VP and engine Oil.

[LegacyT]

I'm sure its been dicussed, but what do you guys with older SBC V8's use for oil? Just curious because the filler caps on the rocker covers say 5W-30 then the owners manual says 10W-30 and finally my shop manual for the engine says 20W-50 or 15W-50. Where do they get this huge range in oil weights from? Is a 10W-40 a safe bet to use?

 

[skydiveD30571]

Re: VP and engine Oil.

You are about to get a million different opinions. In short, yes your 10W-40 is fine.

 

[Fleetwin]

Re: VP and engine Oil.

In the same boat. Volve is specific about using SAE 30 HD (synthetic) until break in is achieved.

Try finding that!! Even my local V-P dealers don't carry it. They can't find it either. Maybe that's a European thing???

On the other hand, MerCruiser (same engine) says to use 25W-40 MerCruiser oil.

With that, I went the MerCruiser route using their engine oil in my GM based V-P stern drive.

 

[Walt T]

Re: VP and engine Oil.

Oil change intervals are more important than the oil you use. I use 10W30 synthetic in my boat and my engines live a long time. Same with cars. Changing your own oil or paying to have it done gets a mechanic or yourself up close and personal with your boats guts and gives you a chance to notice something else that may need repair

 

[ericga]

Re: VP and engine Oil.

Google search for "parts bulletin P-18-3". According to the bulletin you need a VDS-3 which is normally a 15w40 heavy duty diesel oil. Several people use Shell Rotella T6 (5w40) and swear by it.

You may also want to read on "flat tappet cam" & new engine oil issues.