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Electrical System Frequently Asked Questions
What alternative/equivalent 2-cycle oils are available when I can't purchase Mercury Marine Precision Lubricants or Quicksilver brands of oil?
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If Quicksilver or Mercury Precision Lubricants outboard oil is not available, substitute another brand of 2-cycle outboard oil that is NMMA Certified TC-W3. The use of an inferior 2-cycle outboard oil can reduce engine durability. Damage from use of inferior oil may not be covered under the limited warranty.
Always consult your Operation, Maintenance and Warranty Manual for additional information. Use the "Operation & Maintenance Manual" link page if you need to find/print a replacement manual.
What alternative/equivalent 4-cycle oils are available when I can't purchase Mercury Marine Precision Lubricants or Quicksilver brands of oil?
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If Quicksilver or Mercury Precision Lubricants 4-cycle outboard oil is not available, use a premium quality 4-cycle engine oil, certified to meet or exceed any one or a combination of the following American Petroleum Institute (API) Service Classification SH, SG, SF, CF-4, CE, CD, CDII.
Always consult your Operation, Maintenance and Warranty Manual for additional information concerning viscosity requirements and temperature ranges. Use the "Operation & Maintenance Manual" link page if you need to find/print a replacement manual.
What is the proper break-in procedure for 2-cycle, 4-cycle, and OptiMax outboards?
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Break-in is important to insure correct engine performance and life. Follow the procedure listed in the Operation, Maintenance and Warranty Manual.
Generally, for the first two hours, we recommend avoiding extended periods of idle, sustained periods of wide open throttle and holding the engine at one speed for extended periods of time. New two-stroke engines require additional oil, either through the addition of oil with the fuel or programming inside the computer. Four stroke models: DO NOT require additional oil added with the fuel during break-in.
Break-in procedures are described in the Operation, Maintenance and Warranty Manual supplied with each engine. Use the "Operation & Maintenance Manual" link page if you need to find/print a replacement manual.
What type of fluid is used in my power trim system?
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We recommend either Mercury Precision Parts or Quicksilver Power Trim and Steering Fluid. This fluid can be used in any of our power trim systems. Acceptable alternatives will depend upon the type and age of the system. If the fluid is yellow, use automotive engine oil -- the heavier weight oil will cause the trim system to react slower in cold water. If the fluid is red or clear in color, use Dextron III automotive transmission fluid.
What is the advantage of the OptiMax/DFI Synthetic Blend 2-Cycle Outboard Oil?
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The OptiMax/DFI Synthetic Blend 2-Cycle Outboard Oil is specifically designed for Mercury Marine direct-injected outboard engines. The additive package used in this oil is superior to the other oils we produce and formulated to provide an extra margin of protection in the OptiMax engines. OptiMax engines have additional pressures and temperatures over their carbureted and EFI counterparts.
Should my boat be rigged with a starting or a deep cycle battery, and why?
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There is a difference between an ordinary starting battery and a Deep-Cycle battery. Starting requires a high amount of energy for a short period of time (about 30 seconds maximum). Only a small amount of the battery's capacity is used. Once the engine starts running, the battery is recharged quickly by the charging system.
A Deep-Cycle battery supplies a relatively low amount of current for a long duration. Deep-Cycle batteries, unlike starting batteries, can be run down and recharged repeatedly with minimum loss of capacity. Deep-Cycle batteries are designed to power electric fishing motors, and other electrical accessories in boats and recreational vehicles such as radios, TVs, fans, etc.
Since starting batteries and Deep-Cycle batteries are designed for different purposes, they are constructed differently inside. Starting batteries have porous active material. The plates are thin and are designed so the high-amp energy can be quickly delivered for maximum starting power. Repeated cycling, which involves lower capacity drains and recharges, weakens the positive plate. The active material drops from the grid, thus, in repeated deep discharge/recharge applications, the capacity of the starting battery drops below desired levels in about 50 cycles.
The Deep-Cycle battery has a denser active material and thicker plates to withstand deep discharge/re-charge service.
I'm seeing a small spark when I connect the battery cables. Is this ok?
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Yes, newer engines require a small reference signal.
How do I charge two batteries with my outboard motor?
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Using an outboard to charge two batteries is only effective if the outboard charging system is capable of delivering more than 15 to 20 amps. One point to remember: most systems are rated at wide-open throttle and charge substantially lower amounts at slower engine speeds.
Engines equipped with belt driven alternators and some smaller outboards can use a battery isolator to direct current to each battery. The isolator allows one battery to be discharged separately from the other and still allows both to charge from a single source. Carbureted and EFI 2.5L outboards are equipped with a dual regulated charging system. This system can be split, allowing half of the system to charge both batteries.
Other options may be available, contact your local Mercury or Mariner Outboard dealer for additional information.
How do I hook up a tachometer or other gauge to my outboard motor?
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Each Mercury Precision Part gauge contains instructions on how to connect the instrument. Our service manuals contain similar information and are available through your local dealer.
What do the warning horns indicate?
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The warning horns vary model to model. Generally a solid tone indicates a problem that can cause immediate engine damage and the engine should be stopped. An intermittent tone indicates a problem that will not cause immediate damage but the operator should inspect the engine as soon as possible*.
Refer to your Operation, Maintenance and Warranty Manual for detailed information concerning the warning systems for your engine. Use the "Operation & Maintenance Manual" link page if you need to find/print a replacement manual.
*On 135 HP (2 litre) through 200 HP (2.5 litre) V-6 models, an intermittent warning horn may indicate a problem with the oil injection system, engine should be stopped and inspected as outlined in your Operation, Maintenance and Warranty Manual.
What is the correct battery for my outboard motor?
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Battery Ratings Note: These are minimum engine specifications. Additional electrical loads from the boat will require larger batteries.
FourStroke Models
| 9.9/15 & 25 |
465 Marine Cranking Amps (MCA) or 350 Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) |
| 30/40, 45/50 |
Operation Above 32/°F (0°C) 465 Marine Cranking Amps (MCA) or 350 Cold Cranking AMPS (CCA) Operation Below 32°F (0°C)
1000 Marine Cranking Amps (MCA) or 750 Cold Cranking AMPS (CCA) |
| 75/90 |
Operation Above 32°F (0°C) 465 Marine Cranking Amps (MCA) or 350 Cold Cranking AMPS (CCA) Operation Below 32°F (0°C)
1000 Marine Cranking Amps (MCA) or 750 Cold Cranking AMPS (CCA) Ampere-Hours (Ah) 70 - 100 |
2-Stroke Models
| 6 - 15, 20/25, 30/40, 40/50 & 60 |
465 Marine Cranking Amps (MCA) or 350 Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) |
| 75 - 125 |
525 Marine Cranking Amps MCA) or 450 Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) |
V-6 CARB/EFI MODELS
| 135/200 & 225/250 |
630 Marine Cranking Amps (MCA) or 490 Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) |
OPTIMAX MODELS
| 2.5L/3.0L |
1000 Marine Cranking Amps (MCA) or 750 Cold Cranking AMPS (CCA) |
What are the general wiring colors used on Mercury outboard engines?
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| Mercury/Mariner Standard Outboard Wiring Color Code |
| Color |
Where Used / Function |
| Black |
All Ground |
| Brown |
Reference Electrode MerCathode System |
| Orange |
Anode Electrode MerCathode System |
| Lt. Blue/White Stripe |
Trim UP Switch |
| Lt. Green/White Stripe |
Trim DOWN Switch |
| Brown/White Stripe |
Trim Sender to Trim Gauge |
| Purple/White Stripe |
Trim "Trailer" Switch |
| Gray |
Tachometer Signal |
| Black/Yellow Stripe |
Shorting or Stop Circuit |
| Pink |
Fuel Sender to Gauge |
| Red |
Unprotected Wire from Battery |
| Red/Purple Stripe |
Protected (Fused) Wire from Battery |
| Red/Purple Stripe |
Protected (12 Volt +) to Trim Panel Control |
| Purple |
Ignition (Switch) to 12 Volt Positive |
| Tan |
Temperature Switch to Warning Horn |
| Tan |
Temperature Sender to Temperature Gauge |
| Tan/Blue Stripe |
Temperature Switch to Warning Horn |
| Yellow |
Starter Solenoid to Starter Motor |
| Yellow |
Starter to Regulator (Charging Circuit) |
| Yellow/Red Stripe |
Start Switch to Start Solenoid to Neutral Start Switch |
| Yellow/Black Stripe |
Choke (Enrichener System) |
| Green with Color Stripe |
Switch Box to Coil - Striped and Numbered |
| White/Black Stripe |
Bias Circuit (Switch Boxes) |
| The ABYC Recommended Colors |
| Color |
Where Used / Function |
| Yellow/Red |
Starting Circuits |
| Brown/Yellow or Yellow |
Bilge Blowers |
| Dark Grey |
Navigation Lights & Tach Signals |
| Orange |
Accessory Feeds |
| Brown |
Pumps |
| Purple |
Instrument Feeds |
| Dark Blue |
Cabin and instrument Lights |
| Light Blue |
Oil Pressure |
| Tan |
Water Temperature |
| Pink |
Fuel Gauge Sender |
What is the correct tachometer setting for my outboard motor?
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| MODELS |
Positive Pulses per Crank Revolution |
Poles |
Switch Setting |
Models 35 and 40
S/N Range U.S.A. - 5823918 and Above
Canada - 7169337 and Above
Australia - 8070639 and Above
Belgium - 9298955 and Above
Mercury/Mariner 6 through 25, 35, and 40 (2 cylinder) models |
2 |
4 |
4P or 3 |
| All other Mercury/Mariner Models |
6 |
12 |
6P or 4 |
| Force 40 and Above with Mercury Ignition |
6 |
12 |
6P |
FourStroke Models
| MODELS |
Positive Pulses per Crank Revolution |
Poles |
Switch Setting |
| 8/9.9 HP |
3 |
6C or 2 |
6 |
| 9.9/15 HP |
3 |
6C or 3 |
6 |
| 25 HP |
6 |
6P or 4 |
12 |
| 40/30 |
6 |
6P or 4 |
12 |
| 50 HP |
6 |
6P or 4 |
12 |
| 50/60 |
6 |
6P or 4 |
12 |
| 75/90* |
6 |
6P or 4 |
12 |
* Use QSI tachometer, other models require engine wiring harness changes.
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