SAE 15W-40 API SM Oil (2007 PCM)

**DanielC** · 10-07-2008, 05:50 PM

The weight (viscosity) of the oil is important, the API rating is important, but in my opinion, the word "marine" on a bottle of oil is just advertising hooey.
When you replace electrical parts, "marine" is very important.
You are lucky. I believe your engine has a roller camshaft, and the lubrication requirements are actually less critical than an older flat tappet camshaft engine.
Your engine does not really know it is in a boat. The bearings, rings, and most of the other internal components are the same as a truck, or an automotive engine. Even PCM does not specify "marine" oil.

**AirTool** · 10-07-2008, 07:10 PM

Re: SAE 15W-40 API SM Oil (2007 PCM)

Originally posted by MichaelD

Has anyone used Mobil Delvac 1300 Super oil before

I am using the Delvac 1300. I found some extensive test reports on oils intended for diesel and liked the data of the 1300. Get this...it actually did not favor very well for the diesel engines in super cold environments. I can't remember all the details...but one of them was viscosity stability at higer temps...and the mobil was better than the others for warmer temps. Also, it didn't have good resistance to sulfur/soot collection but that is not really an issue for gasoline engines with frequent oil changes. I can't remember all the issues...but its strengths really matched up to our use IMO.

Also, you will likely find NO oil that meets the API "and" the Marine rating spec...even the Quicksilver doesn't. The marine specs/testing requirements have some good features for marine use but certainly not required. The main feature is for infrequent use and starts...and corrosion prevention during non-use. I've got a 4.3 chevy in the drive that hardly gets driven...but I'm not going to use marine oil in it. I'd prefer the API requirements.

I'm rambling...hope it all makes sense. If not, post back.

G · 10-07-2008, 07:45 PM

RE: Re: SAE 15W-40 API SM Oil (2007 PCM)

I used just straight 10w30 in my 88 ski and it had 2063 hrs. on it when I sold it, and is still going today. I use Mobil 15w40 in my SAN. Have not payed any attention if it said API SM.... etc. on the bottle. I've have a hard time finding 15w40 except rotella and mobil, but I may be not looking hard enough to..... : )

**fitzee** · 10-07-2008, 07:53 PM

i'm using the 15w40 amsoil synthetic marine in 210 team the synthetic is not needed but i've talked to few mechanics and they said there is no better oil you can use than the amsoil it a little more of an expense but its a better oil

**AirTool** · 10-07-2008, 08:46 PM

Re: RE: Re: SAE 15W-40 API SM Oil (2007 PCM)

Originally posted by G

I used just straight 10w30 in my 88 ski and it had 2063 hrs. on it when I sold it, and is still going today. I use Mobil 15w40 in my SAN. Have not payed any attention if it said API SM.... etc. on the bottle. I've have a hard time finding 15w40 except rotella and mobil, but I may be not looking hard enough to..... : )

Chevron has the "Delo" (400?) and Motorcraft has a 15w40 in a red jug.

Obviously, the Motorcraft is not refined by Ford Oil Co. ...so it will work just fine in a Chevy engine. I know, I know...just sounds like trouble.

**MichaelD** · 10-07-2008, 11:20 PM

RE: Re: RE: Re: SAE 15W-40 API SM Oil (2007 PCM)

AirTool,

If I understand your post correctly, that while the Mobile Delvac 1300 may not be the best oil for super cold environments for diesel engines, that those issues wouldn't apply if the temps are warm enough for me to be on the water & that it actually performed quite well for the typical operating environment for a ski or wakeboard boat.
Yes, I've been having extreme difficlty finding oils with an API rating & also being marine rated (eg: FC-3 or simply 'marine' on the bottle). From what you & others have written, it sounds like I should just forget looking for a "marine" oil for my boat.

Fitzee,

I've read several great things about the Amsoil products, and wouldn't mind spending the few extra $$$, except that their 15w40 is API SL rated. For earlier year model engines, PCM specs SL, but at least for 2007, they were specing an SM rating. I think the 2008's now spec GF-4/SM. The PDF manuals for some earlier year engines said not to use synthetics, but by 2007 PCM says they are allowed, but I'd still have to stay on the 50 hour oil change interval.

Others,
In summary, it sounds like Shell's Rotella, and Chevron Delo, and Motorcraft are other acceptable options in addition to Mobil's Delvac 1300 Super. When researching the Rotella on Shell's site, they make claim for CI-4 with no mention of SM, though Wikipedia goes a step beyond the mfg site & says it is CJ-4/SM. Go figure.

All - Thanks for all the comments so far & they are greatly appreciated. I feel much better prepared to go oil shopping now. If anyone else has any other comments, I'll be glad to read & consider those too.

**AirTool** · 10-08-2008, 01:17 AM

Re: RE: Re: RE: Re: SAE 15W-40 API SM Oil (2007 PCM)

Originally posted by MichaelD

AirTool,

If I understand your post correctly, ...

Looks like you do.

Originally posted by MichaelD

....it sounds like I should just forget looking for a "marine" oil for my boat.

Yes...forget about it.

Originally posted by MichaelD

I've read several great things about the Amsoil products, and wouldn't mind spending the few extra $$$.

Not worth it. There is very little, if any value, to Amsoil in this application. Then what happens one day on the lake when you happen to be a quart low and you have no Amsoil. In a pinch, you could pour almost any brand 5w, 10w, or straight 30 or 40 in there and get by for the day. With synthetic, you are stuck.

Originally posted by MichaelD

.... except that their 15w40 is API SL rated. For earlier year model engines, PCM specs SL, but at least for 2007, they were specing an SM rating.

I'd have to double check, but I think the SM vs SL rating is strictly an emissions issue. My memory is no change to lube properties. I'll double check if I have to....my gray matter ain't what it used to be.

Originally posted by MichaelD

In summary, it sounds like Shell's Rotella, and Chevron Delo, and Motorcraft are other acceptable options in addition to Mobil's Delvac 1300 Super. When researching the Rotella on Shell's site, they make claim for CI-4 with no mention of SM, though Wikipedia goes a step beyond the mfg site & says it is CJ-4/SM. Go figure.

Yes and Shell is highlighting the CI-4 because that is the spec for oils for diesel engines. 99.9x % of the 15w40 will be used in diesel engines. The API spec is for gasoline engines. You'll see the API rating on the bottle. We are probably the few individuals using 15w40 in a gasoline engine.

AirTool

**JUST-IN-TIME** · 10-08-2008, 10:23 PM

RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Re: SAE 15W-40 API SM Oil (2007 PCM)

look here
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php

**fitzee** · 10-09-2008, 08:40 PM

anyone ever try the quaker state 15w40 it the only one i can find that has the (15w40 sm) part they call for in the manual

**AirTool** · 10-09-2008, 10:11 PM

Re: RE: Re: RE: Re: SAE 15W-40 API SM Oil (2007 PCM)

Originally posted by AirTool

The API spec is for gasoline engines. You'll see the API rating on the bottle.
AirTool

Correction....API spec "S..." is for gasoline....API spec "C..." is for diesel.

AirTool

**AirTool** · 10-09-2008, 11:26 PM

Originally posted by fitzee

anyone ever try the quaker state 15w40 it the only one i can find that has the (15w40 sm) part they call for in the manual

I just checked one of my Mobil Delvac jugs...it is rated SM. I suggest finding it.

The walmarts have it in a gallon jug. I ordered a case of quarts from a lube warehouse.

AirTool

**fitzee** · 10-12-2008, 10:48 AM

is the 15w40 shell rotella t heavy duty triple protection the right stuff to use it doesn't say anything about gas motors on the bottle but its sm rated and i can't find the mobil delvac not going with amsoil now

**AirTool** · 10-12-2008, 12:54 PM

Originally posted by fitzee

is the 15w40 shell rotella t heavy duty triple protection the right stuff to use it doesn't say anything about gas motors on the bottle but its sm rated and i can't find the mobil delvac not going with amsoil now

Rotella is an excellent oil and choice for your engine.

The "SM" designation complies with API's "M" requirments for gasoline engines. "M" is the current criteria.

The "S" designates lube for gasoline engines.

Go for it.

AirTool

**dan1166** · 10-27-2008, 06:22 PM

oil

I have a 1999 GT 40. The owners manual say API SH 40W 40. What would be a good equivalent?

Thanks

Dan The Skier Man

SAE 15W-40 API SM Oil (2007 PCM)

SAE 15W-40 API SM Oil (2007 PCM)

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