Trojan Boat Forum

Going to change the oil in the engines and reduction gear of the boat this weekend and wanted to hear what others are using. Boat has the Crusader 454 engines, I'm assuming most everyone uses 10w-30? I think the reduction gears are Borg warner? what type of oil does everyone use in them. I believe what's in there is pink ATF? recommendations?

I have been researching the same question. What year are your engines? I have a pair of 1984 Crusader Mark IV rebuilds and can't get a straight answer as to the engine oil-just opinions. The engine tag says " Use Premium Grade SAE 30 SE Service". SE is no longer manufactured. There are mixed messages about zinc content and flat tappet cams. So, what's a boater to do?

Crusader recommends 15w-40 30w or 40w can be used The info is in crusader man. you can look at on line . Rotelala 15w-40 still has hi zinc . I use it when servicing most boats gas or diesel . many others here also do . I would not recc 10w-30 unless your in a cold climate The trans takes ATF
I recc dexron It should be red If its pink it may have water in it .
http://www.crusaderengines.com/manuals/L510019-03.pdf

If anyone's interested, here's a link to some interest reading about engine oils. It is a bit lengthy, but very informative. Contains info on 126 engine oils. May help decide (or confuse) which oil is the one to use.

http://540ratblog.wordpress.com/2013/06 ... t-ranking/

I love it, I am not the only one that makes double entries with this software!

its the user

My engines are 1987's so your saying I shouldn't use 10w-30?

IS the rotella your recommending the HD 15W-40 that states for diesel engines? and does it matter if I use dextron 2 or 3? thanks for the help.

Unless your boating in temps where its constantly be low 50f I would not . I don't know of any marine inboard that recc it at higher temps . most recc 15w-40 or 40w or 30w. ( 25w-40 merc ) With that said some do use 10w-30 with out issues .

bigd9116 wrote:IS the rotella your recommending the HD 15W-40 that states for diesel engines? and does it matter if I use dextron 2 or 3? thanks for the help.

yes its used with diesels but also meets gas engine specs . Dexron 2 or 3 will be fine 3 is just a newer type . The velvet drive is not real picky on fluid types and many fluids are approved . just not a good idea to mix types . I like Dexron as it works well and its very easy to find if needed most anywhere .

Did a lot of research , Mobil Delvac 15-40 has the most zinc and is only $12 a gallon at Wally World ! I was going to use Rotella but after some research the newer stuff contains less zinc than the old stuff.

Lucas oil makes a breakin bottle of additive that has a lot of zink, I have put a pint in each engine.

Based on information I picked up in this forum I added zinc to my engines at the fall layup. Now if you read the report referenced by 7421F (above) you see that expert says NO ZINC ADDITIVES! That expert also tells us he is the best expert and his is the only true test and the only unbiased test, etc. etc.

Have to wonder what a guy is supposed to do...

I put zinc in, what the heck I do not believe it will hurt only upside on mechanicals. As for as, should I say it?; Global Warming who the heck knows.

Lawman wrote:Did a lot of research , Mobil Delvac 15-40 has the most zinc and is only $12 a gallon at Wally World ! I was going to use Rotella but after some research the newer stuff contains less zinc than the old stuff.

I belive most 15w-40 oil have plenty of zinc but most have less then before What is the ppm of zinc in Delvac ?


FWIW 10w-30 oils are very low in Zinc do to the cat converters use on gas engines in cars and trucks and the use of roller cams