Mercury DFI oil; essential?

[Deleted]

I understand that Mercury places special additives in their DFI oil. Curious if anyone has heard of anyone using regular 2 cycle oil in the Optimax. Also if there were any ill effects. Would love to save some cash by using regular 2 cycle oil if it is ok. Have a "98" 225 optimax.

[easy]

waycastdue; Every motor company says to only use their specially formulated oil or genuine parts. My Cub Cadet lawn tractor says the same thing . Your motor is way past warranty so even if something happens they aren't going to do anything about it. Look in the manuel and see what the recommended type oil is and use it. If your Merc had a pull start rope, the book would say to only use a Merc rope!

[CaptWoody]

Easy, are you telling me I could have just used a Wal-Mart rope all these years? What if Merc found out? LOL
Seriously, what Easy says, you can use any oil that meets the required classification (and most are the same requirements). I use a synthetic blend that I like very well and isn't very expensive. There are a lot of discussion about oil quality here on the forum if you want to do a search and read them.

[easy]

woody; someone should have asked me that question a long time ago! I could have made all y'all wealthy Y'all would be riding around in new boats every year and have a crew on retainer.

[Juan]

I NEVER use anything but Yama Lube in my Cub Cadet!

[Deleted]

This is good information and I appreciate it much! Every bit of savings helps!