www.iFourWinns.com

Just wondering as I don't have a manual. Used to have an old Chevy Astro van that had the Vortec 4.3 and it only called for 87 regular unleaded. Assume its the same engine right? Also, what spec and brand for motor oil if I can't find Volvo synthetic straight 30w? Thanks.

In '03 they probably specified 89, but I'm not certain. In more recent years they've specified 87 more than in the past. If you can't get the Volvo oil locally (but would prefer to use it), you can always order it from the online parts sellers such as dougrussell.com.

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

87 is fine unless you do not use it a lot, then use 89 or even 93 for wintertime...especially if you have E10 fuel as it looses octane over time.

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Brian Borchik
The Winds of Cold Springs Harbor Marina
Baldwinsville, NY

You'll know if the octane rating is not high enough - the engine will run on after you turn the ignition off (from personal experience!)

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Alec

2006 Horizon 190
VP 4.3GL/SX, Sunsport

or even worse you could get detonation that you might not hear...I use 93 as that is all they sell at the gas dock but that's fine with me because I'd rather err on the side of more octane rather than less...marine inboards run cool and rich, that increases carbon deposits with time, and that increases the octane requirement of the engine. Just because they said 87 or 89 for a new engine, that might not be adequate for one with a # of seasons and hrs on it....

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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

What octane gas does the majority of owners with the 4.3 engine use? I was able to download the manual and it states "Inside the US: (R+M)/2 (AKI) = 89" What I'm hearing from other users is that 87 is fine. Any long time owner care the chime in?

Since we have about the same engine, what do you use?

I use 98 ( premium) but the 3.0 litre engines are known for running on
hope this helps

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Ardy
Adelaide South Australia
Red H180 3.0 Merc

We use a slightly different octane rating system here, but I run either 95 or 98. Our regular is 91 and definitely causes the run on problem.

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Alec

2006 Horizon 190
VP 4.3GL/SX, Sunsport