Springs Here - What Kind of Engine Oil for Oil Change

[ski4funn]

Hey Folks,

I seen alot of discussion on other web pages about the type of oil to use in your engine during a oil change. I have a 1977 25' Sea Ray SVX240; Engine GM 350; Outdrive OMC 800 Sterndrive.

Could someone explain to me if I should be using this expensive 25w-40 marine oil, or is a standard motor oil acceptable (if so, what weight??)

Thanks again..

 

[Redhook98]

I would not use a standard automobile engine oil. Although you technically could, I would not. The marine engine deals with different stresses then a cars/trucks engine does. Higher RPM's for extended periods of time, salt water environment, etc. The more expensive marine stuff has more additives for dealing with this. I recommend the Mercruiser 15-40 or the Synthetic Volvo straight 30-wt.

 

[fc3]

http://www.mercurymarine.com/serviceandwarranty/mercruiserfaqs/fueloil.php

 

[Uplate]

Shell 15-40 Rotella used on my engines.

 

[Tail Chaser 661]

The 15/40 diesel,gas fleet motor oil is good stuff.
Like Shell Rotella, Delo 400, and Mobil Delvac.

The 80's V8 engines run a flat tappet camshaft.
The oils needed to have zinc and some other additives to protect the camshaft and lifters from metal on metal contact.

The oil companys were forced to take a lot of the zinc out of the auto engine oils due to our EPA buddys.

The 15/40 fleet oils are a comercial grade oil.
They still have lots of the good additive package in them.
The CF4+/SJ were the last of the really good dino oils.

Now there pushing a bunch of fuel saving junk oils on us.

 

[my3sons]

I had used valvoline HPO 40-wt in my 330 DA for 10 years and had no problems, no consumption between changes. In my 360DA I will be using merc 25-40 because thats what the previous owner used since new. I think picking a good quality oil and then STICKING WITH IT is the key. Don't buy whats on sale each fall. change your oil in the fall before lay-up. You don't want dirty oil sitting there all winter depositing sludge in your pan and lifter galleries. Just my opinion