What oil?

Iamwildman · **Posted:** Fri Oct 18, 2013 3:25 pm

Every year I forget what oil I need in my twin 5.0Gi Volvo pentas. Can you peeps refresh my memory?

ric · **Posted:** Fri Oct 18, 2013 3:36 pm

Iamwildman · **Posted:** Fri Oct 18, 2013 4:05 pm

I was told Volvo is very specific as to what they recommend for oil.

230 Mike · **Posted:** Fri Oct 18, 2013 5:01 pm

The original specification for your engines was straight SAE 30W synthetic. Volvo no longer specifies that and no longer sells/distributes it. The new spec is either synthetic 15W50.

ric · **Posted:** Fri Oct 18, 2013 5:05 pm

You can buy Mobil 1 15w50 in either a Mobil bottle or a Volvo Penta bottle, either way you're using it just depends if you want to pay extra for the blue bottle.

Volvo Penta pushes whatever oil they're signed up with on contract. I forgot who made the 30w oil they pushed years ago but that contract ran out so they had to change specifications

LouC · **Posted:** Fri Oct 18, 2013 5:06 pm

they used to recommend a straight 30 syn, then changed that to a 10w/40 syn, if the engines are not under warrantee then you could use an HD 15w/40 like Delo 400, Rotella or Pennzoil Marine, or the Mobil product above....
This year I tried the Merc/Quicksilver 25/40 marine oil and was pleased with oil pressure readings, hot idle 28-30 psi which is excellent on an engine as old as mine.
I used to use the Chevron Delo 400 straight 30 or 40 which used to be certified for both gas and diesel, but now its only certified for diesel. The 15w/40 is still certified for both but I wanted to try the Merc product because it is one of the few oils specifically blended for marine engines....

taz42169 · **Posted:** Sat Oct 19, 2013 6:41 am

Did an oil change a few weeks back. The Volvo dealer said VP has switched to synthetic 10w-30. At least in our boating area.

ric · **Posted:** Sat Oct 19, 2013 8:41 am

It's a Small block Chevy. You could put anything in there as long as you change it often it doesn't care.

VP pushes a specific oil weight because they are paid to do so. They sign a contact with an oil manufacturer and whatever they produce they push.

Synthetic doesn't leave sludge so at least use that.

230 Mike · **Posted:** Sat Oct 19, 2013 2:32 pm

taz42169 wrote:

Did an oil change a few weeks back. The Volvo dealer said VP has switched to synthetic 10w-30. At least in our boating area.

That would be news to whoever maintains this site: http://82.197.226.21/vpac/default.aspx? ... d=6904&sn=

Interesting that for dino oil they list 5W-30, and for synthetic, 15W-50.

But Ric is right in this case. As long as you use a good quality oil of the current API spec and change it every year, you're good. I'm huge on synthetic oils - I even use it in my lawn mower - but dino juice has come a very, very long way. If I bought a car knowing I was only going to keep it for a couple of years I wouldn't spend the money on synthetic.

ric · **Posted:** Sat Oct 19, 2013 3:35 pm

I even use Mobil 1 synthetic in my eu2000i. 10w30

taz42169 · **Posted:** Sat Oct 19, 2013 5:06 pm

Sorry I'm not as well versed as some self proclaimed experts. Just passing along what was passed to me. It doesn't matter if you use it or not...that is all!

deafwish · **Posted:** Sat Oct 19, 2013 6:58 pm

Older Chev blocks that use flat tappet cam's, should bump up to a full zinc, 20w50 synthetic, as this cam' combination shears oil at a faster rate than a roller cam'.
I run a 20w60 PAO & Ester based racing oil in my 5.7 & have exceptionally good oil pressure, even when it's due to be changed.
Most of the multi-national oil companies (Mobil, Valvoline, Castrol etc) no longer use anywhere near as much zinc in their oils, due to environmental reasons...
Try find a performance oriented product with high zinc levels - Your engine will thank you!

ric · **Posted:** Sat Oct 19, 2013 7:12 pm

All vortec engines are roller cam (since the mid 90s). Just look at your valve covers. If it has the bolts holding them down in the center and not around the edges it's a roller cam engine. You don't have to worry about special oil.

This is right from GM. They made the engine, not Volvo or Mercruiser. I listen to them.
http://www.crateenginedepot.com/Recomme ... -W195.aspx

10w30 synthetic after break in for the vortec small block chevy crate engine (what we have in our boats).

15w50 synthetic for their circle track small block chevy racing engines that see high RPM constantly (based on the same vortec engine).

So there you go, pick one. 10w30 or 15w50. Being that boat's see high RPM's all the time for extended periods I'd lean towards the 15w50.

$25 for 5 quart jug at Walmart
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Mobil-1-15W-5 ... t/20713647

230 Mike · **Posted:** Sat Oct 19, 2013 9:58 pm

taz42169 wrote:

Sorry I'm not as well versed as some self proclaimed experts. Just passing along what was passed to me. It doesn't matter if you use it or not...that is all!

My comment was directed at your dealer, not at you. Sorry if it came across that way. There is only one self-proclaimed expert here and it isn't me.

deafwish · **Posted:** Sat Oct 19, 2013 10:01 pm

Almost all OEM oil reccommendations (specifically viscosity) are to meet fuel consumption & emission requirements.
Ever wondered why so many new cars are now suggesting to use 0w20 oils?! :roll:

The link you supplied is only for automotive applications. Marine is VASTLY different, due to engine loads.
For the record, my non Vortec engine has centre bolt rocker covers.
The 12 bolt inlet manifold (vs 8 with Vortec) is the better way to tell whether it's Vortec or not...

www.iFourWinns.com

What oil?

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