Mercury – Fuel Ethanol Alcohol Content Test Tube | Diagnostic Tool | Clear Polymer | 879172T28

Overview

Any boater who has dealt with a rough idle, a corroded fuel system, or a weekend cut short by bad gasoline knows how quickly fuel problems can derail a perfectly good day on the water. That uneasy feeling when the engine hesitates or sputters? More often than not, it traces back to fuel quality—especially ethanol content. The Mercury Marine 879172T28 Fuel Ethanol Alcohol Content Test Tube gives you a simple, reliable way to check what you are putting into your engine before it becomes an expensive problem. It is one of those small, practical tools that immediately restores confidence and helps you protect the investment that takes you out on every adventure.

Key Features

• Measures the percentage of ethanol alcohol in your boat’s fuel
• Designed for quick, accurate readings you can perform dockside or at home
• Clear polymer tube with easy-to-read graduations
• Helps prevent damage caused by excess ethanol in gasoline
• Simple, no-maintenance design
• Ideal for routine fuel checks or troubleshooting running issues
• Manufactured to Mercury Marine’s diagnostic specifications

Engine & Boat Compatibility

• Useful for all Mercury and MerCruiser gasoline engines
• Works with carbureted and fuel-injected systems
• Suitable for outboards, sterndrives, and inboard gasoline engines
• Commonly used on center consoles, pontoons, runabouts, cruisers, and fishing boats
• A valuable tool for anyone storing fuel or operating in areas with variable gasoline quality

Performance & Practical Benefits

Using this test tube feels like adding a small insurance policy to every fill-up. Ethanol levels vary more than most boaters realize, and when the percentage creeps too high, it can cause everything from sticky valves to degraded fuel lines and phase separation in the tank. With this tool, you will know what you are dealing with before your boat even leaves the trailer.

The test is quick, steady, and surprisingly reassuring. A few seconds of checking can prevent hours of troubleshooting later. You will immediately notice how much smoother and more consistent your engine performs when you are running clean fuel that you trust. That tight, responsive throttle and that predictable idle on a calm morning—those moments come easier when you know your fuel system is not silently fighting against ethanol saturation.

Why Buy OEM

There are plenty of generic fuel testers out there, but an OEM Mercury Marine part is built for the specific quirks and sensitivities of marine engines.

• Accurate readings you can count on
• Trusted by technicians and recommended in Mercury service practices
• Durable materials that hold up around gasoline and marine environments
• Helps extend the life of pumps, lines, injectors, and carburetor components
• Avoids costly repairs caused by running ethanol-heavy fuel

Think of it as a conversation with your fuel before it reaches your engine—clear, honest, and immediately useful.

FAQ

Q1: Which engines does the 879172T28 Fuel Ethanol Test Tube work with?

It works with all Mercury and MerCruiser gasoline engines, from small outboards to large inboards.

Q2: How is this different from an aftermarket tester?

OEM testers follow Mercury’s accuracy standards and are designed for marine-specific fuel behavior.

Q3: How do I know if I need this tool?

If you store fuel, buy fuel from varying stations, or have seen performance issues, this tool provides quick reassurance.

Q4: Can it be used for both saltwater and freshwater boats?

Absolutely. It is a diagnostic tool, so it works the same in any environment.

Q5: Is it easy for most boaters to use?

Yes. The test takes only a moment, and the instructions are simple and intuitive.