[Steve G]

I have a 2003 Mercury (sold to me new this year) 5 HP 4 Stroke. Is it common to see smoke when you first start the motor and when you increase the throttle? The unit has less than 10 hours of run time.

I have added oil on two occasions.

My only comparion is my 4 stroke lawnmower and it does not smoke or use oil.

Any suggestions

[Silvertip]

How much oil have you added? With the engine vertical, check the oil level. It may be you have it overfull.

[Steve G]

I check the oil level in the vertical position. After running about one hour I check the oil and I add about 1/8 of a quart. This brings the oil level to the full level.

[rickdb1boat]

Best to leave the oil level on the low end between the hash marks...