What determines if an engine must be catalyzed?
A mandate from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) stipulates that beginning in 2008 any engine sold in the state must achieve a combined 75 percent reduction in hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides. The only way to reach that emissions level is to fit the engines with catalytic converters. Any engine with a manufactured date on or after January 1, 2008, to be sold in the state of California must be catalyzed. The one exception to this rule is 4.3L engines, which are covered by an exemption. Engines sold in California must be CARB-certified. For more information, visit the California Air Resources Board Web site at http://www.arb.ca.gov/homepage.htm.
Can I register my boat outside of California if I live in California?
No, you must register your boat in the state in which you reside. For more information, visit the California Air Resources Board Web site at http://www.arb.ca.gov/homepage.htm.
If I live in another state and buy a boat with a non-catalyzed engine, can I use that boat in California?
Yes, you can use your boat in California as long as your boat is registered in another state. For more information, visit the California Air Resources Board Web site at http://www.arb.ca.gov/homepage.htm.
If I register my boat after January 1, 2008, in California, does it have to have a catalyzed engine?
If the engine was manufactured before January 1, 2008, you are not required to have a catalyzed engine. For more information, visit the California Air Resources Board Web site at http://www.arb.ca.gov/homepage.htm.
What engines are going to be catalyzed starting January 1, 2008?
Every MerCruiser engine for sale under 500 horsepower in California will be catalyzed - except for the 4.3L and 4.3L MPI, which are covered by an exemption. For more information, visit the California Air Resources Board Web site at http://www.arb.ca.gov/homepage.htm.
If I buy a boat from a dealer in late 2008 and it has non-catalyzed engines, can I use that boat in California?
If the engines were manufactured before January 1, 2008, you can use that boat in California. For more information, visit the California Air Resources Board Web site at http://www.arb.ca.gov/homepage.htm.
If I move into California with a 2008 or later non-catalyzed engine, can I register or use that boat in California?
There could be penalties associated with registering a boat with a non-catalyzed engine. For more information, visit the California Air Resources Board Web site at http://www.arb.ca.gov/homepage.htm.
If I purchase a remanufactured engine, does it have to be catalyzed?
A remanufactured engine must be rebuilt to its original state. If the original engine was manufactured before January 1, 2008, it is not required to be catalyzed. For more information, visit the California Air Resources Board Web site at http://www.arb.ca.gov/homepage.htm.
What components are considered emission-related and covered under the 3-year warranty? What are the specific terms of this warranty?
Select emissions control parts are covered specifically by the California Emissions Limited Warranty and are warranted for 3 years or 480 hours of operation, whichever occurs first.
Specific components covered under this warranty include:
- Fuel metering system
- Air induction system
- Ignition system
- Lubrication system components
- Crankcase ventilation system
- Exhaust system
- Catalyst or thermal reactor systems
- Miscellaneous items – e.g. hose clamps
Maintenance items are not included, such as:
A copy of the California Emissions Limited Warranty will be included from the factory with each new engine manufactured after January 1, 2008. Refer to this warranty for specific details.
Are there special service or operating requirements that dealers or consumers should be aware of, such as special oils, fuels, winterizing procedures, etc.?
There are no changes to our current fuel requirements for non-catalyzed engines. General winterizing procedures are unchanged for catalyst-equipped engines.
IMPORTANT: If you are operating an engine equipped with Emissions Control, be aware that some oils can damage the catalyst. Although many marine-grade lubricants allow for acceptable engine performance, some contain high levels of phosphorus. Long-term exposure to these high-phosphorus oils will damage the catalyst. Catalysts damaged by lubricants containing high levels of phosphorus may not be covered by the MerCruiser Limited Warranty.
To help obtain optimum engine performance and to provide maximum protection, we recommend using the following oil:
Mercury MerCruiser Full-Synthetic Engine Oil, 20W-40, NMMA FC-W rated
If the Mercury MerCruiser Full-Synthetic, 20W-40 oil is unavailable, you can use the following lubricants, listed in order of recommendation:
IMPORTANT: If you are servicing a catalyst engine, and the Mercury MerCruiser Full-Synthetic, 20W-40 oil is unavailable, you can still use these lubricants, listed in order of recommendation, but only for short periods of time.
- Mercury/Quicksilver 25W-40 Synthetic Blend, NMMA FC-W–rated 4-cycle MerCruiser oil
- Mercury/Quicksilver 25W-40, NMMA FC-W–rated 4-cycle MerCruiser oil
- Other recognized brands of NMMA FC-W–rated 4-cycle oils
- A good-grade, straight-weight detergent automotive oil per the operating chart below.
NOTE: We do not recommend non-detergent oils, multi-viscosity oils (other than as specified), non FC-W–rated synthetic oils, low-quality oils, or oils that contain solid additives.
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