Valvoline HD30 in Marine Engine

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I was in a hurry the other day, my local Meijers had Purolator oil filters (all levels) on clearance!! So I picked a few regular purolator filters for my 3.0 OMC 4 cylinder boat engine. Even though thats not my question, I thought I'd let you all know so you can go check your Meijers (If you have one).

Ok. My manual calls for straight 30w oil, period. No multi grades should be used. I purchased Valvolines HD 30W oil (also on sale at Meijers!).

I was just wondering if the HD in front of the 30w on the Valvoline really means heavy duty, and ok to use in a boat motor. I also plan on adding Lucas oil stabilizer. However, the darn engine just runs so good I hate to add things to it. I had the valve cover off and its spotless in the engine! This is an engine with over 500 hours on it too, I can tell the previous owner changed the oil frequently and used a good oil. Is the valvoline "good"? Im fishing (no pun intended) for opinions.

 

[Chris142]

Personally I would use an oil with more anti wear additives than Valvoline has.

But we do get decient UOA's from the stuff too.

 

[drive it forever]

A good dino 30W oil would be shell rotella T 30W, it's a real HD oil, no cheap add pack here. I saw some at advanced auto parts.

 

[JonS]

I have used Valvoline HD30 in my Inboard v-8 before and i really like it. But, on the board here they say it is not that good. Now i use Delo 400 sae 30. But i still really like Valvoline better. It runs so smooth with Valv. HD stands for "Heavy Duty".

 

[Ilikesynthetics]

you certainly are not doing your engine any harm running the Valvoline, But like others have posted, you would be doing your engine a favor by running a diesel oil like Dello or rotella. Much better add pack, and the TBN is much higher which translates into better off season protection. I would change it at 50 hrs with the Valvoline, 100 hrs with the Diesel oils.

 

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LOL well I guess it doesnt really matter now - today I had the engine pulled (crack in block along water jacket). Im getting a new 3.0 4 cylinder installed and will have the boat back tomorrow. I am going to use the Delo 30W. Ive heard a lot of mariners speak highly over it, including you folks on BITOG. Thanks for the tip!

 

[wileyE]

I've always understood HD to mean high detergent, as opposed to the no detergent oils that were common in this grade. Not that they have anymore detergent than most modern oils.

 

[Schmoe]

I used straight 30 weight in my Mercruiser 3.0's and did notice a lot of oil pressure flucuations. Went to Pennz. LL 15w40 and it even out the pressure. Really like that oil. One season I used Vavoline Racing 20W-50 and boy, talk about pegging the meters on the pressure guage. Made me a little nervous, glad I didn't blow the head gaskets that year.

 

[JonS]

I would think a sae30 would hold pressures better. What happens to viscosity improvers in the 15w40 when your motor chews them up? Does this lead to sticking rings, or just shearing down to a 15 weight oil?

 

[Schmoe]

In time, everything will shear. The LL formula is a HDEO and loaded with detergents to offset any such type of problem.