Older Outboard Oils

[Oldswagon]

I am in the process of getting my old 1978 Merc 200 20hp ready to hit the lakes. I was at the parts store the other day getting some things for my car and I picked up some Pennzoil premium 2cycle outboard oil. Is this stuff any good? Are their any differences between 2 cycle oils? What is best to run in a 25 year old outboard?

Also, I had some Shell Nautilus gear oil kicking around. I just finished draining the lower end and filling with this oil. Is it any good? Anything better choices?

 

[Schmoe]

Another brand is quicksilver made for Mercruiser. They have both synthetic and non-synthetic outdrive fluids. 25 year old, I'd go with the non-synthetic. Scan this website, I have seen some uoa on the 2 stroke oils. I've seen that Pennzoil type you've mentioned at Walmart for a number of years. Yesterday, I noticed they had it on their clearance rack, they may quit selling it pretty soon.

 

[Oldswagon]

Thanks for the advice. I have heard of Quicksilver, but I just don't like the sky high prices of the local Mercury/Mercuiser dealership. I just picked up this Pennzoil, because my parts guy is a licenced dealer, and I usually buy my Long Life from him (since he has the best prices in town).

What sort of additives and properties should a good 2 cycle outboard motor have?

I would agree that the synthetic gear oil is not really need on this motor. It really just putts around for fishing. Plus, I have changed the oil on it yearly since I got the motor.