That time of year - Time to change the oil

[skippabcool]

Some might already say that I was wrong to wait till now and I should have done it when I winterized it but now that I am going to change the oil I have some questions. I have spent hours searching and reading now I have a couple of questions.

The manual states to use either a straight 30 or 40 weight. Unless you use a multi weight of 20w-50 or 20w-40.

Tige recommends 5w-30

Local Tige dealer uses 25w-40 (I was tempted to call other dealers just to see but didn't want to add to the confusion)

I know of users that are using both 10w-30 and 10w-40 while some use 15w-40

The reasoning that I have heard to use the multi weight is for starting / warm up lubrication, makes sense.

I think I have narrowed it down to a full synthetic. I looked at some oil tests, it showed Amsoil, Valvoline Syn, Castro Syntec as some of the top oils.

Conventional, blend and Synthetic is another area to be discussed.

Can someone explain the difference or benefit in the following:

5w-30
10w-30
10w-40

Any information would be welcomed, thanks.

[ajholt7]

You did it wrong. You should have changed it when you winterized it. Now you have to replace your engine. Sorry, there is nothing you can do to fix it now.

[skippabcool]

I guess I will be able to get that new RZ2 now.

But I will still need to know what to do for it.

[ajholt7]

You will be fine. Next year I would definitely change it when you winterize it because used oil is acidic. There are many varying opinions on the subject. I use Amsoil Marine 10W40.

[skippabcool]

One thing I found interesting is that the engine is a 2007 and the manual states it needs to be SF or SG. I have only seen SF on one oil and that was a Pennzoil Platinum Synthetic 5W-30. So I decided to look up SF and SG. They are 1980 - 1990 oil standards. A little old.

[lohe]

You can always use a higher standard engine oil wont hurt.

Current API service categories include SN,SM, SL and SJ for gasoline engines. All previous service designations are obsolete, although motorcycle oils commonly still use the SF/SG standard

here is a chart with the oil API ratings
http://www.upmpg.com/motor_oil_rate_gas.htm


Your other number 5w-30 are the oils viscosity rating the W part is for "winter" not weight and is for the low temp rating of the oil. I personally run a full syn in all my engines multi weight oil for better lubrication at start up/engine warm up.

I would suggest a 10W or 15W-40

[chpthril]

One thing I found interesting is that the engine is a 2007 and the manual states it needs to be SF or SG. I have only seen SF on one oil and that was a Pennzoil Platinum Synthetic 5W-30. So I decided to look up SF and SG. They are 1980 - 1990 oil standards. A little old.

Yes, so anything with a newer/higher rating exceeds what the manufacturer requires,

[Timmy!]

You can get the 25w-40 from West Marine or Marine Max over on County Line. I think West Marine sells the Quicksilver brand and Marine Max carried the Mercruiser stuff. I've bought it from both places before (well, back when I worked down in the tech center anyway).

[skippabcool]

You can get the 25w-40 from West Marine or Marine Max over on County Line. I think West Marine sells the Quicksilver brand and Marine Max carried the Mercruiser stuff. I've bought it from both places before (well, back when I worked down in the tech center anyway).

I was in West Marine today and saw it. They also have just 30 and 40 weight.

I haven't heard of Marine Max I will have to check them out.

[Timmy!]

Looks like Marine Max is gone. It used to be right there at County Line and Holly.

[gman]

I have also used 20-50 since the outside temp in calif at some of the lakes is over 100 degrees F. Some dealers recommend 20-50. For the most part I use 15-40.