Looking for a Definitive Answer On AQ Drive Oil

[LegacyT]

I’ve been using Straight SAE 30 in my drive. But lately I’ve been doing some research on the oils used.. One Volvo publication says on the single props engine oil is to be used on Everything up to The SP-A2 where it states “same as engine or SAE 90”. All afterwards models are all SAE 90. Another Volvo publication says everything after and including the single prop 290 uses SAE 90?? Then some people say SAE 30 is good while others recommend that SAE 40 is better. My drive is a mix of parts.. 270 Upper gearbox with the lower unit replaced with an SP-A1 model. So what truly is the best drive oil for this setup?? Also would a zinc additive to the motor oil help to minimize wear? Something like Lucas Zinc plus?

Thanks in advance!

 

[kenny nunez]

When the AQs were first designed 30 wt was what was used and of course zink was in the oil at that time. As you said about zinc additive is a good call and would probably be the best thing to do with your drive. When I had my shop 30 wt was all I used on them. However I guess the 90wt that is used today must have a zink or some thing similar in it. Stay with 30 wt. and the zink additive,

 

[bruceb58]

Just so you know the viscosity of a 30 SAE Engine oil is very close to the viscosity of 90 SAE gear oil. The 90 has a little higher viscosity.

 

[LegacyT]

I actually had no idea. Wonder why there have been discussions about not using gear oil in the earlier drives.. Being that it would be too thick and could snap the circulation pump retaining pins in the SP’s. And also not providing adequate lubrication to the upper gearbox in colder waters

 

[Scott Danforth]

I actually had no idea. Wonder why there have been discussions about not using gear oil in the earlier drives.. Being that it would be too thick and could snap the circulation pump retaining pins in the SP’s. And also not providing adequate lubrication to the upper gearbox in colder waters

VP used SAE 30 in everything. the trim pump, the PS pump, the motor and the drive. that was so you only needed one fluid.

 

[bruceb58]

I actually had no idea. Wonder why there have been discussions about not using gear oil in the earlier drives.. Being that it would be too thick and could snap the circulation pump retaining pins in the SP’s. And also not providing adequate lubrication to the upper gearbox in colder waters

Because people didn't know any better. Somehow they think that gear oil is too thick which in reality it isn't.

 

[LegacyT]

So would it be beneficial to switch to an actual GL-5 90 gear oil instead of continuing to use motor oil?

 

[bruceb58]

So would it be beneficial to switch to an actual GL-5 90 gear oil instead of continuing to use motor oil?

I would just use what Volvo specs...engine oil. I also would not use any additives

In the mean time, send an email to Volvo and see what they say.

 

[81Hondo]

Volvo Penta having a different approach to engine oil, gear oil etc....doesn't really surprise me. Why?
Needing parts for my 81 Hondo sporting a 70hp "Volvo Penta" Outboard. I ended up calling Volvo for part info. which to my surprise, informed me what I meant was an Inboard/Outboard as Volvo has 'never' produced an outboard engine! To make a long story (made 'several' calls to Volvo) much shorter, ended up sending pictures of the raised engine casting which read "VOLVO PENTA"and laughed to myself. Not for long tho. They replied with "someone must have put that on there"
Yes, yes they did...!!

This is a true story. Which I still don't believe myself.
This was 20 years ago Just for the heck of it give them a call requesting parts for an outboard....
I never got an answer to this, I'll try again...

81Hondo

 

[jimmbo]

Volvo Penta having a different approach to engine oil, gear oil etc....doesn't really surprise me. Why?
Needing parts for my 81 Hondo sporting a 70hp "Volvo Penta" Outboard. I ended up calling Volvo for part info. which to my surprise, informed me what I meant was an Inboard/Outboard as Volvo has 'never' produced an outboard engine! To make a long story (made 'several' calls to Volvo) much shorter, ended up sending pictures of the raised engine casting which read "VOLVO PENTA"and laughed to myself. Not for long tho. They replied with "someone must have put that on there"
Yes, yes they did...!!

This is a true story. Which I still don't believe myself.
This was 20 years ago Just for the heck of it give them a call requesting parts for an outboard....
I never got an answer to this, I'll try again...

81Hondo

Volvo did market some outboards in the 70s or 80s as I remember seeing them

 

[kenny nunez]

Same with me. The Volvo distributor Power House Marine was in Bradenton, FL. It was owned by the Copatelli family and the outside salesman was Dean Rainey. They stocked the Outboards and I saw them at marine trade shows in the 70s.

 

[81Hondo]

Thx for replies. So why would you think Volvo, would deny ever producing them? The engine was a runner, very strong and dependable. As my first boat I thot that's how they all were. Just fun, no problems...

 

[jimmbo]

Probably just someone at Volvo who didn't know the History of the Product Line very well.

 

[81Hondo]

After two calls to parts dept on different days and a third with a pic of Volvo's moniker on engine?

 

[jimmbo]

I know a lot of People who sold Evinrude/Johnson Outboards and OMC I/Os, who never knew that at one time there were Boats sold under all 3 brands

 

[Scott06]

Thx for replies. So why would you think Volvo, would deny ever producing them? The engine was a runner, very strong and dependable. As my first boat I thot that's how they all were. Just fun, no problems...

This is because the person you were speaking to wasnt born yet when they sold outboards…

 

[jbcurt00]

Closed
@81Hondo dont post to old inactive topics esp not to hijack the topic and redirect it to an outboard discussion