I just noticed that my Vetus has burned through nearly half a quart of oil this season ( ~60 hours ) when it burned none last year and I'm wondering why. Transom is extra sooty.
Possible reasons:
1. Temperature alarm sounded twice on the shakedown this spring due to low coolant level. Engine was shut off immediately, cooled for 15 minutes between. After this I changed the oil as a precaution. I don't have a temperature gauge. Vetus tech support tells me the alarm is at the very low end of the "high temp range" and are researching the actual temperature the alarm goes off at for me. It's not in my manual. Damage done? Head gasket? My oil looks fine, as does the coolant. Engine runs fine.
2. New prop this spring. Campbell Sailer prop. 12" diameter x 8" pitch. The prop appears to be right for the engine. I can reach hull speed at 3000rpm's (max). Too much pitch? The old prop was a large three bladed thing with unknown pitch.
3. Wrong engine oil? Last year I ran 10-40 which is what my manual calls for. This spring I put in 10-30 (NAPA was out of 10-40 in my favorite brand). I would not think that slightly thinner oil would make a difference.
Opinions from those more knowledgeable than I? Anything else? My next visit to the boat I'll change out the oil back to 10-40 and keep an eye on it. Wish I had a temperature gauge.
Possible reasons:
1. Temperature alarm sounded twice on the shakedown this spring due to low coolant level. Engine was shut off immediately, cooled for 15 minutes between. After this I changed the oil as a precaution. I don't have a temperature gauge. Vetus tech support tells me the alarm is at the very low end of the "high temp range" and are researching the actual temperature the alarm goes off at for me. It's not in my manual. Damage done? Head gasket? My oil looks fine, as does the coolant. Engine runs fine.
2. New prop this spring. Campbell Sailer prop. 12" diameter x 8" pitch. The prop appears to be right for the engine. I can reach hull speed at 3000rpm's (max). Too much pitch? The old prop was a large three bladed thing with unknown pitch.
3. Wrong engine oil? Last year I ran 10-40 which is what my manual calls for. This spring I put in 10-30 (NAPA was out of 10-40 in my favorite brand). I would not think that slightly thinner oil would make a difference.
Opinions from those more knowledgeable than I? Anything else? My next visit to the boat I'll change out the oil back to 10-40 and keep an eye on it. Wish I had a temperature gauge.