Engine oil Grade

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dignity

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Changing the engine oil this weekend for the first time since I bough the boat, can anybody recommend what grade oil I should use. The engines are Ford Sabre 80's straight 4 cylinder, bearing in mind the engines are now 24 year old?

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my perkins T6's are 30 years old and I use turbo diesel oil 15/40, cant remember the brand, got it from the local truck place.

recent article in the classic car press said for old engines regular changes is much better than expensive oil, I figure once a year with average usage (say less than 200 hrs) cheapo oil is fine.

<hr width=100% size=1>Sod the Healey - I think I'll buy an E-Type.
 
Ben disagree about very cheap oil if they are turbo'd. Fine otherwise, it'll be filthy in a few hours running anyway.

<hr width=100% size=1>Jim

Draco 2500
 
Sorry chaps, cant agree about cheapo oils!

You should always use a good quality oil, you can find the correct grade and type required in your engine manual. If you dont have a manual contact the manufacturers. Also for older engines try putting in a can of molyslip, it helps to cut down wear and tear and helps stop the engine smoking if the rings are a bit worn. One last thing, if you have an overheated engine at any time, this degrades the condition of your oil, so change it as soon as is possible.

Regards Barry



<hr width=100% size=1>I just want to retire with my boat to the Med!
 
Totally agree about regular oil changes. Most engines that I've seen that have lived long lives all have one thing in common which is very regular oil changes. Not totally convinced that 12,000 miles is often enough in cars being a cynic, so once a year in a boat is definitely on the long side although 'spose it depends on running hours. Would've thought at least 2 would be better, one at the end of the season and one halfway through?

Difference between cheap oil and expensive oil these days is minimal compared to other running costs. By the way, Halfords have been doing own brands at 1/3 off which makes them V cheap but most have very good levels of approval so therefore not rubbish.

<hr width=100% size=1>Jim

Draco 2500
 
I want to put my oar in here. Most people think that there are different oils for petrol and diesel engines. Generally not so! Diesel engines produce more acid radicals, and also produce "diesel wash", which is escaping fule which ends up in the sump. Thankfully the American Petroleum Institute, produces a grading system, called the API grade. Oils which say score H or J, give the best overall lubrication as compared with an oil marked A, and also give much better pH, control which is stopping harmful acids attack the moving parts. An oil which scores say J for a petrol engine will score say only E for a diesel engine, because it will not remain in good condition for as long as a petrol engine. My advice therefore, is ignore "cheap" oils, and look for an oil with the best API grade relative to the price, which i suppose is the price/performance ratio. A marine engine costs £0000's to replace, why spend a few quid less, and have the pleasure of replacing it?

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Re: What\'s \"cheap\" tho

hi

The halfords and so on oils are indeed cheap - but they don't spend oodles of loot in white coats testing and twiddling - they spend it on F1 and tv adverts to make us think that it is specially special, no? Whereas in fact it would surely be better to change the oild a lot, rather than les often, and hope?

Obviously there isn't a right asnswer here, so i wil desist from starting an argument. The better the oil, and the more often it is changed the better, i spose. I was hoping for a cheaper way out though :-)

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Re: What\'s \"cheap\" tho

Can't see what the mystery is here. As Silverseal says, oils are classified according to what they can do. This is NOT always related to price. Actually there is a new classification system you'll see on the oil apart from the old API. Look for (diesel) B3 or if you really want posh B4 but B3 is fine for all marine diesels including high revs & turbo.
The advice about "do what it says in the handbook" is not always good because they are out of date as soon as they are publlished but oil development goes on. Hence a 24 yr old handbook will give rubbish advice as it doesn't know about modern oils or classifications. BTW, look at the classifications of Halfords oils - they are actually top quality.

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