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Mech Used The Wrong oil

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richie

Regular Contributor
"Last summer when my new boat

"Last summer when my new boat reached it's first 25hrs., my dealer sent a mechanic, and I assumed a Crusader authorized service tech., out to perform an oil change and the 25hr. inspection.

I read the label on one of the empty oil containers and it was straight SAE 40w oil. I informed him that he used the wrong oil. The owners manual says to use SAE 15W-40“SM” above 50degs. and 15W-30"SM" below 50degs. The boat is kept and run in the lower Chesapeake Bay. He told me there is nothing wrong with straight 40 wt. and he uses it all the time and prefers it. I assumed he knew what he was doing. I'm a new big boat owner and I trusted him.

Yesterday while talking to the owner of a boat next to mine we got into a discussion about engine oil. When I told him I had been using 40 weight oil he was shocked. He said I have probably ruined my engines and I need to get a hold of Crusader right away and have an oil analysis done. He said that the 40 weight oil will not get up into the cylinders upon start, especially in temperatures below 50-60 degrees, and I have more than likely caused some damage.

He also said I should not run the engines again till the oil is removed and I'll have to purchase an oil pan heater to warm the oil up enough in order to remove it with my oil xchanger. Good grief.

What do some of you with experience think about this ?

Engines--- 2 Crusader gas 8.1 MPI's

richie"
 
"Good grief is right, this guy

"Good grief is right, this guy is an alarmist.

You have not done any damage. Crusader does recommend multi-viscosity oil, but it is not going to harm the engine to run straight 40, especially under your conditions.

If you are a commercial operator who constantly runs in sub-freezing temps, I would change it before you run again. As a recreational boater who runs only in warmer weather, you are fine.

"He said that the 40 weight oil will not get up into the cylinders upon start, especially in temperatures below 50-60 degrees" change that to 10-20 degrees and he's right.

Enjoy your new boat."
 
"Hi Rick,
Good to hear from y

"Hi Rick,
Good to hear from you again, I feel a whole better now.

Have a couple follow up questions.

The temperature we're talking about is the air temp. in the engine compartment, correct. So, if I keep a heater down in my engine compartment and the temp. there is around 40 degs. can i safely run these engines with 40 weight oil?

Is it helpful to run the engines for a short while during the off season while sitting in the slip.Is it harmful? I don't do a full winterization here in the lower Chesapeake.

richie"
 
"You can, but there is no real

"You can, but there is no real advantage to running them. Personally, I wouldn't sleep real well worrying about it getting too cold or the power going out and loosing a heater.

It's not a big deal to drain the freshwater side of the cooling system. This eliminates any chances of freezing. Then simply forget about them for about 6 more weeks and the next thing you know, it's boating season.

To answer your original question, at 40 degrees it's fine to start them up with 40 weight oil."
 
"[b]"Good grief is right,

""Good grief is right, this guy is an alarmist."

Ayuh,.... I Agree completely,........

Alarmist is about the Nicest thing I could say about the guy,.......
It sounds like he speaks with authority,.....
Without the Knowledge that should go with it....."
 
Many argue that straight weigh

Many argue that straight weight oil is even better. (Not me: I'm a multi-vis fan.) Don't worry and enjoy the Chessie!

Jeff (Upper Chessie boater)
 
">>To answer your orig

">>To answer your original question, at 40 degrees it's fine to start them up with 40 weight oil.<<

Glad to hear you say that."
 
But DON'T rev the hell out

But DON'T rev the hell out of it! That puts enormous strain on the oil pump gears.

Jeff
 
I have run straight 40w valvol

I have run straight 40w valvoline in my twin 350's. Wouldnt hurt a thing. If you want multi viscosity 10-40w is also very good. As far as running the boat when you visit the slip. It wont hurt anything. Its just a habbit with me that when I visit my boat (once a week) in the off season I'll idle her for about 15 min then slowly bring her up to about 1500rpm and slowly bring her back down to idle then shut her down after ive idled a little more. Just a habbit. I dont like engines to sit. But thats just me.
 
"James,
>> But thats

"James,
>> But thats just me.<<

No it's not just you, I've talked many boaters at my marina and they do just what you do James. It just makes sense to me. Thanks for your input.

richie"
 
Don't go off the deep end

Don't go off the deep end about the 40w. Where that guy got his info is beyond me. Even down here in FL. I run my engines once a week if I am not going out just like James said. I spend 30 minutes running them and then the Genny. Once the engine is warmed up I idle for 5 minutes in gear. I t helps to move the tranny gears and the shafts around too. That packing in the stuffing boxes will tend to dry out unless you move the shaft peridically. It is better to take the boat out but if you can't then exercise all the moving parts frequently.
 
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