Trojan Boat Forum

I have had several opinions on what oil to run in older boats. I have a 72 Tri Cabin with 86 engines with around 400 hrs. I was going to use Synthetic but was told it wasn't good in older engines. That leaves synthetic blend or regular oil. I would be interested in other opinions. Thanks

I use synthetic in my '74 tricabin with 1300 hours on the powerplants, but that's just me. I love the stuff, might even be tempted to drink it.... just kidding. Synthetic oil hasn't negatively impacted any of my older car engines either.
But, I believe that regular oil is fine too as long as we change it a lot....meaning a lot more than everyone says we should. There may be others on this forum who will disagree but I truly believe that my car and boat engines owe their long life to frequent oil changes and the advent of synthetics.

Cheers

Rick

No, I use nothing BUT full synthetics in my SUV and Volkswagen (turbo - required) and I have little or no issues ever in regards to wear and tear stuff. i have been doing that now for over ten years, and I plan to use the same in the boat I eventually buy.

I used regular valvoline in my old LM318, changed it every 40hrs or so and I had over 1800hrs on it before I decided to repower. Currently in my 5.7mpi Crusader I've been using Shell Rotella T. Have just under 300hrs on it, never had any problems. I still maintain the 40hr interval.
Matt

Matt - I've heard that having radar humming along close by can cause sterility.... any probs?

Cheers

Rick

my self I use Shell Rotella (15w-40) I used it in my last 4 boats (gas engines ) and of course in my diesels.

Synthetic oil won't hurt a thing, but there is no need to use it . I don't think you will gain anything . having work on engines for over 30 years (for a living)the only oil caused engine proplems I have seen are due running out of oil or lack of changing it ( and thats on Synthetic and reg oil )

I use 20W-50 AMSOIL synthetic in my 300HP 350cid and AMSOIL ATF synthetic in the Velvet Drive transmission. And just so I dont' have to keep a variety of oil on board, I also use the 20W-50 in my Kohler generator.

ouch!!!

Hi Rick,
haven't had any problems with the radar "beaming" me yet. It's actually about 4' over my head, and then I have my bimini top between....though it has saved me countless times in fog : )

ive got a 1970 sea voyager with 350 crusaders and just changed the oil and was told to use straight 30W

What model crusader engine do you have? I have a 2003 5.7 crusader captains choice. Crusader recommends 15W-40 for this engine. I've been using Shell Rotella T with good results. The original engine for this boat, a chrysler lm318 built in 1975 took straight 30.

The only bad thing I have heard about synthetic is if you have always used regular motor oil, in your engine, and then switch to synthetic, the engine will leak oil like a seive. I don't know if this is true or not. Just keeping your oil changed should do the trick. I have 318's also and run 10W 40. Take the oil fill cap off and look inside the valve cover and it looks like new.

"The only bad thing I have heard about synthetic is if you have always used regular motor oil, in your engine, and then switch to synthetic, the engine will leak oil like a seive. "

This old wive's tale has stopped many a synthetic conversion. If your engine leaks with dino oil, it will leak with syn. Tight with dino oil, 99% of converted engines will be tight with syn.

Brett

One thing that should also be pointed out about synthetics is that they should not be used initialy in a new or rebuilt engine. These oils lubricate so well that they do not allow for a proper engine break in.(Rings & Camshaft) Conventional oil like SAE 30 is what I like to use for the first 30hrs. and then I switch over to synthetics. Same goes for the trans.

Paul's correct re: the break in.

Of course, how many of us Trojan owners ever get to break in a brand new engine?? I guess I only dream about stuff like that.

Rick