Frank Langer
1984 Ericson 30+, Nanaimo, BC
Our 1984 E30+ has a 16 hp Universal diesel engine (model 5416) with 2,242 engine hours. For the past 11 years I have used HD SAE 30 engine oil, which is what the original manual recommended, with HD10-40 recommended as a back-up if that isn't available. Our local outlet is no longer carrying the HD SAE30 oil, so I need to make a change. There is a semi-synthetic SAE 15-40 available at slightly higher cost or regular 15-40. I normally change the oil and filter about every 75 engine hours, two to three times per year on average.
In his book Nigel Calder suggests that there is little to be gained by using synthetic oil in sailboat diesel engines, but both the original manual and his book are now quite dated and engine oils have evolved over time. So my question is, are any of you switching to semi-synthetic or synthetic oil and what grade are you using to get the best value for dollar in keeping our engines running well.
In my case I sail year round, with temps on Vancouver Island dipping to between 0 and 5 degrees Celsius (about 32 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit) in winter, so what would be best for starting the engine and long term engine wear year-round?
Thanks for any feedback or advice!
Frank
In his book Nigel Calder suggests that there is little to be gained by using synthetic oil in sailboat diesel engines, but both the original manual and his book are now quite dated and engine oils have evolved over time. So my question is, are any of you switching to semi-synthetic or synthetic oil and what grade are you using to get the best value for dollar in keeping our engines running well.
In my case I sail year round, with temps on Vancouver Island dipping to between 0 and 5 degrees Celsius (about 32 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit) in winter, so what would be best for starting the engine and long term engine wear year-round?
Thanks for any feedback or advice!
Frank