Can someone give a definitive answer on fluid levels?

[Jetter]

I am getting dizzy reading threads on fluid levels. I'm hoping one of the knowledgeable experts here can answer. My engine is an 08 5.7 litre Marinepower.

Can you use 30 weight oil for diesel engines or is 20w50 better?
When is it best to check oil? Warm or cold?
Transmission fluid. Do i dip the stick and check or screw it in to check?
Vdrive fluid. Atf or engine oil? Again dip and check or screw dipstick all the way in to check?

Thanks!

[chpthril]

The engine tolerances will have more impact on the viscosity/weight, more so than the fuel type used. For the 5.7 marine power, i used 15-40 Merc Marine 4-cycle oil. IMO, straight is too thick for cold startups.

Either cold or hot as there will be little difference in level

I would fully seat the dipstick for the most accurate.

In 08, there seemed to be a difference of opinion between Tige and ZF as to which fluid. IIRC, the ATF was a little noisy, so 30W engine oil was suggested.

[Jetter]

The engine tolerances will have more impact on the viscosity/weight, more so than the fuel type used. For the 5.7 marine power, i used 15-40 Merc Marine 4-cycle oil. IMO, straight is too thick for cold startups.

Either cold or hot as there will be little difference in level

I would fully seat the dipstick for the most accurate.

In 08, there seemed to be a difference of opinion between Tige and ZF as to which fluid. IIRC, the ATF was a little noisy, so 30W engine oil was suggested.

In case others refer to this thread in the future, I actually found the service manual online after reading chpthril's reply. The both ends of the transmission should be checked by NOT screwing in the dipstick. This is for ZF Hurth IV v-drive units that have the ZF 45C on the stern end. There are 2 triangular dipsticks that require O-rings and screw in. The manual says don't screw it in to check fluid.

[scoot18]

For the 5.7 marine power, i used 15-40 Merc Marine 4-cycle oil. IMO, straight is too thick for cold startups.

I used 15-40 for two seasons and found my fuel consumption / GPH drastically increased with it. At first I didn't know why until I considered the oil weight, went back to 10w 30 and GPH decreased and times in between fill ups increased.

one more thing to add for fluid level, I was surprised early on in my ownership with the tige, to find that the crankcase capacity is only4 qts, not 5. 07 22ve 5.7 marine power, I believe 08 has the same.

[chpthril]

i would not argue the difference in fuel burn at all. What I would consider, is the 1500-2000 more RPM and heavier loads that a tow boat engine sees over a car or truck engine, when choosing a viscosity.

As to the oil level. I know that engine holds 5+ if filling from dry. What I have found is that its hard to retrieve that last bit of oil. also, you have to account for whats in the filter, which is slow to drain, like a couple of days. There were many times that all i got was 4 qts from the crank case.

[Thegerman618]

I am glad to read that Mike about the crankcase. I just did a full service on mine this year for the first time after buying the boat to start my maintenance records. I used the drain hose on the oil pan and a MityVac suction pump and was never able to get all the 5+ quarts the manual says it has.

Here is my current setup if this helps.

340 MP
4.5 quarts of oil with a filter change and I filled the oil filter (K&N Large) with fresh oil before I installed.
Just shy of 2 quarts in the Transmission Merc Dex/III ATF
1 full quart 30W non-detergent (autozone brand) V-Drive.