Yanmar Oil Selection

[Brian]

I've read thru all the archives I can stand about how to change oil on my 2GM20F and feel I have all needed except the oil (thanks for all the great tips). Owners manual calls for SAE 15W40 API CD. I sail in the middle of Texas ranches where tractors and 18 wheelers way outnumber boats, so I figured I'd have no problem finding oil for a any kind of diesel engine out there. I was apparantly wrong. No one seems to carry this API rating. No problem finding generic heavy duty 15W40 for diesel engines but the API label never outright states "CD" (altho they do state many others acronyms but I have no clue if they are equivalent to CD). Am I being too picky here and should I just pick up some Rotella T, ignore the API and get on with it? or am I looking in the wrong place? fyi, I don't plan to go synthetic since I'm way too cautious, so those of you that wish to reply about your successes along those lines, go ahead for the sake of educating the next archive surfers but you won't get my vote... not yet!apprec your help

 

[nick maggio]

Rotella T

I have been useing Rotella T in my 2001 290 every year and I am happy with it plus the engine runs great and never have any problems. nick

 

[Pat McCartin]

API ratings

You won't find "CD" rating anymore. It's been replaced with CF or CG depending on what you buy. Any oil for a diesel should have these ratings on the back of the bottle. Yanmar want's you to use atleast a CD rating. Rotella T and Delo400 as well as Mystic JT-8 all meet the needs of your engine. There are several others but these are the easiest to find.

 

[Steve Dion]

CF....

Brian:If you find diesel oil the ratings are either Cx or Sx (C = Compression, S= Spark) the x will probably be something more like a F now. They keep updating the standards every couple of years. Just use one of the major brands like Rotella or Delo and you will be fine. Just be sure it has the Cx rating.

 

[Paul Akers]

Yanmar Says...

I had the same question and called Yanmar. They recommended using any that is CD or greater (E.g. CE, CF, CG...). As long as you fall into the proper viscosity/weight that is recommended, you will be OK.

 

[Warren]

Yanmar Oil

I believe that Yanmar also specifically states NOT to use synthetic oils in their engines.

 

[Dan Moore]

You can use Amsoil Synthetic Diesel Oils

If you have access to an Amsoil(amsoil.com) Dealer you can use their Synthetic 15W-40 Heavy Duty Diesel Marine oil in place of Rotella in Kubota and Yanmar applications. This has excellent stability and won't break down and sludge like other oils...also helps run cooler. I use on my 28.5. When Yanmar said no synthetics that was prior to todays new formulations. They also have some great Cetane Boosters and transmission oil.