www.iFourWinns.com

I have a 1988 Horizon 200, OMC 5.0L. The owner's manual suggests SAE 30 single viscosity oil for the engine. That's easy enough to find, but I'm wondering if I wouldn't be better off using a multi viscosity synthetic for better oil flow at start up?? I don't run in cold temps, but still have a doubt about the pumpability of an SAE 30 in a cold engine. Any thoughts??

Thanks

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88 Horizon 200
5L OMC 230hp

My Vista has a 5.7L Volvo-penta engine that also calls for SAE 30 weight oil. I'm no expert however right after I purchased my boat in 2000 I spoke to Volvo about this same question. They recommended in no uncertain terms to stick with the 30 weight oil and stay away from multi viscosity oil. Since they are "experts" I decided to take the advice.

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Fred 248Vista
So much water so little time!

Thanks Fred, I think I'll also follow that advice. A conventional SAE 30 is MUCH cheaper than Mobile 1 Multi-Visc Synthetic, so that's a bonus too. Thanks for your reply.

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88 Horizon 200
5L OMC 230hp

The thinking is that multi-vis oils get their mult-vis properties from the additive packages added to the base oil, and these additives don't hold up well in marine use (high rpm's all the time, etc.).

You could compromise and use Volvo's current spec, which is straight 30 synthetic. Unfortunately Volvo is about the only source for it, and they want about $10/quart for it. However, I figure it's a once-per-year expense.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

You can get 100% synthetic SAE30 from Royal Purple. You can get it online. I bought mine on Ebay. I only have 70hrs on my boat so I can't say how good or bad it is. I did put it in my car and noticed a big difference. The engine seemed to run much smoother than it did with Mobile One and costs about the same.

Doug

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'06 210 Horizon 5.0 VP GXI
Port Orange, Florida

I have a similar boat just with the 4.3 V-6, I have always used Chevron Delo 400 30 weight. So far I've had good results with it, the oil pressure holds up well with a hot engine, and I have not had starting troubles with it at temps as low as 45 degrees (a few times when I winterized!)
I would probably not use a syn oil in an original engine of that age, due to the possiblilty of leaks. The other option is the Mercruiser 25-40 oil, it's not a true multi vis (no VI improvers) but a combination of 25 and 40 weights oil, and is designed specifically for marine engines.

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88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II

Bought the conventional SAE 30 weight oil today. I too think putting synthetic in an engine this old may be asking for trouble. I think the 30 will be fine, my research hasn't raised any doubts to the contrary.

Thanks all, interesting discussion

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88 Horizon 200
5L OMC 230hp

I follow the old saying..."if it ain't broke , don't fix it"

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Jvalich
http://www.badcock.com

'04 FW 288 Vista "Mental Floss"

How come a multi wt works in a Merc but not a volvo if the blocks are the same?

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'96 Horizon 200
"Have fenders...will raft"

A mystery only known to the engine marinizers! Supposedly the Merc oil is not a true multivis but a combination of 2 weights 25+40. The diesel rated conventional oils seem to work well in gas inboards. You can also get the Pennzoil straight weight marine oil at West Marine.

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88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II

When I look at the Volvo Penta manual for the 5.0 available on line
http://www.volvo.com/volvopenta/global/ ... rs_manual/

it says 30W, 15W50, and 20W50, are all OK. I have used all three over the years and all seemed to work fine. Having said that, I mostly use Volvo 30 weight synthetic in my current engine. Also I do not store my boat in the water and I am on fresh water only.

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"No Losses"