mercury oil | Outboard Motor Oil - Part 4

Best Boating States

Researching places to boat in Florida got me thinking about boating in other states. Every state can boast a few premium fishing holes, but which states are truly boater friendly. I took a look online at an article reprinted from Boating Life magazine to get some ideas.

For instance, did you know that Michigan has one million registered boats? Every resident is no more than 85 miles from one of the four Great Lakes and no more than six miles from a lake or river. There are 1300 government-run public access sites with indexed maps. Sales on Mercury premium plus must be through the roof with all that access to prime boating water.

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Checklist for Trip

Before I leave for any trip, I always make an extensive packing list. My standard packing list covers clothing, toiletries, and accessories for an extended weekend trip. Then, I have my packing list for outdoor trips, specifically fishing trips.

The detailed list includes: tackle box, tackle, lures, rods, reels, and fishing line, among other items. Then I have another list to cover items I need for my boat. Number one on that list is Mercury outboard oil. Yes, I’m sure I can get engine oil at a tackle shop, but I really don’t want to risk them not carrying my brand. I’m particular in that way.

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Seven Mile Bridge Rubble

While perusing the local Miami CBS affiliate, I came a cross a list of top places to fish in Florida. At the top of their list was Seven Mile Bridge Rubble. The location is west of Sombrero Light in 105 feet of water. (I’ve been assured that any local tackle shop owner can give me exact coordinates).

Yellowtail, mutton snapper, and amberjack can be caught year round. In July, I’ve been told that permit abound. I cannot wait to change out my Mercury oil, add some fuel, and hit the open water. I can almost taste the yellowtail already.

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Mercury or Bust

Have you ever played the why game? If you have kids then you know what I’m referring to. It’s when someone repeatedly asks you “why” in response to every explanation you offer up. It frequently ends in exasperation.

I recently got into another version of the why game called the “what if” game. A buddy of mine was trying to get me to budge on my favorite Mercury 2 stroke oil. “What if the local store was out?” “I’d go to another.” “What if they didn’t have it? What would you use?” “I’d go to another store or order it online.” This went on for a while until I eventually blew my top. Not the most mature reaction, but then neither was the game in the first place.

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Improve Outboard Performance

Do you have an older model Mercury two stroke motor? You’ve probably noticed that it doesn’t run as efficiently as it used to. This happens to every outboard, but there are steps you can take to return the engine to near-peak performance.

I recommend giving Rejuvenate a shot. It’s a Mercury 2 cycle oil that’s purpose is to clean up older two stroke engines. Originally, the oil was used by the U.S. military, so you know that it can withstand all sorts of gunk, fuel and oil variances.

 

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Refresher Week

This week I’ve dubbed “Refresher Week.” I’ll be answering a number of questions that are frequently posed to me by friends and boating enthusiasts alike. You might read a post and think, “Well, that’s a no brainer.” Please bear in mind that we were all beginners once.

Today’s topic is: How to store bulk motor oil. Personally, I always buy my oil in bulk because it’s a true costs saver. The first thing I do when I receive my shipment of bulk motor oil is to check the drum for any leaks or weaknesses. If I notice any dings, I have a reserve drum that I can transfer the contents of the damaged drum into. Next, I move the drum into a safe, dry area that will be well protected from the elements and from extreme temperatures which can affect the oil’s viscosity.

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Taking Advantage of the Weather

The reason I’ve been so anxious to stock up on Mercury oil is I don’t know how much longer we’ll get to enjoy good weather. I suppose I should start by explaining that it has been exceptionally rainy. We’ve finally gotten a small reprieve, so I’m determined to take advantage of the good weather, which may not return again until late June.

This weekend I’m hoping to take a few guests out on my boat. It’s a little cold for water sports, but taking a cruise around the lake will be a pleasant break from the norm. I’ve got my fingers crossed that Mother Nature will cooperate!

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Fleet of Inflatable Boats


Boat rentals are a big business during the summertime. The more I learn about inflatable boats the more I’m intrigued by the idea of starting my own rental company. Eventually I could work my way up to an entire fleet of inflatable boats that can be used for fishing or simply cruising.

I’ve already found some sites that offer good deals on inflatable boats, particularly if they are bought in bulk. I imagine I could likewise strike a deal for engines. As far as oil, I already know that I can easily get my hands on Mercury oil 55 gallon drum for not too much money. I think I’ll mull the idea over this winter and decide one way or the other in time for the summer boating season.

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Cleaning Mercury Marine Carburetor, Part I

Mercury manufactures a number of outboard motors with carburetor intakes. Learning to clean these carburetors is a moderately difficult endeavor. You will need: various screwdrivers, shop rags, jet pick, safety goggles, compressed air and air nozzle, and a carburetor cleaner. It doesn’t hurt to pick up some Mercury 2 cycle oil while out getting supplies.

Begin by removing the brass screws on the side of the fuel bowl with a flat screwdriver. Drain the fuel from the carburetor and use a shop rag to absorb the excess. Using a number two Phillips screwdriver, remove the four fuel bowl screws and lift the bowl up and off the carburetor body. Take your jet driver and remove the main jet and pilot jet, taking care not to damage the brass jets.

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Changing Lower Unit Oil on Mercury Outboard, Part II

Yesterday we began describing how to change the oil on the lower unit of a Mercury outboard. Picking up from where we left off, remove the upper vent plug and set it aside. Oil should now be flowing out of the lower unit and into the drain pan. This can take one to two hours for the unit to fully drain.

Take your supply of Mercury engine oil and dispense it into the lower unit. Continue adding oil until it flows from the top vent plug opening. Once that happens, replace the top vent plug and the drain plug. Let the oil settle overnight, check the levels in the morning, and add more oil if need be.

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Changing Lower Unit Oil on Mercury Outboard, Part I

Changing the motor oil in the lower unit of a Mercury outboard is a fairly simple task. All responsible boat owners should, at the very least, know when to change the oil. After all, without the proper Mercury 2 stroke oil, the internal of components of the motor won’t work properly which can put you in a real bind if you’re out on the water when things go wrong.

To change the oil you will need an oil pan, screwdriver, rags, oil, and a utility knife. Once you have gathered your supplies lower the Mercury outboard to its vertical position. Place the drain pan under the lower unit and then turn the lowest plug counterclockwise with the screwdriver. Place the drain plug aside for the time being. Check back tomorrow for part II!

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How to Change Your ATV Oil: Part Four

Now that the oil filter has been changed and all of the used oil is out, the only thing left to do is put in the new Mercury engine oil. Remove the oil cap and place the funnel into the fill hole. Pour your oil into the funnel slowly to prevent any drips or spills. (Always consult your owner’s manual to see your manufacturer’s specifications for oil.)

Once you’ve poured the oil in, turn on the engine and let it run for a few minutes. While the ATV is running, check around the machine for leaks before turning it off and waiting for a few minutes while it cools. Insert the dipstick into the fill hole and make sure that the oil is up to the full mark. Screw the cap back into place, reattach the panels and you’re done.

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