Mercury 2.5 Outboard

I have the 2020 model and although the manual recommends regular 87 fuel with up to 10 % ethanol, I have had it back to the dealer, (Orleans Boat World), every season for failure to start. The 1st time they charged me $160 and found nothing! The second time they charged me $375 to replace the carb float valve. I changed to premium ethanol free fuel and it got much better. Mercury refuses warranty on carb issues because they can't prove recommended fuel was used. Extremely disappointed.

After having owned it for 2 years I've learned not to do as the manual says. Do not use regular 87 Octane fuel! Use only premium ethanol free fuel. If you run the carb empty after each outing as suggested, it will take 10 to 15 pulls to start the next time. Be sure to close the fuel valve if you need to tip it up or fuel will leak.