Engine Oil - Volvo KAD 300

jdwcs

New Member
Joined
17 May 2009
Messages
20
Location
Devon, UK
www.rivieraboatcharters.co.uk
Hi

I've had lots of different advice regarding engine oil. The manual states 15/40 which is a standard grade oil, but 10/40 semi-synthetic seems to be a better option given it's higher quality.

Any experience or advice?

Cheers
John
 
Hi

All I will say for all it's worth is that as you know the manual states VDS-2, ACEA E5 and API CH-4, viscosity 15W/40.
If the engine required a synthetic would it not state that, all IMHO of course. I myself would stick with the manual specification.
I await the technical responses!
 
Synthetic oils are great for cars that do high milages. Change at 20,000 miles, about 500 hours. Most leisure boats do less than 100 hours per year, and I don't think many of us would be happy changing the oil at 5 years. So if you do an annual oil change, mineral oil is fine. Howevere, if you use the boat in very cold weather, synthetic is better as it is quite thin when cold, therefore circulates better. Also does not break down at high temp.

If you are happy paying the extra, then synthetic is the best choice. Not sure about semi-synthetic. Is this a bit like being half pregnant?
 
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