Mercury Quicksilver Outboard Engine Oil

Mercury Quicksilver Marine Engine Oil Resources and Information

PartsVu.com is happy to offer a wide selection of certified Mercury and Quicksilver marine engine oil to match the exact specifications of your Mercury outboard engine. If you need assistance servicing your Mercury outboard, follow along with these helpful guides over on our blog: Mercury fuel system 100-hour service, Guide to Mercury Marine Precision Oils and Lubricants.

Browse the rest of our complete selection of Mercury outboard parts, or shop our list of Mercury lubes, oils, and additives categories, including: 

We also offer helpful resources to help you maintain your Mercury outboard motor, such as:

• Mercury Outboard Service Schedule
• Mercury Outboard Specs & Capacities Chart
• Mercury Outboard 100-hour Service Guides

Mercury Quicksilver Outboard Engine Oil FAQ

How do I change my Mercury 4-stroke outboard engine oil?

As the old oil is draining, you can work on removing the engine oil filter. Depending on your specific Mercury model, your filter may have a drain lip that helps to keep the mess to a minimum when you unscrew the old filter. However, most older engines do not have this feature. We suggest being prepared with plenty of absorbent rags or placing a small cup that is cut to size below the filter before removal. Using a PartsVu Maintenance Essentials filter wrench is the best way to loosen the filter. Remember when you reinstall the filter, over-tightening will only make your life more difficult when you are ready for the next service. Some technicians puncture the old filter allowing trapped oil to drain back into the block before removal, but this will ruin your ability to take the filter apart for further inspection.

Several laboratories provide performance testing of used oils, allowing you to learn more about the health of your engine. Blackstone Labs is one such provider, and they have a convenient mail-in kit that includes everything you need to submit an oil sample. They can also test gear oils, hydraulic fluids, and oils from your other vehicles or toys. Oil test results can tip you off to an accelerated wear condition inside of your engine long before any other symptoms show up. If you still want to know more about your engine, purchase an oil filter cutter and open the spent filter to look for evidence of contamination and metal dust or shavings.

Once you have inspected your spent oil and filter, set them aside for proper disposal. If you removed the drain screw to empty your oil, carefully reinstall the drain plug. The new oil filter should be removed from its package and the o-ring lubricated with a thin coat of fresh engine oil. Spin on the new oil filter and gently tighten to seat the o-ring without over-torquing.

Mercury Marine offers a wide assortment of engine oil – both in blend and viscosity. If you are uncertain as to which oil is best for your application, consult your owners’ manual. Loosen the yellow oil fill plug on the top of the engine and pour in fresh oil. We recommend adding slightly less than the stated capacity. With the engine trimmed down, check the oil level on the dipstick after allowing a few minutes for the oil to drain into the oil pan properly. Filling the oil to the lower level on the dipstick will help you to measure if the oil level changes over time with the engine in operation.

How do I change my Mercury 2-stroke outboard engine oil?

Engine oil selection is critical to long life, so review the information in your owner’s manual to make certain you are using the correct products. Not all TCW3 oils are formulated the same, and different Mercury models do prefer specific oils. Mercury Marine offers a wide assortment of engine oil – both in blend and additives. If you are uncertain exactly which oil is best for your application, consult your owner’s manual.

If you do locate contamination in the oil tank, use a vacuum extractor to pull the remaining oil out of the tank for proper disposal. While good quality two-stroke oil is certainly expensive, running contaminated oil can lead to catastrophic failure. If you have never cleaned the bottom of your tank, prepare to be surprised by what you find.

Several laboratories provide performance testing of used oils, allowing you to learn more about the health of your engine. Blackstone Labs is one such provider, and they have a convenient mail-in kit that includes everything you need to submit an oil sample. They can also test gear oils, hydraulic fluids, and oils from your other vehicles or toys. Oil test results can tip you off to an accelerated wear condition inside of your engine long before any other symptoms show up. If you still want to know more about your engine, purchase an oil filter cutter and open the spent filter to look for evidence of contamination and metal dust or shavings.

How do I protect my Mercury outboard motor?

Cover it with Corrosion Guard. This rust inhibitor forms a water-resistant barrier on both painted and unpainted surfaces. We recommend using it at every service interval with a liberal application to all metal engine surfaces. You can also use it on outdrives, lower units, and power trim motors.

The marine environment is one of the harshest on the planet. This is why protecting your boat from corrosion is extremely important. For premium defense against rust, we highly recommend this product.

In order to maximize your engine’s performance, use this complete fuel treatment at every fill-up with any grade of gasoline. Quickare is an excellent defense against the problems associated with ethanol-blended fuels, including its corrosive effects on metals as well as the gum and varnish that result from fuel oxidation. See PartsVu’s Knowledge Center for our article on the problems of ethanol gasoline.

This product can also be used to clean up existing deposits in untreated fuel lines, tanks, carburetors, injectors, intake valves, and spark plugs. It will keep your fuel fresh for up to three months and can be used in all 2 and 4 cycle carbureted and fuel-injected gasoline engines. Use one ounce to treat every 10 gallons of fuel.

How do I check the hours on my Mercury outboard motor?

To access a Mercury outboard’s computer memory, you will need to visit an authorized Mercury outboard dealer. The dealer will have the necessary computer software and the cable to plug the shop’s laptop into your outboard.

A dealer might charge you for 30 minutes or so of labor to run a diagnostic scan, but if you are buying a used Mercury outboard motor, this investment is well worth it. However, if you are negotiating to buy the motor from a dealer, the dealer should be glad to give you a diagnostics report for no charge.

To access a Mercury outboard’s computer memory, you will need to visit an authorized Mercury outboard dealer. The dealer will have the necessary computer software and the cable to plug the shop’s laptop into your outboard.

A dealer might charge you for 30 minutes or so of labor to run a diagnostic scan, but if you are buying a used Mercury outboard, this investment is well worth it. However, if you are negotiating to buy the motor from a dealer, the dealer should be glad to give you a diagnostics report for no charge.

How many hours will a Mercury outboard last?

Why all of the discussion about Mercury outboard engine hours? The question of how many hours a Mercury outboard is expected to last is at the heart of the matter. Whether you are trying to plan how long before you probably have to buy a new outboard or working to determine the fair value for either a used outboard you are selling or considering purchasing, projecting how long engines last is critical.

The question of how long a Mercury outboard will last includes a lot of “it depends.” The reality is, a well-maintained Mercury outboard will last a long, long time. Also, even with proper maintenance, some types of engine usage are just harder on the engine. For example, if a Mercury outboard experiences long periods of wide-open throttle, extended periods of trolling, or load weight is commonly higher than recommended, service intervals need to be more frequent, and overall engine life will likely be shorter.

What is the difference between 25w-40 and 10w-30 oil?

The main difference between 25w-40 motor oil and 10w-30 motor oil is their viscosity characteristics. Viscosity is the measure of a fluid's resistance to flow, and it is often described using a numerical grading system that indicates the oil's ability to flow in different temperatures.

25w-40 oil has a higher viscosity than 10w-30 oil. The first number, 25w, represents the oil's viscosity at low temperatures, while the second number, 40, represents the oil's viscosity at high temperatures. The "w" stands for "winter," and it indicates the oil's cold temperature performance. In this case, 25w-40 oil has a thicker consistency at low temperatures, providing better cold-start protection, while the higher 40 weight provides better protection against high-temperature engine wear.

On the other hand, 10w-30 oil has a lower viscosity than 25w-40 oil, and it is a popular choice for general-purpose use. The 10w indicates that the oil has a thinner consistency at low temperatures, allowing it to flow more easily during cold starts, while the 30 weight provides adequate protection at high temperatures.

What happens if I use Quicksilver 25w-40 marine engine oil instead of Quicksilver 10w30 4 stroke marine oil?

If you use Quicksilver 25w-40 marine engine oil instead of Quicksilver 10w30 4 stroke marine oil, it is unlikely to cause any serious harm to your engine, but it may affect its performance and longevity over time.

The main difference between the two types of oil is their viscosity or thickness. Quicksilver 10w30 4 stroke marine oil has a thinner viscosity than Quicksilver 25w-40 marine engine oil. The thinner oil is recommended for use in colder temperatures, while the thicker oil is recommended for use in warmer temperatures or in high-performance engines.

Using a thicker oil like Quicksilver 25w-40 in a cooler environment may result in increased engine wear due to poor lubrication. It may also cause the engine to operate at a higher temperature, which can result in reduced fuel efficiency and increased emissions.

On the other hand, using a thinner oil like Quicksilver 10w30 in a warmer environment or in a high-performance engine may cause the oil to break down more quickly, reducing its effectiveness at lubricating and protecting engine components.

Is 4 cycle the same as 4 stroke?

Yes, "4 cycle" and "4 stroke" are often used interchangeably to refer to the same type of internal combustion engine. Both terms describe an engine that completes a full combustion cycle in four strokes or movements of the piston: intake, compression, power, and exhaust.

What is Quicksilver marine oil?

Quicksilver marine oil is a type of engine oil specifically designed for use in marine engines. It is manufactured by Quicksilver, a well-known brand that produces a range of marine products and accessories.

Quicksilver oil is designed to provide optimal performance and protection for marine engines in a variety of conditions. It is formulated to resist the harsh marine environment, including high temperatures, humidity, and saltwater. Quicksilver boat oil contains special additives and detergents that help prevent engine deposits and sludge buildup, ensuring clean and efficient engine operation.

Quicksilver offers a variety of marine oil formulations, including synthetic blends, full synthetic, and conventional oils, all specifically designed for different types of marine engines and applications. Some of their Quick silver oil products are also formulated to meet industry standards and requirements, such as NMMA FC-W certification for four-stroke marine engines.

Overall, Quick silver marine oil is a high-quality engine oil that provides excellent performance and protection for marine engines, helping to extend engine life and maintain optimal performance.

Can I use Quicksilver 4 stroke oil in a 2-stroke outboard engine?

No, it is not recommended to use Quicksilver 4 stroke oil in a 2-stroke outboard engine. Quicksilver 4 stroke oil is specifically formulated for use in 4-stroke marine engines, which operate differently from 2-stroke engines and have different lubrication requirements.

In a 4-stroke engine, the oil is used to lubricate various internal components, including the piston rings, bearings, and valve train. In contrast, a 2-stroke engine requires oil to be mixed with the fuel to lubricate the internal parts of the engine, such as the piston and cylinder walls.

Using Quicksilver 4 stroke oil in a 2-stroke engine can lead to inadequate lubrication, causing engine damage or failure. It can also result in excessive deposits and carbon buildup in the engine.

To ensure optimal performance and protection for your 2-stroke outboard engine, it is important to use a high-quality 2-stroke oil that is specifically formulated for marine applications. Quicksilver produces a range of 2-stroke marine oils that are designed to meet the needs of different types of engines and operating conditions.

Can I use 4 stroke motorcycle oil in high performance marine engines?

No, it is not recommended to use 4 stroke motorcycle oil in high-performance marine engines. While both motorcycle and marine engines are 4-stroke engines, they have different lubrication requirements due to the differences in operating conditions and loads.

Marine engines, especially high-performance ones, operate under more severe conditions than motorcycle engines. They are exposed to harsher environments, such as high temperatures, high humidity, and saltwater. They also operate at higher speeds and loads for extended periods of time, placing greater stress on the engine components.

Marine engines require specially formulated oils that can provide superior protection against corrosion, wear, and deposits in the harsh marine environment. Marine oils contain specific additives and detergents that help protect the engine components, maintain clean operation, and provide better lubrication in high-load conditions.

Using motorcycle oil in a marine engine can lead to inadequate protection and lubrication, resulting in engine damage or failure. It can also cause excessive deposits and carbon buildup in the engine, reducing its performance and efficiency.

To ensure optimal performance and protection for high-performance marine engines, it is important to use a high-quality marine oil that is specifically formulated for marine applications. Quicksilver, for example, produces a range of high-performance marine oils that are designed to meet the needs of different types of marine engines and operating conditions.

Should I drain the oil for boat motor winterization?

Yes, it is generally recommended to drain the oil as part of the winterization process for a boat motor. This is because any moisture or contaminants that may have accumulated in the oil during the boating season can cause corrosion or other damage to the engine if left sitting in the engine over the winter months.

Here are some general steps for winterizing a boat motor that includes draining the oil:

1. First, run the engine for a few minutes to warm up the oil and make it easier to drain.
2. Turn off the engine and disconnect the battery to prevent any electrical activity while working on the engine.
3. Place a container or pan underneath the oil drain plug or valve and remove the plug/valve to allow the oil to drain out completely.
4. Once all the oil has drained out, replace the drain plug/valve and add a small amount of fresh oil to the engine to help protect and lubricate internal components.
5. Remove and replace the oil filter, if applicable.
6. Depending on the type of engine and manufacturer recommendations, you may also want to add a fuel stabilizer to the fuel system, flush the cooling system, and add antifreeze to prevent freeze damage.

By following these steps and draining the oil as part of the winterization process, you can help protect your boat motor and ensure it is ready to go when you're back on the water.

What's the shelf life of Quicksilver 4 stroke outboard motor oil?

Quicksilver, a manufacturer of marine oils, recommends that their 4-stroke outboard motor oils be used within 5 years of the manufacture date for optimal performance. After this period, the oil may begin to degrade and lose its effectiveness, particularly if it has been exposed to extreme temperatures, moisture, or air.

To determine the manufacture date of Quicksilver 4 stroke motor oil, you can look for the alphanumeric code on the container. The first two characters represent the month, while the next two characters represent the year of manufacture. For example, if the code is "0619," it indicates that the oil was manufactured in June 2019.

It's also important to store the oil properly to help maintain its quality and extend its shelf life. Quicksilver recommends storing their motor oils in a cool, dry place with a temperature range of 40-100°F (4-38°C) and keeping the container tightly sealed to prevent moisture and air from entering. Avoid storing the oil near heat sources or in direct sunlight, as this can cause the oil to degrade more quickly.

How can I reuse used boat motor oil?

It is not recommended to reuse used boat engine oil because it may contain contaminants and impurities that can damage your engine. Used oil can contain metal shavings, dirt, water, and other harmful substances that can lead to engine wear and tear, reduced performance, and decreased engine life.

However, used boat motor oil can be recycled and reused in an environmentally-friendly manner. Recycling used oil involves filtering and refining the oil to remove contaminants and impurities, restoring it to a usable state. The recycled oil can be used for various purposes such as heating, asphalt production, and lubricating industrial machinery.

To recycle used boat motor oil, you can take it to a local collection center or a recycling facility that accepts used oil. Some automotive supply stores also accept used oil for recycling. It is important to follow proper handling and disposal procedures when dealing with used oil to prevent environmental pollution and contamination.

In summary, while it is not recommended to reuse used boat motor oil, it can be recycled and repurposed in an environmentally-friendly manner.

Where can I learn more about Mercury outboard engine oil?

PartsVu understands that boaters want to learn how to perform their own Mercury outboard maintenance. From maintaining your Mercury outboard, Mercury sterndrive, and MerCruiser engines, there’s always something new to learn and save money. That’s why PartsVu offers our comprehensive blog, The PartsVu Xchange. 

Read up on the latest developments in boating, as well as search for everything you need to know about Quicksilver motor oil (including “Where to find marine oil near me”).

To get you off to a good start, these are some of the most popular articles on PartsVu:

• Guide to Mercury Marine Precision Oils & Lubricants
• Mercury 4-Stroke Oil Change - 100-hour Service
• Mercury Fuel Additives for Performance and Engine Life
• How To Protect Your Mercury Outboard

ls marine engine failure more common with Quicksilver 25w 40 oil or OEM Mercury 25w 40 oil?

There is no evidence to suggest that engine failure is more common with Quicksilver oil 25W-40 or OEM Mercury 25W-40 oil. Both oils are formulated to meet the same performance specifications and are designed to provide excellent engine protection and performance. The choice between these two oils usually depends on personal preference, availability, and cost. It is essential to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for oil type and change intervals to maintain optimal engine performance and longevity. Additionally, proper maintenance practices, such as regular oil changes, inspection of components, and using quality parts and fluids, can help prevent engine failures and extend the life of the engine.

How does Quicksilver 25w 40 synthetic blend compare to regular Quicksilver 25w 40 4 stroke marine oil?

Quicksilver 25W-40 Synthetic Blend and Quicksilver 25W-40 4-Stroke Marine Oil are both designed for use in 4-stroke marine engines, including inboard, outboard, and stern-drive engines. However, they differ in their composition and performance characteristics.

Quicksilver 25W40 Synthetic Blend is a mixture of conventional and synthetic base oils that provides improved wear protection, corrosion resistance, and thermal stability compared to conventional oils. It is designed to offer enhanced performance in a wide range of operating conditions, including high-stress and high-temperature situations.

Quicksilver 25W-40 4-Stroke Marine Oil, on the other hand, is a conventional mineral-based oil that provides excellent engine protection in normal operating conditions. It meets or exceeds the manufacturer's specifications and provides excellent wear protection, corrosion resistance, and engine cleanliness.

In general, synthetic blend oils tend to offer better performance characteristics than conventional oils, but at a higher price point.

What does the "SAE "mean for Quicksilver SAE 25w-40 oil?

The "SAE" in Quicksilver SAE 25W-40 oil stands for the Society of Automotive Engineers, which is an international organization that sets standards for various aspects of the automotive and related industries. The SAE has established standards for viscosity, which is a measure of an oil's resistance to flow. The SAE viscosity rating of an oil is expressed in numbers, such as 10W-30 or 25W-40, where the first number represents the oil's cold-weather viscosity and the second number represents its high-tempe