Oil for Perkins 4108

[CalicoJack]

I went into Halfords today and they had two mineral oils for older engines, both their own make. One was a 15/40 oil with an API index of CD & the other was 20/50 with an index of CC. Previously I have used a mineral 15/40 CF mineral oil.
Any thoughts on which would be better? Oil consumption between changes is virtually nil and the oil is changed twice a year.

 

[sailorman]

15/40 is just fine, why twice a yr

15/40 is a mineral oil
15/40 CF 4 is widely available

 

[CalicoJack]

Twice a year?
1). Boat engines even those with an indirect cooling system run cooler than cars.
2). It doesn't run hard enough or long enough much of the time.
3). It's cheap enough.

 

[sailorman]

http://www.oilspecifications.org/api_eolcs.php

 

[robmcg]

Sounds like the head needs a decoke. Leave it to the off season and get amongst it then. :encouragement:

Oops! Answer should be on the other Perkins thread! :sleeping:

 

[CalicoJack]

Any other thoughts?

 

[sailorman]

about what

 

[vyv_cox]

The 20W-50 oil would typically be used in engines with high oil consumption in order that the higher viscosity will reduce the flow past the rings to some extent. It will also help to cushion shock loadings on worn bigend bearings. In your case it would seem unnecessary and I would go with the 15W-40, which is probably the oil specified by the engine maker.

 

[AndrewB]

The 20W-50 oil would typically be used in engines with high oil consumption in order that the higher viscosity will reduce the flow past the rings to some extent. It will also help to cushion shock loadings on worn bigend bearings. In your case it would seem unnecessary and I would go with the 15W-40, which is probably the oil specified by the engine maker.

The original oil specified by Perkins for the 4-108 is 30 monograde, API CC. This is technically obsolete but still available for old-fashioned motor mowers though not easy to find and expensive. I've been using 15W-40, API CF4 for many years now. This engine is pretty tolerant, but I prefer to stick to mineral oils intended for older diesel engines, not modern synthetic oils.

P.S. There are later grades of oil that will substitute for CF4, but always it will say so somewhere on the can, so if you can't find CF4, check the small print.

 

[brianhumber]

Firms like Morris supply oil for older engines and supply in 5 gal (ok 25 litre now) containers.

As an aside there is no need or benefit in changing your oil every year if it still meets the specification in spite of the b...sh..e written about this every year. Oils, fuels, and engines have changed for the better significantly since the decokes needed on 50 and 60s engines in which era the authors of engine articles in sailing magazines etc still seem to be stuck in.

Brian

 

[westernman]

Firms like Morris supply oil for older engines and supply in 5 gal (ok 25 litre now) containers.

As an aside there is no need or benefit in changing your oil every year if it still meets the specification in spite of the b...sh..e written about this every year. Oils, fuels, and engines have changed for the better significantly since the decokes needed on 50 and 60s engines in which era the authors of engine articles in sailing magazines etc still seem to be stuck in.

Brian

http://gulfcoastfilters.com/1,000,000 MILES.htm

 

[TQA]

Firms like Morris supply oil for older engines and supply in 5 gal (ok 25 litre now) containers.

As an aside there is no need or benefit in changing your oil every year if it still meets the specification in spite of the b...sh..e written about this every year. Oils, fuels, and engines have changed for the better significantly since the decokes needed on 50 and 60s engines in which era the authors of engine articles in sailing magazines etc still seem to be stuck in.

Brian

I disagree. It is important to change every year as boat diesels run cool and you get an acidic build up. Change before winter storage. If you are pinching pennies you can change the filter every second time.

However I am a tight Scots git and change the filter every time I change the oil. Cheaper than a rebuild or new engine.

 

[vyv_cox]

I disagree. It is important to change every year as boat diesels run cool and you get an acidic build up. Change before winter storage. If you are pinching pennies you can change the filter every second time.

However I am a tight Scots git and change the filter every time I change the oil. Cheaper than a rebuild or new engine.

Fully agree with all of it (except the tight Scots git part of course). Marine engines rust out, not wear out.

 

[Heckler]

The 20W-50 oil would typically be used in engines with high oil consumption in order that the higher viscosity will reduce the flow past the rings to some extent. It will also help to cushion shock loadings on worn bigend bearings. In your case it would seem unnecessary and I would go with the 15W-40, which is probably the oil specified by the engine maker.

Vyv
I noticed in Wilko in HH that they are selling 20/50 for classic engines £16 and a 20/50 more modern multigrade for £12 Prob is that they dont put a rating on the bottle. http://www.wilko.com/car-care/car-m...ngine+Oil+and+Coolant&setpagenum=2&perpage=12
Stu

 

[sailorman]

Vyv
I noticed in Wilko in HH that they are selling 20/50 for classic engines £16 and a 20/50 more modern multigrade for £12 Prob is that they dont put a rating on the bottle. http://www.wilko.com/car-care/car-m...ngine+Oil+and+Coolant&setpagenum=2&perpage=12
Stu

Mineral based classic car oil. Quality mineral oil, specially blended for cars from the 1960s, 70s and 80s. Contains calcium long chain alkaryl sulphonate. May produce an allergic reaction. Specifications API, SE, CC. Keep out of reach of children. Always read instructions.

 

[TonyBuckley]

Mineral based classic car oil. Quality mineral oil, specially blended for cars from the 1960s, 70s and 80s. Contains calcium long chain alkaryl sulphonate. May produce an allergic reaction. Specifications API, SE, CC. Keep out of reach of children. Always read instructions.

when I asked Morris's about my engine - 30 year old Lister - they recommended this.

http://www.morrislubricantsonline.co.uk/golden-film-marine-10w-40-engine-oil-api-cc-sf.html

But of course see what your engine manual recommends. My engine doesn't seem to use any oil and its being changed next week I hope.

 

[vyv_cox]

when I asked Morris's about my engine - 30 year old Lister - they recommended this.

http://www.morrislubricantsonline.co.uk/golden-film-marine-10w-40-engine-oil-api-cc-sf.html

But of course see what your engine manual recommends. My engine doesn't seem to use any oil and its being changed next week I hope.

I use a similar oil from Morris in the BMC 2.2 in Cecilia, although I prefer the 15W-40 version. Seems to be a most appropriate oil for these elderly engines. Morris seem to have almost cornered the canal boat market, where such engines are common.