What is a good substitute

[PanMan_VA]

for Mercury four stroke 10w-30 motor oil? I have been to several stores in the area and all they have is two stroke oil or 25w-40 four stroke oil for sterndrives.

I would like to find a suitable substitute available locally (preferably synthetic) since the Mercury oil is so hard to find.

[Matt Smith]

Valvoline 10W30 full synthetic

[speckfinder]

Valvoline 10W30 full synthetic

regular automotive oil?

[PanMan_VA]

Here is the list of certified four stroke oils I found:

NMMA - 2008 FC-W CERTIFIED OILS

Now I just have to find some.

[PanMan_VA]

I finally found some oil at West Marine (BPS and Boater's World were out). I noticed they have their own brand in the certified FC-W list. They actually had Mercury oil in the viscosity I wanted as well. I chose the Mercury oil over their own brand but it is nice to know I have some options.

[Matt Smith]

Now go pick up a bottle of the Valvoline synthetic and compare it's specs to the Mercury oil.

[PanMan_VA]

I'm sure Valvoline Synthetic is good oil but nothing that is not NMMA certified FC-W goes in my outboard.

If some of the automotive oils want to certify, I'll be glad to use them.

[ad1974]

I have used Pennzoil Marine 4 stroke 10w30 in my Mercury 4 stroke the last 2 times I changed my oil and have had no problems,got it at Walmart.

[Matt Smith]

I'm sure Valvoline Synthetic is good oil but nothing that is not NMMA certified FC-W goes in my outboard.

If some of the automotive oils want to certify, I'll be glad to use them.

LMAO! Well then why did you ask

I would like to find a suitable substitute available locally (preferably synthetic) since the Mercury oil is so hard to find.

if you didn't want a suitable substitute? Do you think I pulled that answer out of my arse? NO!

"Marine rated" is a marketing gimmick much like the "trail rated" Jeeps a few years back.

I'm sorry I even tried to answer your question. It's clear your logic is flawed. But hey, it's your money and the marketers have you convinced.