Synthetic oil for 280

**WiseCraft** · 12-24-2022, 10:47 AM

Hey Guys,

Sorry for the same post over and over again.

Everyone is recommending synthetic oil for the 280s. Pennsoil is discountinued and Merc is a blend. Any other recommendations? Thanks

consumer box btw.

**sonicss33** · 12-24-2022, 01:31 PM

Klotz

**bill mason** · 12-25-2022, 08:40 AM

If you are not turning over 7500 rps a lot?? I just run regular Merc oil. Thats just me

**David - WI** · 12-25-2022, 10:26 AM

I use a lot of (other) Redline synthetic oils... $100/gallon though.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/red-40706

**25two.stroke** · 12-25-2022, 01:34 PM

Mercury Red Racing oil 8k+
Penzoil XLF 8k+
Mercury Synthetic blend is just fine for con 280 under 8k

Above is what I use and have not had a problem with it. Others' opinions may differ.

**WiseCraft** · 12-27-2022, 09:12 AM

Originally Posted by 25two.stroke

Mercury Red Racing oil 8k+
Penzoil XLF 8k+
Mercury Synthetic blend is just fine for con 280 under 8k

Above is what I use and have not had a problem with it. Others' opinions may differ.

do you have a picture of the Mercury red? That’s a full synthetic?

**rjdubiel** · 12-27-2022, 10:19 AM

Originally Posted by 25two.stroke

Mercury Red Racing oil 8k+
Penzoil XLF 8k+
Mercury Synthetic blend is just fine for con 280 under 8k

Above is what I use and have not had a problem with it. Others' opinions may differ.

XLF is what I have been using in my 280, my 2.4, my Promax. Runs the 280 to 9K+ for drags and 7+ on the river. 7+ on the 2.4 and promax on the river as well. Good oil and great price.

**DangerNewb** · 12-27-2022, 10:28 AM

Originally Posted by WiseCraft

do you have a picture of the Mercury red? That’s a full synthetic?

The Merc racing 2 stroke is red and comes with a blue, black and silver label. It's a blend also. https://www.mertenmarine.com/mercury...78011-1-gallon

I've been using Pennz XLF in all my motors including a 280. I've never opened up my 280 to see how things look but plan to have it torn down, inspected and new rings (at least) in a few weeks. I run 28 and 30 pitch props so really have never spun my 280 over 8k. Trying to stay alive for at least a few more years. 110-115mph is plenty for me.

**WiseCraft** · 12-27-2022, 11:25 AM

Originally Posted by DangerNewb

The Merc racing 2 stroke is red and comes with a blue, black and silver label. It's a blend also. https://www.mertenmarine.com/mercury...78011-1-gallon

I've been using Pennz XLF in all my motors including a 280. I've never opened up my 280 to see how things look but plan to have it torn down, inspected and new rings (at least) in a few weeks. I run 28 and 30 pitch props so really have never spun my 280 over 8k. Trying to stay alive for at least a few more years. 110-115mph is plenty for me.

Thank you. Old owner of the boat I bought said I could only run synthetic. Figured I’ll look for some but if you’re saying XLF is good that’s perfect. I have 10 gallons of that from my last boat. Thanks dude

**25two.stroke** · 12-27-2022, 11:56 AM

Yeah, its surprisingly chap for how good it looks inside the engines...I hope they never change the formula and don't tell us lol

**DangerNewb** · 12-27-2022, 12:07 PM

Originally Posted by 25two.stroke

Yeah, its surprisingly chap for how good it looks inside the engines...I hope they never change the formula and don't tell us lol

It's the only product I can think of that hasn't gone up in price over past 3 years. Still $18 and change at Walmart. I probably have 20 gallons. Keep thinking it will be $30 a gallon next time I look.

**d&smach** · 12-29-2022, 10:40 PM

Full synthetics have certain downfalls, straight mineral oils do also. I use a blend that supposeably gives the best of both worlds. Maybe it's just me but when I see "synthetic blend" on the container I guess I'm supposed to believe it's a 50/50 mixture when in reality I'm sure the majority of it is the cheaper of the two, possibly even 99/1.
I used 16 to 1 mineral based oil in merc twin cyl engines on hydroplanes. I was at a hydroplane race and a racer told me that because I'm not a competitor he can let me in on a secret. I really hate to take the flak here but I tried his mixture on a certain stock merc and after readjusting the high speed jets, the engine went from 39 to 41 hp. Anybody want to take a guess what oil ratio he advised that gave the gain?

**wolfgangb** · 12-30-2022, 11:12 AM

Originally Posted by d&smach

Full synthetics have certain downfalls, straight mineral oils do also. I use a blend that supposeably gives the best of both worlds. Maybe it's just me but when I see "synthetic blend" on the container I guess I'm supposed to believe it's a 50/50 mixture when in reality I'm sure the majority of it is the cheaper of the two, possibly even 99/1.

I used 16 to 1 mineral based oil in merc twin cyl engines on hydroplanes. I was at a hydroplane race and a racer told me that because I'm not a competitor he can let me in on a secret. I really hate to take the flak here but I tried his mixture on a certain stock merc and after readjusting the high speed jets, the engine went from 39 to 41 hp. Anybody want to take a guess what oil ratio he advised that gave the gain?

23:1, as I raced with my 3 cyl OMCs (loopers) in SE in `69, and the same with my Chrysler 4-cyl crossflows before that (so called 100:1 oil) - in both cases turned out to be Castrol Fully Synthetic, like XLD, LOL.
Confirmed by the local (then in Germany), Castrol specialist, just to have been repackaged.
Rgds, Wolfgang (South Africa)

**skipe** · 12-30-2022, 03:41 PM

I ran Klotz in the 2.4. occasionally hit 8500+rpm. never had any internal engine problems.

**skipe** · 12-30-2022, 03:42 PM

Originally Posted by d&smach

Full synthetics have certain downfalls, straight mineral oils do also. I use a blend that supposeably gives the best of both worlds. Maybe it's just me but when I see "synthetic blend" on the container I guess I'm supposed to believe it's a 50/50 mixture when in reality I'm sure the majority of it is the cheaper of the two, possibly even 99/1.
I used 16 to 1 mineral based oil in merc twin cyl engines on hydroplanes. I was at a hydroplane race and a racer told me that because I'm not a competitor he can let me in on a secret. I really hate to take the flak here but I tried his mixture on a certain stock merc and after readjusting the high speed jets, the engine went from 39 to 41 hp. Anybody want to take a guess what oil ratio he advised that gave the gain?

Generally it's 10%