Synthetic oil?

[Big Deal]

Hi all,
I have a 2002 360 DA and was wondering if using synthetic oil was ok to do. If so, what weight? What does Mercury say about it?
Also, what website are folks ordering parts from?
Thanks, and I hope everyone is having as great a boating season as I am!

 

[jason78]

OK, I normally don't do this but- you should really do a search on this as it has been debated numerous times here as far as what to use, what is best, what people that do or do not use what Mercury says to use and why or why not. Everyone has an opinion on this and they vary widely.

Most opinions seem to be (generally) grouped in to 3 categories-

a) Use Mercury Recommended Dino (non-syn) oils which is the second on the Merc oil chart to use.

b) Use Mercury Full Synthetic 20W-40 Oil per latest Recommendation from Mercury

c) Used whatever brand X motor oil they like, maybe even automotive oil. Sometimes because their mechanic said to, some because they don't want to pay Merc prices, some because "all oil is the same and marine oil is a scam", some because they have been running it for years with no problems, etc, etc, etc.

If you want to use what Mercury says to use, it is Merc Full Synthetic or the Merc Dino as a secondary. The best place I have found to get Merc Full Synthetic is here- http://www.mertenmarine.com/servlet/StoreFront

You would probably be fine to continue using Merc/Quicksilver 25W-40 available at West Marine for a reasonable price.

Here is the Merc Oil Chart- http://www.mercurymarine.com/servic...ntenance/faqs/mercruiser/?category=fuel#MCOil

 

[northern]

Also it was said to use what was originally recommended if it was still being used when you got the boat.