Oil questions

[PabloPicasso]

I Have a volvo penta 2001 and have usually used a supermarket bought semi-synthetic oil, changed annually along with the filter.

Whilst I have always used the recomended grade, does it matter if its synthetic, semi-synthetic, or not synthetic?

 

[Tranona]

Plain mineral oil 15/40. If buying in supermarket look for the one that is recommended for older diesel engines.

 

[PabloPicasso]

Just out of interest, is the synthetic component bad for an older engine? If so why?

 

[Tranona]

Because it hass additives in it that are designed for high output engines not unstressed low output little diesels that were designed 50 years ago. Just a waste of money as well.

 

[Beneteau381]

Because it hass additives in it that are designed for high output engines not unstressed low output little diesels that were designed 50 years ago. Just a waste of money as well.

Read Vyv Cox on engine oils, more detail about the differences and chemicals used to protect the then bearing materials and the now bearing materials.

 

[vyv_cox]

Early synthetic oils contained a high ester content that attacked seals. Today many have no ester content.

Synthetics have astonishing rheologic properties. Never a bad move to use them but their cost is completely unjustified for a yacht auxiliary engine.

 

[oldgit]

Was told to use mineral oil in my 2000 Yanmar 230HP 4 pot diesels.

 

[robmcg]

Just wondering why the OP used semi synthetic oil? Volvo Penta are pretty clear about using only mineral oil for these engines. I saw a VP2003 run on synthetic oil at the yard once. It had the most brilliant shine to the bores I have ever seen.

 

[PabloPicasso]

Oil for yacht engines

Vyv's website is really fantastic. Loads of great info there.

 

[PabloPicasso]

Just wondering why the OP used semi synthetic oil? Volvo Penta are pretty clear about using only mineral oil for these engines. I saw a VP2003 run on synthetic oil at the yard once. It had the most brilliant shine to the bores I have ever seen.

It was semi synthetic oil from Lidl, or maybe Halfords.

I could not find mineral oil
anywhere.


Where did you buy your oil?

 

[robmcg]

Where did you buy your oil?

I buy mine online. It works out cheaper than buying it from a garage etc. I also need quite a bit as the engine takes about 6 litres each change.

 

[penfold]

It makes no difference; the oil change intervals on small boat engines are so short that the benefits of synthetic or semi-synthetic oil(mainly greater stability allowing longer service intervals) are not obtained, so the extra cost is not justified but using them will do no harm.

 

[KevinV]

Not boat related, but my old Suzuki DR800s will burn oil if given (semi) synthetic, but doesn't burn a drop of the dirt cheap mineral oil it's designed for. I don't know the explanation, but I now don't "treat" any machinery to anything other than what the manufacturer specifies.

 

[Tranona]

It was semi synthetic oil from Lidl, or maybe Halfords.

I could not find mineral oil
anywhere.


Where did you buy your oil?

google.com/search?q=15w%2F40+mineral+oil+for+diesels&rlz=1C1VDKB_en-GBGB1067GB1067&oq=15w%2F40+mineral+oil+for+diesels&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIGCAEQRRg60gEJMTY3NDNqMGo3qAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#ip=1

or
halfords.com/motoring/engine-oils-and-fluids/engine-oil/mobil-super-1000-x1-15w%2F40-oil-5l-929711.html

 

[Momac]

 

[Plum]

Another recommendation. I have been using this oil for the last 8 years EXOL SHPD E7 15W40 LONG DRAIN VOLVO APPROVED ENGINE OIL ACEA E7 SPEC 20 LTR | eBay

 

[Mister E]

Halford sell mineral oil under their Classic range, you may have to get the shop to order it in.

 

[vyv_cox]

It was semi synthetic oil from Lidl, or maybe Halfords.

I could not find mineral oil
anywhere.


Where did you buy your oil?

Semi synthetic is mineral oil with additions of synthetic, also hydrocarbon but with closer control of molecular length. The proportions of the two are not regulated.

Provided the viscosity and specification are suitable for your engine there is no problem with using it. Many engine manuals still call for API CD spec, which became obsolete in the early 1960s! I think that API CI-4 is an excellent modern substitute.

 

[penfold]

It's pretty hard to buy anything lower spec than SHPD now.

 

[oldgit]

View attachment 167356
View attachment 167358

Having two engines which combined demand 24 litres the easy to find 20L drum is not enough and then buying an extra 5L on its own does not make sense.

Ebay search results in a couple of outlets still willing/able to supply 25L drums, internet search found a company able to sell a 25L drum with the correct spec for around the same money as a 20L drum.
Arrived on the doorstep 24 hours later.
Off to the local motor factor for a couple of good quality oil filters from a known named company, oil and filter change for well under £100.
Done in under an hour with an electric pump and 15 mins of that is getting both engines up to temp to thin the oil.
Then a mere day or two to clear up the mess.
Fortunately have friendly garage nearbye , happy to take the old oil and filters other wise have to book an appointment at local tip.
Garage, which repairs autogearboxes, have a couple of 50 gallon drums to take waste oils/ATF etc.
Not sure if they get paid for or have to pay for the tanker which collects once a fortnight.