Keeping an outboard or high-performance engine clean inside is critical for power, efficiency, and longevity. Mercury’s Power Tune (OEM part numbers 858080Q03 and 858080K03) is a proven carbon remover designed for 2-stroke and 4-stroke gasoline engines.
More advanced than standard carb cleaners, Power Tune restores airflow, dissolves hardened deposits, and brings engines back to peak performance. It is trusted in marine applications ranging from Mercury FourStroke, R-Series, APEX, Verado, Pro Max and Pro XS outboards to legacy 2-stroke 2.0, 2.4, 2.5, 3.0, 3.2 Liter high-output racing engines like those powering Buckshot Racing #77 race boats.
Why Outboard Engine Cleaning Matters
Over time, fuel combustion leaves behind carbon, gum, and varnish inside engines. Piston crowns, carburetors, valves, and exhaust ports become coated, leading to poor idle, sluggish acceleration, detonation, and reduced horsepower.
This is especially true for outboards under heavy load and for engines running ethanol-blended fuel, which accelerates deposit buildup. For those working on restore outboards projects, recondition outboards, or full outboard rebuilds, cleaning is a vital step. Mercury Power Tune addresses these problems head-on, removing deposits and restoring lost performance.
How Mercury Power Tune Works
- On a Running Engine: Power Tune is applied through the intake while the engine idles at fast speed. It atomizes, coats the combustion chamber, and penetrates deposits on pistons, valves, and exhaust ports. After soaking, the engine is restarted, burning off and expelling the loosened carbon. This restores throttle response, smooths idle, and recovers lost horsepower.
- As a Parts & Carb Cleaner: For engines being serviced or rebuilt, Power Tune can be sprayed directly onto carburetors, throttle plates, jets, piston crowns, intake manifolds, and exhaust components. It dissolves sticky varnish and carbon faster than standard carb cleaners, making it invaluable for outboard rebuilds and reconditioning projects. Its formula is aggressive on deposits yet safe for OEM components.
Applications
Mercury Power Tune is suitable for all 2-cycle and 4-cycle carbureted or fuel-injected gasoline engines, including:
Mercury FourStroke outboards, from portable 20HP models to 300HP big blocks.
Pro XS outboards, where high-RPM operation demands a clean combustion path.
Pro Max commercial outboards, running long hours in harsh conditions.
Verado supercharged outboards, which rely on unrestricted airflow.
Carbureted systems needing more than a basic carb cleaner.
2-stroke exhaust ports, where oil-carbon residue reduces output.
Rebuild and restoration projects, where cleaning disassembled parts is essential.
Why It Outperforms Other Cleaners
Unlike generic carb sprays, Power Tune penetrates into combustion chambers and clears deposits throughout the intake and exhaust system. Engineered under the Quicksilver brand, it has been proven in saltwater, racing, and high-load environments.
Its dual capability—as both an in-operation cleaner and a direct parts cleaner—makes it uniquely effective for engine restoration, reconditioning, and rebuild applications.
Mercury Power Tune OEM Part Numbers 858080Q03 and 858080K03 are the go-to solutions for restoring efficiency in outboards and high-performance engines. Whether used on running Mercury FourStroke, Pro XS, 300X, or Verado outboards, or sprayed directly on parts during outboard rebuilds or restorations, Power Tune clears deposits, restores power, and extends engine life.
Backed by Mercury Marine and trusted in professional racing, Power Tune ensures engines remain clean, responsive, and ready for peak performance.
Contact Mike Hill at +1-714-697-1716 or email mike@buckshotracing77.com for technical support.