Hey all,

I wanted to get opinions on 2 Stroke Oil.

I have a 2003 Mercury Optimax 115. The previous owner used Evinrude Johnson 2 Cycle Premium Synthetic Blend.

I don't have a problem with this oil except sometimes it is hard to find.

I see Mercury sells their own 2 Stroke Synthetic Blend but it is more expensive.

What do others use for this motor and do you have experiences or advice to share ?

Thanks !!

So you're looking to save a couple of dollars on what, 2 to 3 gallons a year tops. If thats the case then try Penzoil synthetic blend

Have 2010 115 optimax use pennzoil synthetic blend with tc-3 get at academy or Walmart 18.00 gallon Never had problem smoking or plugs fouled used since bought boat. Just be careful mixing with other brands not recommended will coagulate and mess up oil reserve and motor

Oils are not the same regardless of the labeling. Use the best you can get. Oil is cheaper than a motor.
Domo-Online has very good prices, especially if you buy in quantity. I buy XD100 by the 6 gallon case.

I have heard very good things about this oil from a mechanic who builds Mercury fishing and race motors. Very little to no smoking, which means less carbon build-up. No carbon build up in ring lands and piston surfaces.

If the previous owner was using this oil and it works well with the set up no way would I change to another oil. As said above some of these oils do not mix well together. Go with what has been working for this engine and keep on keeping on.

I have heard from several mechanics I trust that the ONLY 2 stroke oil to use is Mercury or Yamaha

Hey Thanks for all the replies.

Sounds like it's best to stick with what's been used and not change it, which was what I was planning and expected the feedback to be.

tmd11111 thanks for the reply, I don't recall mentioning I was looking to "save a couple of bucks" but rather looking for advice and suggestions.
I did mention one oil was more expensive, simply as an observation.

I like penzoil premium plus, been running it for many years no issues. I run it in a Yamaha.

The previous owner of my current rig used Amsoil synthetic 2 stroke motor oil in the motor. It has run exceptionally well for a 17 year old motor. I am not about to change what works just to dave a few bucks.

I just made the switch to Pennzoil XLF in my opti. Very highly regarded over at scream and fly...

I�ve been using Quantum Blue recently and really like it. Won�t use anything else now.

Another vote for Pennzoil Premium Plus. Best affordable oil on the shelf.

Amsoil hd marine is hard to beat

use what you have been, when you find it just buy a little extra so you don't run short. nothing wrong with having a few extra gallons set aside.

I use this oil in my boats, never any issues related to the oil...used all the other brands, just never noticed any real differences. As long as they have the rating specified in the owners manual (or better), you shouldn’t have any issues.

Ok here is the deal, out of all the oils mentioned only Pennzoil has a refinery. None of the motor manufactures have a refinery. They all use oil supplied by a contractor

It's true but outboard manufactures design the "blend" of additives to be used in the oils for their specific motor like yamalube etc.... So yes they require a refinery to make the oil but it is their recipe of sorts.

It's true but outboard manufactures design the "blend" of additives to be used in the oils for their specific motor like yamalube etc.... So yes they require a refinery to make the oil but it is their recipe of sorts.

I agree with that statement however there was a law passed that stated if a manufacturer required you to use their oil for the warranty to be good then they would have to supply you with their oil for free. None do so that tells me if the oil is TCW compliant it should meet any of the manufactures specs.

Only thing outboard manufactures design when it comes to oil is the label on the bottle. They specify the requirements the oil needs to meet and refineries produce it.

Wrong. Don't really have time to explain it, but here's an article that explains it:

https://www.saltwatersportsman.com/two-stroke-engine-oil-for-fishing-boat/

Splitting hairs and not worth arguing over.

I’ve owned Evinrude, Johnson motors and I ran the OMC oil, I run the Synthetic blend in my Fast Strike 150 with Premium non ethanol fuel. I have no fuel issues. Perfect compression on a 23 year old motor. I have it checked every year when I do my maintenance. When I owned a Yamaha I ran yamalube. I had no fuel issues with it. I’ve never tried the aftermarket oils. I read about it a bunch. I figured that if I run the oil that the builder sells for it I would be ok. The additives seam to be where the cost difference is. But it comes down to your choice. What make you feel good.

I like Amsiol and use it also, But just to be clear I don't think their 2 stroke oil is tcw3 certified.