Winterizing (Engine Oil - API Service Classification)

[Fisher Dude]

Hey guys,

I'm winterizing my 20HP myself for the first time (previously brought into the dealer each year).

The motor is a 2006 (Honda). The spec in the manual says use SAE 10W30 ... now here's my issue ... API Service Classification (SG/SH/SJ). I did a quick bit of research on API Service Classification and seem to see that API Service Classification "SM" is a more current oil. How critical is all this? Do you guys worry about using dealer labelled oils? (eg: Should I be using Honda Marine oil).

Any input and experience you can share would be helpful.

Thanks All!

FD

[DORÉ]

I decide to winterized my 2000 40 hp Honda myself this year and went to GG Lalonde or Orleans Boats and they sold me Valvoline 10w30 oil and said that was the best oil.

[Bass Addict]

GG Lalonde or Orleans Boats and they sold me Valvoline 10w30 oil and said that was the best oil.

[Fish'n Technish'n]

Did my Honda 9.9 kicker and I used Quaker State full synthetic 10W30. Also put synthetic gear lube in bottom end.

FT

[CNs]

its a 4 stroke 10w30 is 10w30 stop worrying.

you could use synthetic but any quality oil will work.

now the lower unit I would stick with honda gear lube.

[Fisher Dude]

Thanks guys ...

ChampionNorm ... I think your post was the best advise. I used Castrol GTX 10w30 ... she's all put to bed ... and I'm not worried a bit now that it's all done ... fear of the unknown is a terrible thing ...

[lifeisfun]

its a 4 stroke 10w30 is 10w30 stop worrying.

you could use synthetic but any quality oil will work.

now the lower unit I would stick with honda gear lube.

Not sure where you got that idea ,
since FC-W oils have :

- a higher level of bearing protection
- superior rust and corrosion resistance
- polymers that resist breaking down – even under the severe high load, high speed conditions common to outboards
- more anti-wear additives than regular passenger car motor oils
- and the highest amount of detergents and dispersants, needed to keep your marine engine clean inside.

Yamalube 4M was couple years ago rated as best marine oil
from what I can remember. Yes it's for sure made by some
national oil company but to Yamaha specs there is bunch of additives added.

You may save $4 on your oil change but ...
Do you want to "save" no matter how much it costs ?
Outboard is not cheap as lawn mower to ignore maintenance.

EDIT: Here is result in one testing that was done:
http://www.bassboatcentral.com/oilreports1.htm
There is another one that I can't find right now

[CNs]

its a 4 stroke 10w30 is 10w30 stop worrying.

you could use synthetic but any quality oil will work.

now the lower unit I would stick with honda gear lube.

Not sure where you got that idea ,
since FC-W oils have :

- a higher level of bearing protection
- superior rust and corrosion resistance
- polymers that resist breaking down – even under the severe high load, high speed conditions common to outboards
- more anti-wear additives than regular passenger car motor oils
- and the highest amount of detergents and dispersants, needed to keep your marine engine clean inside.

Yamalube 4M was couple years ago rated as best marine oil
from what I can remember. Yes it's for sure made by some
national oil company but to Yamaha specs there is bunch of additives added.

You may save $4 on your oil change but ...
Do you want to "save" no matter how much it costs ?
Outboard is not cheap as lawn mower to ignore maintenance.

EDIT: Here is result in one testing that was done:
http://www.bassboatcentral.com/oilreports1.htm
There is another one that I can't find right now

That test was for 2 Stroke Oil, FC-W oils SHOULD NOT BE USED in a 4 stroke!

a 4 Stroke Honda motor is the same motor technology that they use in their cars with some obvious modifications to adapt it to a marine environment.

A 4 stroke outboaard motor is still a 4 stroke motor. The oil never gets combusted. No need for additives that a two stroke may require.

And if you really want to learn then:

http://theautoprophet.blogspot.com/2005 ... iracy.html

Take it for what its worth but it does quote the consumers report study (couldn't find it online)

[lifeisfun]

I guess no point to argue ... BUT :
PLEASE relize that there is difference in FC-W and FC-W3
There is no FC-W for 2 stroke
http://www.nmma.org/certification/progr ... s/fc-w.asp
http://www.nmma.org/certification/programs/oils/

Why do you think that most 4stroke outboard "MAKE" oil ?
Oil in 4 stroke provides even more important protection than in 2 stroke.
4 strokes in cars do NOT run regularly for long periods at 5500RPMs
that's why you need oil with more wear protection.
But once again if you find those $4 - $10 saved on oil change a year handy - More power to you... or not
Just do some more reading about FC-W rated oils for 4 stroke outboards.

All these manufactures make them and we don't need them - EH ?
In most cases the price is very close to regular 4 stroke oil

http://www.nmma.org/certification/progr ... y=FC-W2008

Good luck

[CNs]

I guess no point to argue ... BUT :
PLEASE relize that there is difference in FC-W and FC-W3
There is no FC-W for 2 stroke
http://www.nmma.org/certification/progr ... s/fc-w.asp
http://www.nmma.org/certification/programs/oils/

Why do you think that most 4stroke outboard "MAKE" oil ?
Oil in 4 stroke provides even more important protection than in 2 stroke.
4 strokes in cars do NOT run regularly for long periods at 5500RPMs
that's why you need oil with more wear protection.
But once again if you find those $4 - $10 saved on oil change a year handy - More power to you... or not
Just do some more reading about FC-W rated oils for 4 stroke outboards.

All these manufactures make them and we don't need them - EH ?
In most cases the price is very close to regular 4 stroke oil

http://www.nmma.org/certification/progr ... y=FC-W2008

Good luck

WOW must have hit a nerve.

[Raminator]

in layman's terms,all fc-w has, is a higher minimum viscosity level,which means that it won't break down as early as automotive oil will,running constantly @5k rpm for long periods of time, (polymer additives,mentioned earlier) ........and has enhanced lubrication additives for corrosion protection,(the inside of an outboard engine is alot more of a humid, and in some cases more salty environment,than a car engine),,,and yes,it is better oil for a 4 stroke outboard engine.