Trojan Boat Forum

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.

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

Allen Sr wrote: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.

X 3

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

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

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

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

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 .

Thanks Guys!

Mike did you get the swim platform home.

ken

prowlersfish wrote: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/

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

Check out the pattern This was a Comp Cams XM288H.