oil and filter quality

[LeonF]

Just been reading some of the old posts re oil etc. Can anyone tell me if it is worth buying marine engine oil as the sailing mags recommend? I always use Halfords top grade oil . Also does the quality of oil filters vary or are they all pretty much the same product? Thanks

L.A.R.Ferguson

 

[longjohnsilver]

All the mechanics I know go for Shell Rimula X, if it's good enuf for them...................

As for filters, suspect they're all much of a muchness providing you go for recognised brands such as Fram, Fleetguard etc

 

[seaesta]

I think Longjohn S is right.
The commercial filters only work as a rough strainer (nominally 60micron plus) so I doubt there is much diference.
When in the plant maintenance business I used to employ a guy to source spare parts from original makers rather than buying expensive gear in the right coloured box - this saved a fortune.
Do beware if your engine is under warranty - use only the original parts on a new engine or they will wriggle out of repairing your engine if it breaks down with the "wrong" oil or filter in use.
Never ever economise on oil - get the best, keep it clean and change it often

 

[byron]

get the best, keep it clean and change it often
<font color=blue>
Longjohn! hope you noted the above, this also applies to your underpants, changing them once a month is simply not enough</font color=blue>


http://www.alexander-advertising.co.uk

 

[mick]

I can't find anywhere near Glasgow that sells Shell Rimula X. Can you help?

 

[charles_reed]

Rimula was the granddaddy of the high-detergency, diesel oils and in terms of value for money takes some beating.

There are nowadays any number of high-quality semi-synthetic and synthetic oils on the market.
As my engine only takes a couple of litres a time I tend to look for 10/40W high detergent oils (in summer 15/50W), made by one of the less well-known manufacturers and change it every 100 hours or so.
I believe good oil and more frequently than recommended changes are a major economy.

I don't use the Yanmar filters, having found long ago that the Mazda 323 fits, is more easily available and costs 30-50% of the proprietary ones.

One of my best friends was a main board Burmah-Castrol director who used to frequently enthuse over the obscene profits they made on Castrol - hence my purchase of less-well-known brands.

 

[LeonF]

Charles (or anyone else) can you elaborate on the differences between synthetic and mineral oil? I have a Beta BD722 and the only thing they specified was not to use turbo diesel oil. Are synthetics beter? I know they are a lot more expensive. I've heard that one need not change them for longer periods. And are the marine diesel oils any diferent to the normal high grade oils?

L.A.R.Ferguson

 

[Guest]

Re: oil and filter quality (FAO Charles Reed)

I have a Yanmar 2GM20 circa 1985.My contact in the motor parts business tells me I need the international part no for the Mazda 323 oil filter - can you assist?

 

[VMALLOWS]

I know we've been through this subject numerous times.

I am still not convinced that a multigrade (eg 15W40) is suitable where the manufacturer (eg BUKH) specifies a straight 20 or 30 grade oil. It seems to me the multi will always be too thin at the temperature of a sea-water cooled engine, or too thick on a freshwater engine. What do others think? Sometime back there were also suggestions that a higher rated CE or CF was even detrimental compared with a CC etc....but not convinced by that argument.

One problem is sourcing. You can get 5l of 15W40 CF at Asda-Walmart for £4.99 which means you can afford to change it frequently. If you want a straight 30 the only off-shelf source is RimulaX at the chandlers for over £20. I have found however that I can order a straight 30 CC/CD at £9.99 from the local independent
car parts shop which is at least half way there. (and I'm sure he's making a hefty profit on that).

 

[Guest]

Pat Manley at PBO are you listening ?

This sounds like an excellent subject to cover in the magazine.

I, like many, are confused as to what to use.

My Volvo specifies 'CD' . But if I use this am I losing out on some of the benefits of modern oils ?

Volvo only seem to produce a modern oil that I was told is much to good for my 1985 engine.

 

[longjohnsilver]

Try the heating oil distributors, one will almost certainly be a Shell agent.

 

[PeterGibbs]

Some comments to add to these postings:

1. Mineral oil in a marine application has the advantage over synthetic in that any water passing a gaskit or leaking into the engine from the water impeller (not at all uncommon on marine diesels) will bind with the oil and form an emulsion. Over the short term, this can save the top gear from corrosion.

2. Synthetic oil will break down more slowly than mineral oil, but for the normal season's application, synthetic is unlikely to show wear advantagtes over mineral oil if proper filtering and oil changes are observed.

3. Some filters are more than just chambers containing a mesh, but have inserts that further protect the oil supply system. Volvo have reduced their filter prices in line with competition of late and I have now reverted to them as the best defence against premature wear.

4. For what it's worth, I believe a major oil manufacturer(not a retailer) would be in the best position and have the most incentive to supply the best product. Private labels are tempting, and may be near to major manufacturers' specifications but retailers do not have the technical resources to develop or stay ahead of technical developments. I will not pay Volvo's ridiculous premium for their diesel engine oil, but a major manufacturer's product such as Shell or Castrol looks good to me.

Peter Gibbs

 

[ccscott49]

I use Shell diesel engine oil, (Rimula "X" I think!) And any good quality filters, Fleetguard etc. I have been doing so for many years, I have never had any problems with lubrication (holding on to wooden desk!) We used the same detergent oils in everything in the army, same supplier, never had problems with lubrication. I will stick with well tried and tested oil technology, my engines are simple naturally aspirated diesels. Synthetic for my engines is a total waste of money. I would suspect the same for turbo diesels, as long as you use a turbo diesel engine oil. Look at what is specified, (the SAE numbers) for your engine, by the manufacturer and use that oil, simple really. I also always carry enoughj oil for 2 changes aboard, just in case I can't find somewhere to get it, whjen I need it, then put another two onboard in the winter, when I have time to shop around. That way my engines know what they are getting, so no tantrums, little dears!! IMHO

 

[chippie]

Just as a matter of interest, What engines do you have?

Do you get special fare for Christmas on the rig?

Christmas Greetings.

 

[lauradee]

cd diesel oils

as i recall cd was an american spec by the MIL listing, if you see cd on an oil spec it means its suitable for diesels presumably because its got detergent in it?
s

 

[ccscott49]

I have two mermaid ford 135hp sixes. We get Norwegian christmassy things, you don't really want to know about smoked boiled sheeps ribs do you? Merry Christmas to you!

 

[charles_reed]

Re: oil and filter quality (FAO Charles Reed)

They all fit - though the smallest one is precisely the same as the Yanmar one.

With the bigger ones you just need more oil to fill the engine and it takes a little longer to fill after you've done an oil change.

 

[ccscott49]

Re: oil and filter quality (FAO Charles Reed)

Charles! Goopd grief man, you're answering a serious question on Christmas day, you really are dedicated or drunk! Merry christmas, now get off down the pub!

 

[lauradee]

still in the control room?

are we still on duty ?
ive done my family duty and have cooked and ate the bird (along with some nice pink beef) and am now fit and ready for a good ziz !!
s

 

[ccscott49]

Re: still in the control room?

Bast..d, I don't work in a control room, I have my laptop with me on the rig floor, where I normally work!! I'm a directional hand, not a gauge watcher!! (production hand) Have a great day, I hope you enjoyed your din dins, I didn't, but look out Barcelona come friday night, thats if the fog clears by then and it doesn't look good!
Colin.