synthetic oil

[rob935]

is it safe to use semi synthetic oil in an inboard, i have a 4.3 volvo 1992?? guy in boat shop swears by it, he reckons it helps engine to run cooler and smoother but im not convinced any ideas??

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: synthetic oil

A full synthetic will give you ultimate protection.I dont think you will be able to measure a temp difference.Also beware that if you have any oil leaks NOW,they will worsen with synthetics.Otherwise it is the best you can do for your motor.

 

[rob935]

Re: synthetic oil

thats good to know thanks charlie

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: synthetic oil

and if you go with a multigrade oil, 20W50 is a good choice.

 

[Bondo]

Re: synthetic oil

I'm running Mobil 1, 15W-50 in My 4.3LX.....<br />And,....<br />Mobil 1 75W-90 in the Alpha 1 drive.......<br /><br />Just My Choice..........

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: synthetic oil

Bondo,I havent seen the Mobil 1 gear lube.Do you get it in bulk or in the pointed neck bottle??

 

[Bondo]

Re: synthetic oil

Quart Bottles at My local NAPA......

 

[I/O WALDO]

Re: synthetic oil

Amsoil has a fully syn.10w40 marine oil.Also a fully syn.20w50,good s#*t!Also marine gear lube.

 

[rob935]

Re: synthetic oil

thanks guys your wealth of knowlege is greatly appreciated....

 

[Buttanic]

Re: synthetic oil

Some how I feel this ain't the end of it. Break out the popcorn.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: synthetic oil

My old 87 4.3 calls for straight 30 weight.What would be the best synthetic for it?

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: synthetic oil

Do what your manual states.You can never go wrong that way.

 

[vipzach]

Re: synthetic oil

Originally posted by Gary H NC.:<br /> My old 87 4.3 calls for straight 30 weight.What would be the best synthetic for it?

I use 15w-50 mobil 1.

 

[Bondo]

Re: synthetic oil

Originally posted by Buttanic:<br /> Some how I feel this ain't the end of it. Break out the popcorn.

Ayuh,...... That's Why I like to get into the Oil Threads Early..............<br />And,...... Not Return.............. <br /><br /><br />Btw, Buttanic,... I Just noticed Your tag line last night,.........<br />I Love It......

 

[kcole683]

Re: synthetic oil

Any Oil is better than no oil at all!! <br /><br />I think that may apply to grease also.

 

[I/O WALDO]

Re: synthetic oil

I always liked the mercruiser Seloc manuals that would state in BOLD print to NEVER us multi.vis. oil! What does merc sell now?,25/40!

 

[coalbucket]

Re: synthetic oil

Regardless of which engine (old 228 Mercruiser or the 377 roller motor) I run Schaeffer 9000 Supreme Syn. The actuall weight I use is a 5W50. Instant oil pressure on cold start up and it withstands high rpm pounding (7200 rpm)

 

[Manipulator]

Re: synthetic oil

I wouldn't waste my money on synthetics. Yes, they are superior but they get just as dirty as conventional oils. Filter change intervals are typically every 3K miles for a car. For a boat I think its like 50 hours or something like that. I believe there was a study done years ago on NY city cabs where they used synthetics in some and conventional oils in others. After 100K, or something like that, they took the engines apart and there was no difference in wear and tear. I would probably go with a synthetic if I had a high performance engine that was really cranking all the time and was really getting hot. But if you are an average boater, I would save the extra money and put it towards gas. I know people with automobiles with the miles in the 200's and they use regular conventional oils.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: synthetic oil

We Americans are oil and filter change brain washed. Vehicles in Europe get oil changes at 10 - 15,000 mile intervals and synthetics are the norm. People buy far fewer cars per capita than here so they typically log far higher mileage than we do. Synthetics are simply better lubricants. Are they necessary? At the run time you see in the seasonal average recreational boat probably not. Is it ok to use it -- certainly if it makes you feel good. My vehicles run synthetic and they are traded at 150,000 miles. None have ever used a drop of oil at those mileages.

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: synthetic oil

Sorry I don't buy your argument on Europeans driving more than us. A long trip for a European is 30 minutes of driving. We had some family here from Germany and they nearly passed out after just 40 minutes of driving up to our mountain foothills. <br /><br />How can you compare that to some folks in North America that commute idling 1-2 hours one way to work in an urban center...or driving to the next city which can be 4-5 hours away. I just don't believe that Europeans drive anywhere near as much as we do. They don't change cars because they aren't used anywhere near as much as us. Also, driving one is a very expensive proposition in europe. Commuter trains are the norm for most travels, not cars like here. <br /><br />Also, their car engines are pure marvels of engineering compared to our rudimentary L4, V6 and V8's inboards in boats. My Honda Civic using standard dino 5W20 oil will easily go 10,000 kms and still look fairly clean. Recommended Honda oil change is set at 16,000 kms. Compare that to my Chrysler Grand Caravan V6 3.8 engine(that's basically a lopped off 318 V8) that looks very dirty after only 5,000kms(3000 miles).