My volvo transmission and V-drive call for 30 weight oil. I've been using multigrade oil the same as I use in the diesel engine. 15w-40 My brother said that the multigrade oil could cause seals to swell and cause overheating. Has anyone ever had this problem?? single grade non-detergent oil is relatively rare but I'll find some and pump out the multigrade if this is required.
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Your brother's right
If it's called for then I would be using it. After all the manufactor built and designed it and tested it. If it's still under warranty it might not be with the wrong oil. It's not to hard to find 30 weight oil most auto. shops have it and im sure the marina has it. Don
If it's called for then I would be using it. After all the manufactor built and designed it and tested it. If it's still under warranty it might not be with the wrong oil. It's not to hard to find 30 weight oil most auto. shops have it and im sure the marina has it. Don
Not a problem
I have been using multi-grade (same a in engine) in the tranny for 30 years, in four different boats. With a total of probably 20,000 hours of opperating time. Never a tranny problem, leak, or failure. Your brothers expeience may be different, or it could be that the oil was not the cause of his problem.
I have been using multi-grade (same a in engine) in the tranny for 30 years, in four different boats. With a total of probably 20,000 hours of opperating time. Never a tranny problem, leak, or failure. Your brothers expeience may be different, or it could be that the oil was not the cause of his problem.
What oil to use
Moonsailer, just a few things to keep in mind when choosing your tranny oil. The "w" has nothing to do with how much the oil weighs. It is an indentifier meaning the oil passed muster at low or "w"inter temperatures. Another way of looking at multi-vis oils is to think of a 10W-40 as a 10 weight oil that will not thin more than a 40 weight would when hot. Multigrade oils have polymers and detergents, while good, also foam which is not good in your little tranny. Remember we are not talking 3 quarts here. If you operate your boat in climates that most of us "daysailors" will tolerate before we weather cancel or you put her on the hard for the winter, then sae 30 (listed on your indentiplate on back of tranny) is for you. Yes Liam has had a great run with multi grade because it IS quality oil, but putting the manufactures recommended lube is a good practice. You can get sae 30 everywhere.. along with some ball bearings and gauze pads. IMHO of course Cheers
Moonsailer, just a few things to keep in mind when choosing your tranny oil. The "w" has nothing to do with how much the oil weighs. It is an indentifier meaning the oil passed muster at low or "w"inter temperatures. Another way of looking at multi-vis oils is to think of a 10W-40 as a 10 weight oil that will not thin more than a 40 weight would when hot. Multigrade oils have polymers and detergents, while good, also foam which is not good in your little tranny. Remember we are not talking 3 quarts here. If you operate your boat in climates that most of us "daysailors" will tolerate before we weather cancel or you put her on the hard for the winter, then sae 30 (listed on your indentiplate on back of tranny) is for you. Yes Liam has had a great run with multi grade because it IS quality oil, but putting the manufactures recommended lube is a good practice. You can get sae 30 everywhere.. along with some ball bearings and gauze pads. IMHO of course Cheers
Why would you even conceder
NOT using the recommended oil?????????????????? it's a no brainer, and it's not like 30 wieght is hard to find. Tom s/v GAIA
NOT using the recommended oil?????????????????? it's a no brainer, and it's not like 30 wieght is hard to find. Tom s/v GAIA
Rick is correct
It is all about using quality oil and changing it frequently. I have made it a point to use high quality oil. I change engine every 50 hours and tranny every 100 hours. Years ago I attended a diesel seminar that was presented by Yanmar. They said to use Shell Rotella T 15-40 in both the engine and tranny. Other models may be different. Probably best to go with the manufacturers recomendation.
It is all about using quality oil and changing it frequently. I have made it a point to use high quality oil. I change engine every 50 hours and tranny every 100 hours. Years ago I attended a diesel seminar that was presented by Yanmar. They said to use Shell Rotella T 15-40 in both the engine and tranny. Other models may be different. Probably best to go with the manufacturers recomendation.
Multigrade oil
Liam, if I read Rick's post he is recommending using single weight oil in the tranny. Shell Rotella 15-40 is a multi-weight oil. At least that's what I understand, so correct me if not. Rick, ball bearings and gauze pads??? inside joke or am I missing something ??
Liam, if I read Rick's post he is recommending using single weight oil in the tranny. Shell Rotella 15-40 is a multi-weight oil. At least that's what I understand, so correct me if not. Rick, ball bearings and gauze pads??? inside joke or am I missing something ??
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