Optimax 250 Pro XS Questions

[davet.]

My new boat has an Opti 250 Pro XS and I'm getting mixed info on the right fuel and oil to use in it.
Some say 87 octane, a tech said 89 and the previous owner only used premium.
And the oil. Some say Merc Premium Plus, others say opti oil and add an ounce per gallon into the tank, etc., etc.
What is the CORRECT combination of oil and gas for my 03 Opti.(I tend to lean on the throttle a little hard)
Any feedback is appreciated.
Thanks.

[eagle123777]

your best bet for all answers on merc is to go to bass boat central and read the merc 3.0 thread, on oil, gas, batteries,and gas additives. there are stickies there that answer the most general questions.
I do this.
1. advised to use chevron 87 on my first merc, have never changed
2. merc recommends their DFI oil I use their recommendation, BPS and others sell it as Quicksilver
3. Don Weed has a gas cocktail listed on the merc thread, I use his recommendation.
I am on my 2nd merc and following Mercs and Dons recommendations have never had a problem

[sdisturber]

merc did not make a pro xs until 2005 the pro xs runs premium plus oil 87 octane gas .the 03 was a standard opti and not the pro xs model.in fact i dont think the 250 pro xs came out unti 06 or 07.

[eagle123777]

merc did not make a pro xs until 2005 the pro xs runs premium plus oil 87 octane gas .the 03 was a standard opti and not the pro xs model.in fact i dont think the 250 pro xs came out unti 06 or 07.

premium plus was replaced by OPTI/DFI oil awhile back. best just to read the recommendations on BBC and make your decisions.

[drew]

Is there anything wrong with using Mercury's recommendation? IMO I would run a higher octane fuel if your going to make long runs at WOT. Also any fuel without ethanol would be my first choice, e.g. if the 87 was a blend and 89 was not I would go with the 89 option. FWIW I have yet to see any posts on the BBC about fuel that are correct.

As per Mercury's site
Recommended Oil Mercury OptiMax / DFI Outboard Oil TC-W3
Recommended Fuel 87 octane compatible (up to 10% ethanol)

[davet.]

Ok, I think I'll go opti oil and 89 NON ethanol.
Also, I've heard good things about Lucas gas additive to reduce carbon buildup.
I just assumed it was a PRO XS when it's got a custom paint job that just says Optimax XS. Not sure what the difference is yet.

[RANT55]

If I remember right in 2003 and 2004 the 250 XS could be a 91oct and PP mercury oil motor. You really should call your local Mercury Dealer and have them look it up. Good Luck..

[Grape Ape]

I have a 2012 and run exactly what I was told to by the dealerships top mechanics. 87 octane and Premium Plus oil. I also add about 1/2 oz. per gallon of Premuim Plus oil into my fuel tanks every other refuel to help combat this Ethanol crap. I used this same method on my 2008...ran like a champ!

[blkdog812]

87 oct 89 is OK for fuel (do not use premium)
DFI oil only.......per Mercury (contact dealer for service bulletin where they recommend upgrade to DFI on all OPTI motors)
add Merc "Quikleen" in every tank. ( sea foam is good also) to fight effects of carbon build up caused by current fuel.
Also dont keep a full tank of fuel in the boat. put enough only what you plan to use.

you will get several opinions, some are good and some are bad, but this is what is recommended by Mercury. its up to you as to what you do. I choose to follow what they recommend as It is too expensive to replace and repair a power head.

[split172]

87 oct 89 is OK for fuel (do not use premium)
DFI oil only......

What's the problem with running the higher octane premium?

[drew]

It costs more.

Those that claim a higher octane gas burns slower and/or produces a lower BTU need to take an organic chemistry class and review the federal standards for gasoline.

87 oct 89 is OK for fuel (do not use premium)
DFI oil only......

What's the problem with running the higher octane premium?