Oil in Volvo Penta 5.7

[karlt5503]

Wanted to see if I could get some opinions. I am changing the oil in the boat I bought this summer for the first time. The engine is a 1997 Volvo Penta 5.7 GS. The manual says to use Volvo Duraplus syn. I talked to the shop I bought it at and they said I could use normal motor oil of a single viscosity. I know I need Sae 30W, but can I use any motor oil of 30W ? I can't find a syn 30W anywhere, just a Quaker and Valvoline 30W. Would a non synthetic oil be ok? Any suggestions?

Thanks

 

[Ohioriver]

Re: Oil in Volvo Penta 5.7

I have a 2001 Volvo Penta 5.7 GXI and had the same problem finding synthetic oil in 30w. I ended up going online and ordering a case of the Volvo oil and UPS delivered to the house, forgot where I got it from. Volvo and Mercruiser both recommend synthetic oil in the engines now where they didn't use to. I'm sure non-synthetic will be ok it always was in the past, but boat motors work so hard that I think it is worth it to go with synthetic. I don't use synthetic in anything else I own, only the boats. I'm sure you will find alot of opinions on this one.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Oil in Volvo Penta 5.7

Gotta love the OIL THREADS!!!!
10w30 syn (or not) is fine.
It is 30w when its warm and 10 when cold to help it get into the places it needs to be faster.
What ever brand you like is up to you.
Just stay as close to the manufacure recomended as possible weight wise and all will be golden, birds will cherp and the sun will be warm...

 

[karlt5503]

Re: Oil in Volvo Penta 5.7

I would like to put synthetic in, go the extra mile. But so far the only syn in a 30W I can find is the Volvo Penta or Royal Purple I think it was called. They both run about $9 a qt. This just seems a little extreme to me. If 10W-30 in a syn is ok, I would be good with that?? Just that my manual said not to use the multi viscosity oils.

 

[Ohioriver]

Re: Oil in Volvo Penta 5.7

If using a multi-vis a 20-40w would be better than a 10-30w, most of us try to boat in warmer weather. But 20-40w is not easy to find either.

 

[winbasic]

Re: Oil in Volvo Penta 5.7

I use the Volvo Penta oil but I was also told that the oil is actually Mobil One produced under license and rebadged. Not sure if that's an Urban Myth or not but I'm still using the VP oil, even if it is twice the price of Mobil One!!

 

[83Evinrude]

Re: Oil in Volvo Penta 5.7

15W-40 dino or synthetic (for Diesel Trucks) is available anywhere and will work fine, many on the forum use it. I settled on Mobil1 15W-50 synthetic since I can get it at Walmart or local parts stores, this is also popular on the forum.

You also don't need an oil filter from Volvo either, just get one for a Chevy 5.7 truck (get a long one if you have room). Use a good brand like Purolotor, Wix etc. If your boat is in warranty I would use only oil and filters from a Volvo dealer and keep all your receipts.

 

[WyliePirate]

Re: Oil in Volvo Penta 5.7

What about good old Rotella T SAE 30w. That's what I just put in my VP 5.0. Good oil that won't break the bank. Hell, you change it every season don't you, no need for synthetic IMO.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Oil in Volvo Penta 5.7

What about good old Rotella T SAE 30w. That's what I just put in my VP 5.0. Good oil that won't break the bank. Hell, you change it every season don't you, no need for synthetic IMO.

Yep,at about 12 bucks a gallon that is good oil.Straight 30w and easy to find.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Oil in Volvo Penta 5.7

Yep,at about 12 bucks a gallon that is good oil.Straight 30w and easy to find.

The Volvo manuals I've seen all say that straight 30W is an acceptable substitute for Volvo's expensive, hard to find synthetic. I just changed mine and used Valvoline 30W and a Purolator L34631 filter. Stay within recommended viscosity range and change the oil regularly. You'll be fine.

Google "Volvo Penta Oil Filter Cross Reference". You'll find the alternatives.

 

[karlt5503]

Re: Oil in Volvo Penta 5.7

OK. I talked to two authorized Volvo repair shops in the area. One said I could use a multi viscosity and the other said they put 20 - 50W syn Mercrusier oil in the boats they change. So, I ended up buying Mobil 1 15-50W syn. Hopefully this will be ok, I couldn't find a 20-50 W.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[WyliePirate]

Re: Oil in Volvo Penta 5.7

That's what I run in my Harley, great oil. The VP manual for my boat engine says straight 30w though.