Correct or best oil to use

cigars01

cigars01

Member
Sep 1, 2016
124
Lake Lanier,Cumming Ga
Boat Info
1981 Searay 310 Vanguard Express Cruiser.
Engines
Twin 454 Crusaders Direct Drive
I am sure this has been asked but I cannot find a thread for it . I also asked on another site and got a bunch of different opinions.

I am about to change the oil on my engines (my first time). The engines are crusader 454 350hp. They were installed in 1999 but the serial numbers tell me the blocks are from 78-90. They have 370 hours on them. The mechanic last year said he used 15w/40.

Another site some guys said use a straight 30, others said 15/40 is for diesels and others said that is what they use in their gas engines as well as diesel.

I boat in Georgia and plan to use the boat some during the winter.

Should I add anything to the oil like Mystery oil or zinc

Does it matter what brand of filter. The ones on there now are Wix 51515

What say you guys?
 
Wix filters are good. Stick with that.
Rotella 15w40 will suit your application perfectly. A straight 40 would be fine as well but harder to find.
 
I always say refer to the engine manual.

If you don't have one I bet with a little search you can find one for your engine.

On additives: If your engine is running well as it is I would not add anything to the oil.
 
WIX and Amsoil Marine ...my favs
 
I'd bet yer Merc wants the ole 25W-40 from Quicksliver. You can find your manual at Sea Ray's website...
 
Pretty sure Crusader called for a straight 30 or 40wt for engines of that era - I know my old Commander in the Correct Craft called for a straight 40wt. But, you are going to have a hard time finding a straight weight oil. I think now they recommend a multi weight oil - a 15w40 Rotella or even the Quicksilver 25w40 I am sure would be fine. I personally would use the Rotella or the Quicksilver multi weight - especially in North GA if you are using it year around.

As far as filters Wix or NAPA are my goto's. I have a Mercruiser engine and the Quicksilver oil is always available at WalMart, so that is what I run in my 4.3.
 
Little Ducky said:
I always say refer to the engine manual.

If you don't have one I bet with a little search you can find one for your engine.

On additives: If your engine is running well as it is I would not add anything to the oil.
Click to expand...
There have been so many changes to oils etc since they were built that the manual would not be all that relevant. I should get the manual anyway though

Thank you
 
On an older engine with flat tappets make sure it contains ZDDP to prevent wear on the camshaft lobes. If it does not contain ZDDP the additives can be bought in any "good" auto part store or online.
 
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