Oil viscosity for 1996 Volvo Penta 5.0FL

[ljjehl]

Hi all,

Any recommendations for other types of oil viscosities in my Volvo (Ford) engine? I have been using straight 30 wgt synthethic, but it's very hard to find locally without paying a premium.

Hopefully you can help!!

 

[Don S]

Re: Oil viscosity for 1996 Volvo Penta 5.0FL

If you Click Here, you can download the OEM owners manual for your engine. It has the specs for oil in it. Also in that link, click the "Oil Information" link on the left hand nav bar.
If you don't want to use what Volvo recommends, then basically, use whatever you want, because 30W Synthetic is not on any manufacturers list of recommendations.
Every oil known to man has been used by someone and they will swear that it's the best oil on the face of the earth. If the oil is changed every 100 hrs, or once a year whichever comes first as recommended, any oil will work.

 

[ljjehl]

Re: Oil viscosity for 1996 Volvo Penta 5.0FL

If you Click Here, you can download the OEM owners manual for your engine. It has the specs for oil in it. Also in that link, click the "Oil Information" link on the left hand nav bar.
If you don't want to use what Volvo recommends, then basically, use whatever you want, because 30W Synthetic is not on any manufacturers list of recommendations.
Every oil known to man has been used by someone and they will swear that it's the best oil on the face of the earth. If the oil is changed every 100 hrs, or once a year whichever comes first as recommended, any oil will work.

Don, thanks for your quick reply!!

I've always liked to change the oil at least once a year. Volvo seems to recommend 30W synthetic for this engine. According to my local auto shop, this is basically a Ford 5.0 engine (stamped Ford on manifold), so I assumed it's possible to use the 10w-30 synthetics or even a bit thicker oil. I usually have my boat in water temps of 60-80 deg., so would like to use oil like Mobile1 or equivalent that I can get pretty cheap at the local Walmart. What do you think??

 

[Don S]

Re: Oil viscosity for 1996 Volvo Penta 5.0FL

Volvo seems to recommend 30W synthetic for this engine. According to my local auto shop,

Volvo does not recommend 30W syn. Your local Volvo dealer does.
Like I said before, use what is recommended in your owners manual, or use whatever you want.

 

[ljjehl]

Re: Oil viscosity for 1996 Volvo Penta 5.0FL

Volvo does not recommend 30W syn. Your local Volvo dealer does.
Like I said before, use what is recommended in your owners manual, or use whatever you want.

That's weird, I decided to read the owner's manual in the Volvo Penta repair manual set of books, Volvo states 30W oil (SG/CD meeting Ford standard ESE-M2C153-E.) as a minimum. I guess the dealer added their own sticker requiring synthetic oil @ 30W viscosity. Since I am not sure if it's a good idea going back to regular mineral based oils, I'll go ahead and use the multi-viscosity oil as I was planning to do. I guess as long as I meet the minimum Ford requirements, I should be in good shape...

Thanks for "making" me revisit my manuals!! I really appreciate your comments!

Leo