Engine oil

[Jgcrock99]

Good evening,
I have always paid to have my boat winterized and summerized and I'm tired of it. I'm pretty handy and always do my own automotive work but have steered clear of the boat purely out of intimidation. I'm tackling it this year but had a couple of questions. So far only west marine seems to have an antifreeze rated for engines. Everything else seems to be for plumbing systems only and doesn't contain corrosion inhibitors, is there another option? Also, my boat is 30 years old so warranty is long since gone. If I use a standard brand oil like Castrol or valvoline over quicksilver is there really an issue? Also, I'm planning to use 10w-40 due to availability instead of the recommended 20w-40 but once I'm winterized I don't turn the key till its in the 60s so I don't think the winter number really matters, correct? Any other things to look out for as a 1st timer that people tend to forget? Thank you everyone.

 

[Jmunk]

I used Prestone low tox antifreeze concentrate. I got it at O’Reilly’s, It’s propylene glycol based. I mixed it 50/50 with water.

Everyone has their own oil they prefer to use. Rotella 15-40 is popular, I use Quicksilver 25-40. My local Wal-Mart has it on sale every fall to clear out the shelf.

It’s a good idea to remove the outdrive to take a look inside and check alignment.

 

[alldodge]

Search for -100 antifreeze and it will be for motors. Don't know which motor you have but make sure to drain everything first,
block 2 plugs
exhaust 2 plugs
oil cooler if you have one
fuel cooler if you have one
large radiator hose on circulating pump
raw water pump on motor if you have one

Your motor is winterized, now if you want to add AF do so

If I use a standard brand oil like Castrol or valvoline over quicksilver is there really an issue?

No issue

Good time to drain and replace gear lube in the drive, and "DO" use Merc gear lube

 

[Jgcrock99]

Search for -100 antifreeze and it will be for motors. Don't know which motor you have but make sure to drain everything first,
block 2 plugs
exhaust 2 plugs
oil cooler if you have one
fuel cooler if you have one
large radiator hose on circulating pump
raw water pump on motor if you have one

Your motor is winterized, now if you want to add AF do so


No issue

Good time to drain and replace gear lube in the drive, and "DO" use Merc gear lube

Thank you, I have a 95 4.3lx mercruiser. I appreciate the information and I may be looking too much into it, but the Prestone is rated at - 100 but specifically states on the instructions not to use in engines. I bought super tech based on the label but upon further investigation seems everything is rated for plumbing and not engines due to corrosion inhibitors not being present. The west marine stuff is the only one I've seen so far specifically for engines.