Marine oil vs. auto oil???

[jsz]

I was reading an old issue of Boating World and I saw advice recommending marine oil. It states, "(automotive oil) doesn't have the rust and corrosion inhibitors and other additives needed to protect engines in a harsh marine environment."

I'm sure Merc sells "marine oil" but just like a Merc serpentine belt costs 4-5 times more than a similar auto belt, I wonder if it's worth it?

Have any of you heard or follow this advice?

[jbort]

yes I do and oil cost difference is small in the overall scheme vs ruined engine. Marine engines work harder and run hotter frequently for longer periods. A belt won't cook the engine, wrong oil will. I'm sure otehr memebers will pipe in too.

[AdaminMN]

I watch the sales at West Marine. The Chevron Delo marine motor oil they sell is only about a dollar a quart more than the same weight auto oil at Wal-Mart. Not a big difference.

[River Runner]

I try to never let the "harsh marine environment" get into my oil.

Im 100% sure all of you do the same.

If you want to buy into the "marine oil" marketing scheme thats cool. It wont hurt anything.

And neither will the equivalent automotive engine oil.

[River Runner]

yes I do and oil cost difference is small in the overall scheme vs ruined engine. Marine engines work harder and run hotter frequently for longer periods. A belt won't cook the engine, wrong oil will. I'm sure otehr memebers will pipe in too.

BTW...... Your engine on your vehicle typically has a Thermostat that opens at 210 degrees F.

IF your boat runs that hot....you've got a problem.

Your boat's engine wear is a fraction of the wear and tear you put on a vehicle.

[scoot18]

If the elements of a marine environment invade the operating environment of your hard working engine, you've got a bigger problem than the motor oil you have selected. Lets remember the engine isn't open. It actually operates in a cleaner environment than a car. If you have marine environment issues, you better check all the seals and joints that permint your tige' to float.

It's all marketing hype to take advantage of those that don't know any better. Automotive oil will work just as well, the most important thing is frequent changes. Your boat engine does work hard, it would be like a car going up hill all of the time, so good protection is needed, however you will get good protection from high quality auto motor oils just as you would marine grade oils.

One of my employees went to the SeaRay dealer to buy parts for his boat it cost him $50. for 5qts of mercruiser oil and filter. The mercruiser label on the oil filter in small print said it was an A/C Delco PF47, he could have got that same filter for 1/4 the price in our own shop.

Just my opinion, they have always worked for me. I even used automotive oils in the motorcycles i've owned, and I never had any problems. Motorcycle oils have friction modifiers for the wet clutches "suposedly." I never had any trans problems or issues shifting.

Anyway, its my opinion. Not worth the inflated price. Don't be ripped off.

For the record, I use Mobil 1 20W/50 full synthetic

[Timmy!]

Just make sure you use the correct weight of oil because these engines don't operate exactly the same as a car engine. Car engines aren't typically run at 3.5k-4k rpm's for long periods of times.

[rushin]

^^^this is why i thought Mobil 1 would be good, because of the high RPM. However when I called Marine Power they advised against it.

[chpthril]

Anyway, its my opinion. Not worth the inflated price. Don't be ripped off.

For the record, I use Mobil 1 20W/50 full synthetic

You want to talk about a marketing scam

[scoot18]

You want to talk about a marketing scam

??????????????????????

[chpthril]

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The way everyone feels about marine oil, is how i feel about how Synthetic oil and "Premium" gas is marketed. They cost more and there is no real benefit over conventional oil.

No offence, I just got a laugh out of it that in the same post you said "dont get ripped of" and "I use full Syn".

[KonaKing]

I use regular oil. My marine engine does not runner hotter than my Tow Vehicle engine and it does not run longer. It does run higher RPM's for extended times over my tow vehicle. Basically oil is oil you hurt the stuff. Just keep it clean by changing it. This is coming from a my neighbor a chemical and fuels engineer. Save your money change once a season and but the regular motor oil.

[Thomas Hohl]

Yep... This is just like the $120 belt I read about on here or whatever it was. These marketing people are experts at convincing you that for a little more money, they can "give you added protection". I have always used a good grade of regular motor oil in my cars, trucks and motorcycles, and I have owned a ton of them, and NEVER had any problems with motors "burning up".
Cheap is right about the Syn oils as well. Seriously, $10.00 a quart. And you thought the oil companies were gouging on gasoline. LOL

Oh yeah, one more rant... KEEP CLEAN OIL IN YOUR MOTOR!!!
Sorry...

[Iwndr]

The Key Words Are MOTOR OIL

[Iwndr]

Here is what Marine Power reccomends in their Manual, A single Wt oil in th SF/SG class which is basically the same oil used for passenger cars and motorcycles, pretty broad spectrum.
Now I do not know about the newer engines but MP does not mention the need to use marine oil in their manual. My last