Trojan Boat Forum

My 454 runs cool, so what type oil should I use. Forgive me if this has been asked before.

You've got a big block in an F-26? Wow Bet she gets up on plane quickly.

As far as oil goes, I'm a fan of synthetics. My choice would be AMSOIL 15-50 Racing oil. I use this in my 350 and generator. It can however be a little costly.

I use Mercury's 15W40 4-Stroke oil. Not sure its the best, but its not bad.

Honestly, most any engine oil is probably fine, as long as you change it regularly (more on time than house/miles).

The synthetics are great, and won't break down if it gets hot ... but they're expensive. Highly recommended for Turbo engines, although I don't spend the $ for my turbo-diesels.

What weight or viscosity would you use?

I run 15-40.

15w-40 is what they call for . it has a good temp range .

ok thanks guys

You don't get below freezing very often in FL, so 15W40 is fine. Just let it warm up if you run it when its cold (40?) outside.

The 15W40 will hold up good to the constant, mid-high RPM use that a boat sees.

rossjo wrote:You don't get below freezing very often in FL, so 15W40 is fine. Just let it warm up if you run it when its cold (40?) outside.

The 15W40 will hold up good to the constant, mid-high RPM use that a boat sees.

15w-40 is fine in cold weather much better the a straight 30w . remember it flows like a 15w when cold
Now if the weather is constantly below 50w when you run the a lighter oil is called for by CRUSADER , on my gas boats I ran it when the temps where around 30 deg. during stripper season no issues . Its also the oil Cummins recommends above 30 deg on my diesels . (and gen set) .

Right - 15W40 it is.

Here's a chart showing what Paul is talking about ...


I still use Rotella-T 15w40 in all 4 of my diesels. Some talk bad about it, but I see many big sportfishers using it as well, and they've got millions of $ in their boats!

Rotella used to have zinc in it, which was good for the tappets, but the EPA cut that back a few years back. It still has additives, and many over-the-road diesels use it for millions of miles, so no reason you can't use it in a gas marine engine, however Shell (who makes Rotella) makes specially formulated Marine ols as well.

Shell Rotella will meet at the needed specs for your marine Gas engine .
many other 15w-40 oil will do the same . It also happens to be Good diesel oil as well , I used it on my gas boat engines for years and now on My diesels

I use Wolf Head 15 40w it's a blend my Merc 454's have ran well on it.

Prowlerfish, are you kidding? At 30 degrees I am not even leaving the dock, heck prolly not the house!!

foofer b wrote:Prowlerfish, are you kidding? At 30 degrees I am not even leaving the dock, heck prolly not the house!!

Thought you were going fishing this weekend!

Yeah but it is in the Upper 60's