Hello all, I just purchased a boat with a Mercury 8hp motor (1995 model). What is a proper fuel/oil mixture to run?

Thanks for any help.

50:1 is the norm now days on pre-mix fuel, but you can always call a Merc dealer to confirm that.

I was told by my mechanic to run 50:1 16 ozs for 1 gal. of gas 87 octane

all these guys are correct 50:1 is the proper pre-mix. I'm so glad I have direct injection so I don't have to mix anymore.

Someones math is way off. 16 oz per gallon is 8:1. A 50:1 mixture would be 2.56 oz per gallon. A word of warning: I have been told that marine 2 cycle oil and the oil for air cooled engines like trimmers and chain saws are different and should not be interchanged. Something to do with the higher temps in an air cooled engine. Tom

I suspect a typo and he meant 16 oz to 6 gal of gas. Always use TC-W3 two stroke marine oil

I'm sure it was a typo, but that kind of error can really mess up a fishing trip, and the problem usually starts after the fuel line clears and you are well away from the dock with an outboard that won't run! Tom

Then again, better more than not enough. If your going to err, do it on the rich side.

Don't forget to add Sea Foam or Marine Formula Sta-Bil. The alcohol in gas today isn't a good thing for outboards. Good luck!

Posted By wmiket on 22 Aug 2010 02:42 PM
Don't forget to add Sea Foam or Marine Formula Sta-Bil. The alcohol in gas today isn't a good thing for outboards. Good luck!

Wise words. I've had great experience with SeaFoam....but won't put down Sta-Bil Marine Formula just because I haven't used it

When using Sta-Bil remember that there are two different formulas. One is an alcohol treatment, the other a stabilizer for storage. You may need both! Tom

I have used Sta-Bil Ethanol treatment in the past with good results. Within this month all gas stations in Western Washington started adding Ethanol to thier gas and i hate the stuff. Sta-Bil protects agnist rust and moisture But I have since changed to a new product made by Amsoil called Quick Shot it not only protects aginst rust and moisture it also cleans your entire fuel system injectors,and fuel lines unlike Sat-Bil. If it's made by Amsoil you can bet it's the best.

Harry

Trophy Life Member USN Retired 1969-1989 NW Bass Pro Washington State