Volvo 120s saildrive - Any alternative oil?

[Gubbo]

I have a six year old 120S saildrive bolted to a penta 2003 engine. I want to change the oil but, with 2.8 litres needed, I am seeking to avoid the Volvo Penta wallet squeeze,

The plate specifies sythetic oil.
I have some remnants of original penta stuff and the tub states "Synthetic gear Oil" to GL-5 75-90 grade.

I can find oil to the exact GL spec and grade, but only in semi-synthetic. (Duckhams, Halfords etc)

Has anyone used these alternatives? Or can it be that Volvo actually manufacture a very special oil themselves? (doubtful)

Your advice would be much appreciated.

 

[allanc]

For the 110S saildrive, Volvo are happy to use the same oil as they suggest for the engine. Perhaps this may also apply to yours? Check the spec? Just a thought.

 

[Gubbo]

Thanks Allanc.
You're quite correct that the earlier saildrives used engine oil. The thing is mine has a manufacturer's plate on the unit instructing me to use synthetic gear oil only. This was emphasised by the previous owner who had had the new saildrive fitted.

I fully appreciate that I may simply have to buy the VP stuff and play safe....but it goes against the grain a bit (and the price difference is quite significant).

cheers Gubbo

 

[chrisc]

I did have one fail through using engine oil rather than synthetic.This was after a good many hours down the french canals.The saildrive was filled with normal oil at volvo agents insistence and only after it failed was a label found specifying synthetic.(under the rear of drive) .It stripped the mainshaft gears.

 

[PeterGibbs]

I also have a 120 S drive. I look at it this way - the Volvo gearbox oil lasts two seasons if there has been no contamination through breakdown of the seals - this is because synthetics have more stamina than mineral! So the annual cost is halved vs mineral oil derivatives.

I also take the view that refurbishing a damaged S leg costs a lorra money, so am prepared to invest to reduce this risk.

I then source the correct Volvo oil from the good folks at Keypart of Watford 01923 330570 - who nicely shave the exhorbitant Volvo markup, just for us! (they also source all the other bits you need up to and including propellers and are a mine of info - wow!)

Finally, you will see that engine oil of all types is a lot cheaper on the Continent, so when you're there, get a few cans for your car as well as your beloved boat.

PWG