1989 4.3L oil recommedation?

poppinclips

Cadet
Joined
Jun 14, 2009
Messages
8
Guys,

I would like to perform an oil change on my 4.3L mercruiser (1989). The oil that is currently in the engine feels like synthetic, which is what I would like to stick with. My question is, which grade, which type, which ANYTHING do you guys recommend? What is the oil capacity?

I have gone through the adults only section, and no I do not have my owners manual. Thats why I need some help.

Also, do you guys drain the oil straight down, or is there a pump to help make it the job cleaner?
 

Fishermark

Vice Admiral
Joined
Oct 19, 2003
Messages
5,617
Re: 1989 4.3L oil recommedation?

Here ya go, courtesy Don S:

NewMercOilChart.png
 

stonyloam

Vice Admiral
Joined
Mar 13, 2009
Messages
5,827
Re: 1989 4.3L oil recommedation?

A 20 year old sticker is probably going to be out of date, mine (3.7) says 40W but Merc. currently recommends Quicksilver 25W/40 which is what I use. I have decided that using the "real stuff" is worth the extra cost.
 

TyeeMan

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Feb 27, 2006
Messages
849
Re: 1989 4.3L oil recommedation?

If you want to stick with synthetic which I think is the best way to go IMO, try Amsoil 10W-40 Synthetic 4 Stroke Marine Oil. It's 100% synthetic and 100% awsome!! The Amsoil filter that will probably fit your engine is Amsoil # EaO25. Their filters filter out way more particulates than most others.
Oh, you're probably looking at 5 qts, but get six so you have a little extra on hand.

That said, there are a lot of folks on this site that have a lot of different opinions on oil.
 

poppinclips

Cadet
Joined
Jun 14, 2009
Messages
8
Re: 1989 4.3L oil recommedation?

OK guys, thanks for the input. I called the local marina and they also said the 20-40.

As for the synthetic vs regular, yes you can definately feel a difference. Even once you wipe synthetic off your fingers, it leaves a silky slippery feeling. I've always been told to stick with what has been run in it.
 
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