Type of oil

[Thomas Chobot]

I have a 1998 2200Wti with a 350 Mag.I would like to change my own oil .I have a hose that goes out the bottom of the engine, could I run it thur the train hole? What type oil and filter is best for this boat ?Also I have 1 speedo that is bad and the other 1 cut in and out do you think I should replace both or just one,if so what type

[spharis]

Its a 350, same as the one in many cars around you.....I think the general consensus is to run whatever 30W oil is ok for your climate....I use 10W-30.....you can either buy a marine filter or a high quality filter.

[NICKYPOO]

I basically have the same boat. I also run 10w-30 synthetic (Mobil 1). I also use a Mobil 1 filter.

So far as the speedos, check your pickups. I keep a small drill bit (3/64?)mounted to a cork that I use to clean out the pick up holes if they get clogged.

[TeamAllen]

I use Castrol 40W from Pep Boys. Check Merc's link below to fuel and oil FAQ.

Mercruiser FAQS

I use a Baldwin B360 as an oil filter. It replaces Quicksilver 14957.

[spharis]

NOTE: The use of non-detergent oils, multi-viscosity oils (other than as specified), non-FC-W rated synthetic oils, low quality oils or oils that contain solid additives are specifically not recommended.
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I am not buying that. They list a straight 20W for temps below freezing, but then list 40W-25 for the entire range.....thats countering statements. The 25W-40 shouldnt be used below freezing if that were the case. Then they do not recommend multi-viscositys but list straight 40W above 50F but a 25W-40 is OK.......?????? That 40 will thin to about a 5 once it is warmed up. Doesnt make sense to me, that is well below 25....I figure its a small block Chevy, I'll run the same thing as whats in my truck........

[FIC]

Engine tollerances and new materals have have made it manditory to use multi grades. Normally they call for 15w 40 however if in dought get online with your engine manufacturer and see what they spec. Added note if you do not use your boat offen I would recommend the use of a synthetic blend , because in our testing we found premature camshaft wear do to the oil running back to the pan and not leaveing a protective coating for the restart after long periods of no use. Dom@ Fortes Inboard Connection.

[jsz]

Originally posted by FIC
I would recommend the use of a synthetic blend , because in our testing we found premature camshaft wear do to the oil running back to the pan and not leaveing a protective coating for the restart after long periods of no use. Dom@ Fortes Inboard Connection.

I've also thought about this as I start mine once a month during the off season (offseason=9 months with small kids). 9 starts a month away from each other. I'm guessing every drip of oil has made its way to the bottom of the oil pan leaving the motor temporarily unprotected.

Any other input on this from you mechanics out there? Tige MD?

[dogbert]

Originally posted by jsz
I've also thought about this as I start mine once a month during the off season (offseason=9 months with small kids). 9 starts a month away from each other. I'm guessing every drip of oil has made its way to the bottom of the oil pan leaving the motor temporarily unprotected.

Any other input on this from you mechanics out there? Tige MD?

If you're not using your boat for that long, have it winterized. Or you could do much of this yourself. Remove your plugs and spray WD-40 into the cylinders to prevent the damage on restarts. You'll just burn this off the first time you use your boat.

[jsz]

It doesn't get cold enough for me to need a normal winterizing and I've always liked running the boat every month just to keep things moving, baterries charged, etc. I just wonder if it has enough oil on the parts after a month or if any other oil or additive would help. (slick 50?, duralube? synthetic?)

[FIC]

When you spray protective coatings in the cylinders your only protecting the bore , that doesnt have any affect on internal rotating parts, and due to the make up of synthetics they are designed to flow better so they tend to leave parts unprotected after long down times. Starting your engine periodically is the best way.Dom@ Fortes Inboard 1 888 517 3178

[gman]

Both Indmar and PCM recommend the use of 15W-40. This info may be found in their operation and maintenance manual on the web. Marine Power, at least in the manual that came with the 05 boats, specifically states not to use muti viscosity oil and recommends either 30 or 40 wt oil. I cannot say anything about the 06 boats since I do not have a copy of the MP manual. Remember all of the 5.7, 6.0 engine blocks are from GM. Then there is 25w-40 from Mercruiser which others tell you to use. In previous years I always used straight 30wt. in my 350ci (5.7l) engine and had absolutely no problems.

[spharis]

Its all 30 or 40 wt once its warmed up.......its the first number that helps out the engine when its cool......I can't think of any reason why NOT to use a multi viscosity.

[jsz]

Originally posted by FIC
synthetics they are designed to flow better so they tend to leave parts unprotected after long down times. Starting your engine periodically is the best way.Dom@ Fortes Inboard 1 888 517 3178

Besides starting it every month, is there anything good out there to leave a protective coating?

[ghollow]

Use the Mercruiser oil, filter and gas filter. It is what they recommend and is not very expensive. You can buy the Mercruiser stuff at Academy

[gman]

Most multi viscosity oil contain VI (viscosisty improvers) whcih are polymers. As the oil warms up the polymers tend to rearrange themselves into a chain. Under shear load and stress they can degrade and not return to the original state. In particular oils with the widest range such as 5W-30 and 10W-40 require a lot of polymers which can sluge and burn and leave deposits. A wide range in viscosisty is more susseptible to breakdown due to the large content of polymers. A 20W-50 has a wide range but is not as prone to breaking down because it starts at a higher viscosity and therfore not as many polymers need to be added. Look for oils that can do the job with the least amount of polymers. I believe the mercruiser 25W-40 is a mixture of oils and does not contain polymers. Also straight weight oils do not have the VI and are less prone to changing under high heat and have the best lubrication, however, not as effective on start up.