Diesel Oil

[nauticalrich]

Boy am I green.

Universal 14 HP, if it needs a quart of oil what do I put in.
No specs on boat on this.
Does a diesel take special oil??????

[RichH]

We were ALL green once !!!
Diesels need special additives added to the oil. "Rotella" (is probablly one of the most popular) , etc. or any brand that specifies ''for use in diesel engines''. Most marine diesels use 10W-30 for normal ambient conditions.
;-)

[tsenator]

Do you have an owners manual. that will suggest the correct motor oil. But I would suggest a good quality single weight like 30W specifically made for Diesel Engines (Though I have seen more and more marine diesel manufacturers say its ok to use Multiwieghts like a 10W-30)

Make sure its for Diesels (You can tell its made for Diesels because it will have a API Service category rating on it like "CF" or "CG-4" When you look at the can of oil (as opposed to "SJ" or another "S" rating which is for gasoline engines.)

Here is a little write up on the ratings http://api-ep.api.org/filelibrary/ACF1E1.pdf


Go to your local Marine store and they should be able to set you up. Like the above said "Rotella" is a good brand for marine diesels.


The MOST important thing to do is to change your oil and filter often. Thats the easiest way to help your engine last longer. Every 50-100 hours and at least once a year before you put her away for the winter or store her

[WHOOSH]

Rich:

You might find this site helpful for servicing your engine:

http://www.marinedieseldirect.com/universal/200157/universal-owners-manual-oil-filter-change.html

I would recommend visiting or calling a shop familiar with Universal diesels and getting their recs on oil choice, especially if you live in a seasonal climate. Alternatively, you could email the folks at the web site above...and maybe even order a shop manual, which will pay for itself in short order.

One grade of oil is not suitable for all engines under all conditions. Best you learn what''s suitable for your location and engine.

Jack