Synthetic Marine Lubricants

Capt. Ed · Post by **Capt. Ed** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 10:19 am

I was wondering how many of us are using synthetic oils and how it was working, and which ones. 1979 Bertram 33' FBC ALEXANDRA Port Richey, Florida

franklyprice · Post by **franklyprice** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 1:16 pm

Ed, I used it in my last boat because I built the engines and wanted to be as good as possible to them but with the engines in my bertram I'm getting no oil usage and good oil pressure from the recommended mercruiser oil, so am sticking to that. I don't think I'd gain any longevity at this point by switching oils on these older engines with about 1300 hours on them. Frank Price

Capt. Ed · Post by **Capt. Ed** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 2:35 pm

I understand that you need to use regular motor oil during break in, so that everything seats, then afterwards synthetic. I wouldn't believe the hours would matter (after break in), regardless how high, as better lubrication would perhaps get a few more hours out of the engines than regular oil would. From some test I have seen first hand, I would say that either synthetic, or a Teflon product added to regular oil would reduce friction, which in turn would reduced heat, which would increase engine performance. Perhaps some of our engineers will chime in to better articulate this subject. 1979 Bertram 33' FBC ALEXANDRA Port Richey, Florida

lobsta1 · Post by **lobsta1** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 3:12 pm

I can't remember if it was Dow Chemical or DuPont, but I do remember it was the manufacturer of Teflon that issued a statement that using it had absolutely no positive effect in an internal combustion engine. They did not recommend using it & any product claiming it was beneficial was essentially snakeoil. Al 1978 33 FBC NITES OFF

Capt. Ed · Post by **Capt. Ed** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 4:40 pm

Al, I agree with you 100 percent. In fact the FTC went after Slick 50 (Blue Coral, Inc.) over their ads. I am doing my diligences on Amsoil Motor Oils currently, and have always heard good things about the product for many many years. www.performanceoiltechnology.com/ 1979 Bertram 33' FBC ALEXANDRA Port Richey, Florida

Capt. Ed · Post by **Capt. Ed** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 4:53 pm

This is an interesting read on filtering Amsoil and marine engines. www.amsoil.com/storefront/bmk18.aspx 1979 Bertram 33' FBC ALEXANDRA Port Richey, Florida

Don33 · Post by **Don33** » Thu Dec 15, 2005 3:52 pm

quote:Originally posted by franklyprice Ed, ...I'm getting no oil usage and good oil pressure from the recommended mercruiser oil, so am sticking to that. I don't think I'd gain any longevity at this point by switching oils on these older engines with about 1300 hours on them. Frank Price I've always used Dieselall (Castrol) on the two Berts I've owned, on the recommendations of a former Bertram dealer and an excellent mechanic that I now use (he's a walking engine manual). The 28 Bert I had with 350 blocks had about 1450 hours on them when sold and they ran great. I used straight 30 weight and had a built in oil changer so there was no excuse not to change oil every 50 hours. Am now using Dieselall 40 weight on my (low hour) Merc 454's. Have never looked into synthetics but would like to learn more.

captgene · Post by **captgene** » Fri Dec 16, 2005 3:18 am

Anybody here a pilot? I have a friend that is. Pilots love toys and do research overkill on everything. Anyway this guy went to great effort researching lube oil. His conclusion was Castrol 40HD for his Blackfin. I like to have my own opinion, but his conclusions are overwelming. So I use the same stuff. I asked a engine surveyor about switching to Castrol Synthetic. He said don't waste your money. I used it in my 95 Maxima when it was new. About 65K miles it started leaking. switched to the 40HD and it quit. Car is at 150K now. I just drive it to work, and the 16 yr old daughter drives it. If you change your oil at reasonable intervals and keep you maint. up has to be the key. So that is my .02 worth. Gene Dugan

Don33 · Post by **Don33** » Fri Dec 16, 2005 6:11 am

quote:Originally posted by captgene ...If you change your oil at reasonable intervals and keep you maint. up has to be the key. So that is my .02 worth. Gene Dugan Agree. Frequent changes are probably more important than using any particular brand of oil. I sure miss that built in Reverso oil pump. Took out the old and even pumped in the new. I got spoiled.

Capt. Ed · Post by **Capt. Ed** » Fri Dec 16, 2005 7:42 am

Gene and Don, I agree with you that frequent oil changes are very important, as clean oil will extend the life of any engine. Gene, you nailed it when you said "Pilots love toys and do research overkill on everything", as I happen to be one of those type of pilots (and love my toys!) I take this same research overkill character flaw to boating as well, (trust me its a curse). I do not believe that there is any one oil type that is perfect for all our engines, as the differences between a Western crude and the so called Pennsylvania crude used in mineral based oils play an important role alone, depending on the type of engine, (gas or diesel) you have. So, my quest, (read research overkill), is to find the greatest friction reducing lubricant, which in turn should lower operating temperatures and boost performance (and hopefully reduce wear). At the same time, I truly enjoy learning every ones views on various marine subjects, as the combined knowledge on the participating members on this forum exceeds that of a super-computer, and I feel very lucky to be able to tap this knowledge and insight, thank you. [:)] 1979 Bertram 33' FBC ALEXANDRA Port Richey, Florida