Engine oil

[daylategeorge]

I have a 1978 F-32 with Chrysler 360's in her. My owners manual calls for SAE 30 weight oil. I have been reading in the forum about using Rotella T 15 w40. Any advice on this subject would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

[Allen Sr]

I would use the 15w40 myself. It has a lot of the properties these older engines need.

[prowlersfish]

I would use the 15w40 myself. It has a lot of the properties these older engines need.

X2

15W-40 would be my choice also . 30W is ok and will work . 15W-40 has become a preferred oil for marine engines . it offers great protection in about any temp.

[Stripermann2]

X 3

[mikeandanne]

I agree also----when your engine was built all the oils had the required additives (zinc) etc to protect flat tappet cams from wear. Metals have since been removed from passenger car oil ( roller cams now and EPA.) ,that being said Diesel engines still need the stuff and also race engines with solid flat tappet camshafts-----I believe rotella T has some of the highest levels of the additive so it will work fine, I used it in my race car ,a lot cheaper than fancy race oils--- Mike

[daylategeorge]

Thanks guys. I was of the same mind but new to the Trojan family and wasn't sure if the was a specific reason for the 30 weight oil so thought I'd check with the experts. I'll go with the rotella as well.
Thanks again

[Away On Busine$$]

My 76 F32, new to me, and I have no experience before this boat, has not had an oil change since the engines were rebuilt 2 years ago. An individual at our marina is suggesting I go with synthetic oil. I hear a lot on this sight about rotella 15/40, and nothing about synthetic. Whats my exposure either way, I don't think I will put on more than 20 to 30 hrs of running time per year.

Thanks Guys

[mikeandanne]

A O B----- one question, did the rebuild come with new cams and lifters--- if so stick with the rotella or something with the zddp additives ,if not it is a question of how much you want to spend changing oil ---not knowing bearing clearances etc would probably make me stay on the safe side with the 15/45 diesel oils .---Mike

[aaronbocknek]

okay, let me jump in too. my tri cabin was repowered in 1996 with pleasure craft marine engines, 351 block. i've been using rotella straight 30 as per the advice of my mechanic john. having said that, will 15w40 work too, or, should i stay with what i've been using since the engines are not as old as the originals (1982).

[prowlersfish]

Aaron , Both will be ok .My choice would be the 15W-40 .Thats what I used in my last 3 boats with 351 Fords . But the 30W will work fine.


Away On Busine$$ , synthetic oils are fine , But one big disadvantage is synthetic oils don't not cling to parts like conventional oils do. That would concern me on a engine that gets low hour use .

[aaronbocknek]

thanks paul. appreciate the feedback.
AAron

[Away On Busine$$]

Thanks Guys!

Mike did you get the swim platform home.

ken

[Commissionpoint]

Aaron , Both will be ok .My choice would be the 15W-40 .Thats what I used in my last 3 boats with 351 Fords . But the 30W will work fine.

FWIW, I don't use multi-viscosity in my SBC's. I will run 30 weight thru the spring fishing season, and go to 40 weight sometime mid to late June. Rinse and repeat the following spring. I get Rotella T in straight weights from the farm and tack shop, but I am sure its available elsewhere.

Heres a decent article on oils and flat tappets from a good source.

http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2012 ... r-engines/

[Diverted Income]

Here is some more info. I chewed up a cam in a years time in my other boat due to this about 8 years ago. Wore thru the parkerizing on the lobes.
http://www.amsoil.com//techservicesbull ... Tappet.pdf

[Diverted Income]

Check out the pattern This was a Comp Cams XM288H.