99 Johnson 150 Oil Question

[kmcgillis]

I have been using Penzoil Semi Synthetic TC-W3 oil in my 150, my dealership just had it in for repairs and claims that using that oil is what killed my VRO pump even though it is the fuel side that is bad. Does this seem like it could actually be the problem or did the pump probably just die from wear.

Second question how important is it that I use XD-30 in this motor, is it going to cause anyless carbon build up than the penzoil and it is going to keep the fuel system from gumming up the way they are saying it is from the penzoil. If I should really be running the Johnson oil I have no problem with that I just have a boat load of the penzoil in the barn.

Thanks for any input you all may have.

 

[perkspectives]

Re: 99 Johnson 150 Oil Question

Interesting. This is the second time I've heard this. The first was from a long-time Evinrude dealer who was not trying to sell me oil at the time. I had just asked for advice on my '94 Evinrude 88 special. He said that Pennzoil had done something in recent years to their formula that gummed up carbureators, but that there were many others that were okay, including Quiksilver, Amsoil, Chevron, etc. The message I got was not so much "Use manufacturer's oil" as it was "Avoid Pennzoil." All I can tell you is that I have no reason to doubt the guy and he's been in the business a long time.

 

[kmcgillis]

Re: 99 Johnson 150 Oil Question

I trust my dealer as well although they are trying to sell me the Johnson oil. So I guess at best I should stay away from Pennzoil.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 99 Johnson 150 Oil Question

The Pennzoil blend is one of the better oils available. There's nothing in it to harm any part of a fuel pump.

 

[ezeke]

Re: 99 Johnson 150 Oil Question

I used Pennzoil synthetic blend for years in my VRO2 without a problem. It was cleaner running than the OMC/BRP oil that I used before that.

I have switched to Pennzoil 100% synthetic in recent years because I believe it to be more environmentally friendly.

You would probably find that carbon build-up would be reduced if you use XD-50 because it has a built-in carbon treatment. You could achieve the same by regular use of a carbon treatment additive such as Carbon Guard or Ring Free.

 

[kmcgillis]

Re: 99 Johnson 150 Oil Question

Thanks for all the info guys, I think I will use some carbon treatment and see how that goes.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: 99 Johnson 150 Oil Question

That sounds like a bunch of crap to me. Pennzoil is fine oil.

I suspect the dealer is trying to drum up some business, any way they can. I have seen businesses with better collective reputations than dealers, try to rip off their customers, in this lousy economy.

The fuel side of that OMS pump should be rebuildable.