the distinction between Mercury and Quicksilver products.
jackswhaler	posted 04-02-2005 02:19 PM ET (US) Thanks Jim, that makes a lot of sense and if true, would explain why I can't find the Optimax oil anywhere but at the dealers!
jimmy c	posted 04-02-2005 09:12 PM ET (US) I was under the impression(from a Merc dealer) the Opti-Max oil is a synthetic oil? The TCW3 is a regular oil ? Is this correct? If so the two should never ever be mixed,andwhen changing from one to the other the entire oil system must be flushed? worth looking into....
The Chesapeake Explorer	posted 04-02-2005 09:58 PM ET (US) I saw Evinrude E-TEC oil at Eds Superstore ..it was about 39 dollars a gallon. Of course you will get a lot more mileage then 50-1 with the newer motors. Strange I ran 50-1 in my 88 Evinrude.Cheapo stuff that was TWC-3 and used the engine tuner about every 75 hours. Yes I had lots of damage worn out at 1800 hours and 16 years and two engine seizes. But really no bad carbon build up at all. New Yamaha 90 2 S about to be installed on the 87 -17' Montauk.
jackswhaler	posted 04-03-2005 10:28 AM ET (US) I guess it pays to go directly to the source. The following was found in Mercury's FAQs section: What is the advantage of the OptiMax/DFI Synthetic Blend 2-Cycle Outboard Oil? The OptiMax/DFI Synthetic Blend 2-Cycle Outboard oil is specifically designed for Mercury Marine direct injected outboard engines. The additive package used in this oil is superior to the other oils we produce and formulated to provide an extra margin of protection in the OptiMax engines. OptiMax engines have additional pressures and temperatures over their carbureted and EFI counterparts. Can I mix the OptiMax oil with the Premium Plus oil that I have been running in my OptiMax? Yes. OptiMax oil can be mixed with the Mercury Premium Plus oil that you have been running in your OptiMax. *OptiMax Oil is ONLY for use with OptiMax Outboard engines and is NOT approved for use with EFI or Carbureted engines manufactured by Mercury Marine, nor is it recommended for use with engines from another manufacturer.
Clark Roberts	posted 04-03-2005 05:28 PM ET (US) I use Wal-Mart TCW-3 oil in all my two strokers (two are EFI and 6 are carb) and I put lots and lots of hours per year on them with not one problem in the approx 5 years of using this oil. In a 2000 Optimax 135 I used Mercury Premium Plus but know others who use the Wal-mart oil in DFI engines and none has had a problem. If the choice is between petroleum based, synthetic or semi-senthetic then same choice as in your automobile. Now, E-tek may be a special case but to date I haven't heard what is special about these oils and all that's out there is anecdotal as are my above statements about my experience with Wal-Mart oil. The basic reason I swithed to the Wal-Mart oil in the first place is availability! I can get is almost anywhere I happen to bost and certainly on way to or from boating locations... almost every town and interstate exit has a Wal-mart store. Little chance that I will have to substitute some other brand and maybe have a compatability problem. Second reason is that I can't imagine the world's largest retailer putting a product out that could be cause for legal action...etc. Does anyone out there know of anyone with problems that can be directly attributed to Wal-Mart oil. The beat goes on! Happy Whalin'... Clark.. Spruce Creek Navy PS> I'm not recommending Wal-Mart TCW-3 oil to anyone!
kparis	posted 08-18-2009 08:50 AM ET (US) I want to ask a question about lubricants for the Evinrude E-TEC models, because BRP don't mention any quality characteristics on the packaging of their lubricants. So I need to know if I can use a different brand than the extremely expensive XD100 of Evinrude?