Which oil to use?

Ltmeat

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May 13, 2022
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I have a 2004 Four Winns with a Volvo Penta 4.3 GXI I live in Alabama and was curious as to what would be acceptable oil besides the 0W 20 recommended by owners manual? Is Mobil 1 15W-50 full synthetic a good choice?
 

jimmbo

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May 24, 2004
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13,680
If Volvo is Speccing a 0W-20 Oil it has it's reasons, and 15W-50 is a lot thicker, Cold and Hot, than what is Specified, which means it might not flow as readily. While there are Plenty of Automotive Oils that meet the Viscosity Requirements, they might not be the best Choices in a Marine Engine, as the the Operating Conditions are far Different. But it is your engine, and you can run what ever Oil you want, even if it may not be up to what a Marine Engine needs
 

Ltmeat

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Joined
May 13, 2022
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If Volvo is Speccing a 0W-20 Oil it has it's reasons, and 15W-50 is a lot thicker, Cold and Hot, than what is Specified, which means it might not flow as readily. While there are Plenty of Automotive Oils that meet the Viscosity Requirements, they might not be the best Choices in a Marine Engine, as the the Operating Conditions are far Different. But it is your engine, and you can run what ever Oil you want, even if it may not be up to what a Marine Engine needs
Problem is you can’t find 0W-20 anywhere and if you grab it online it’s super expensive. I don’t disagree with you but I know many run other that what’s recommended in their engines. Just curious what others use.
 

Ltmeat

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May 13, 2022
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Problem is you can’t find 0W-20 anywhere and if you grab it online it’s super expensive. I don’t disagree with you but I know many run other that what’s recommended in their engines. Just curious what others use.
I just pulled my manual again and it says suitable SAE viscosity oils in temps that won’t get below 32 degrees are SAE 30, SAE 20W/50, SAE 15W/50. So I should be fine with 15W/50.
 

jimmbo

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My Dealer has it. And Ford has been speccing 0W-20 for a few years now
 
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