Cobalt blood change

[AsLan7]

Roger that Matt.

My only concern is that the engine platform would hit the taller filter when the platform is lowered. I know mine would.
Many of the racing engines I see seem to be mounted deeper in the boat forgoing that issue.

[cmattj]

Roger that Matt.

My only concern is that the engine platform would hit the taller filter when the platform is lowered. I know mine would.
Many of the racing engines I see seem to be mounted deeper in the boat forgoing that issue.

Good Point.. Be like putting a outward dent on the 1965 chevelle with the new Custom Air cleaner and stud I didn't trim down far enough... (geeze Im old)

[Big Block Power]

The mercury hp filter I used was the same size. So no worries there. The filter was the big difference I believe.

[AsLan7]

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Here's the Merc HP filter discussed above:
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[Big Block Power]

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Here's the Merc HP filter discussed above:
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Heck it's only as big as my phone it should fit under your hood.lol

[AsLan7]

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Here's the Merc HP filter discussed above:
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Heck it's only as big as my phone it should fit under your hood.lol

I could cut a hole in the engine hatch / sun platform and let it stick out like a turtle head.

[Southernboatman]

Just chiming in. Since mine is "in the shoebox" I don't plan to do my oil changes although I can have it placed on service bunks do do this either myself or for the dealer to come over and do or since my marina is full service they can do, although they are cert merc and Yamaha but not vp currently they can handle an oil change. Anyway, like most of you I'm all synthetic (full not blend) all the way in everything and have been for many years. Mobil 1 "almost" always. Dealer discussion was to use only marine certified oil which I did using vp manuf branded oil and also looked up some things, main topic being extra corrosion inhibitors in marine certified oil.
https://www.nmma.org/certification/oil/fc-wcat For oil info.
And here at the end of this article also worth a read if this is of interest. http://www.boatingmag.com/how-marine-oil-made#page-6

[AsLan7]

Just chiming in. Since mine is "in the shoebox" I don't plan to do my oil changes although I can have it placed on service bunks do do this either myself or for the dealer to come over and do or since my marina is full service they can do, although they are cert merc and Yamaha but not vp currently they can handle an oil change. Anyway, like most of you I'm all synthetic (full not blend) all the way in everything and have been for many years. Mobil 1 "almost" always. Dealer discussion was to use only marine certified oil which I did using vp manuf branded oil and also looked up some things, main topic being extra corrosion inhibitors in marine certified oil.
https://www.nmma.org/certification/oil/fc-wcat For oil info.
And here at the end of this article also worth a read if this is of interest. http://www.boatingmag.com/how-marine-oil-made#page-6

Good read, SBM. Thanx for posting. I noticed that first article specifically addressed the four stroke OUTBOARD engines.

"With the widespread introduction of the four-stroke OUTBOARD engine technology, NMMA considered it necessary to develop a marine engine oil category specifically for marine four-stroke engines. With all of the major outboard engine manufacturers producing four-stroke OUTBOARDS to further reduce emissions and increase fuel economy, the need for oil specifically designed for the unique marine environment became necessary."

I'm glad I don't own a boat with CAT's now that the "cat certified" oil is required for those engines.

Btw, here is the MERC 496 mag oil recommendation from the manual for anyone interested. I find it interesting that synthetic oil is NOT recommended. I'm going to decide shortly on what oil I'm going to run after checking the options in the manual below. :
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[Southernboatman]

...and speaking of cats...don't get a thread started or I might look like a crazy person.

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[AsLan7]

Great cat pic Sbm!

I've narrowed down my Mercruiser 496 MAG HO (not Volvo) oil choices based upon balancing what the manufacturer claims; the manual recommends; HOURS of other forum reading; boating magazine articles; economical pricing; bobtheoilguy claims; and dealership recommendations.

Here are my Merc 496 HO finalists:

Merc 4 stroke 25w-40
Merc 4 stroke 25w-40 semi synthetic
Mercury racing 4 stroke 25w-50
Mobil 1 15w-50 full synthetic (non extended performance which has been discontinued--crap).

Thoughts??

[Big Block Power]

Merc 25-40 semi

[AsLan7]

Merc 25-40 semi

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I'm leaning toward that too,big b. It's a good balance between price, what Merc recommends, and engine protection.

Merc discontinued their 4 stroke 25w-40 full synthetic for various reasons. That's too bad since I'm a big fan of full synthetic oil due to its adherence properties while engines sit for long periods of time before startup. That's mainly why we run full synth in all of our engines--reduced wear on cylinders during initial start-up.

This 496 mag HO would be the only engine we own not running full synthetic. That's a little difficult for me to swallow but I can get over it using the Merc semi-synthetic. As you know, there is no real " standard " for a manufacturer to be able to claim what's semi synthetic. That's why I never use semi. I do trust Merc though.


Foolish thinking?

[Big Block Power]

Merc 25-40 semi

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I'm leaning toward that too,big b. It's a good balance between price, what Merc recommends, and engine protection.

Merc discontinued their 4 stroke 25w-40 full synthetic for various reasons. That's too bad since I'm a big fan of full synthetic oil due to its adherence properties while engines sit for long periods of time before startup. That's mainly why we run full synth in all of our engines--reduced wear on cylinders during initial start-up.

This 496 mag HO would be the only engine we own not running full synthetic. That's a little difficult for me to swallow but I can get over it using the Merc semi-synthetic. As you know, there is no real " standard " for a manufacturer to be able to claim what's semi synthetic. That's why I never use semi. I do trust Merc though.


Foolish thinking?

I personally would run a can of BG MOA in it with your oil. Especially with storage coming up. It's ours a nice coating on everything. I use it in every 4 stroke engines I own.

[AsLan7]

"I personally would run a can of BG MOA in it with your oil. Especially with storage coming up. It's pours a nice coating on everything. I use it in every 4 stroke engines I own."

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Roger that.
I've only been a fan of a few oil additives throughout the years.
I believe if you are using a good oil, you don't need an additive. However, I do think certain additives work with the cheaper grades of oil.

That being said, there may be a few circumstances where an additive may enhance an engine's operating characteristics regardless of oil quality.

Marvels I have used for 30 years in a 1960 classic sports car for the valves seats.
I've heard good things about SeaFoam but never used it.
Same with BG Moa

Of course we stay away from the products who have been sued by the FTC for their bogus claims (i.e. Slick 50; STP; Prolong...etc)

What scientific proof on the net can I reference regarding BG in Merc engines other than owner or dealer opinions?
Thanks again for the input.

Btw, the Mercury racing 4 stroke 25w-50 oil mentioned in my earlier post above is a semi synthetic blend as well.

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[Big Block Power]

I won't say the name of the manufacture that I toured its factory.hint hint you posted there oil.lol
But this is what they use in there big hp engines. So what does that say?
Look at the box tucked away in the right corner.