92 Ski Nautique transmission oil?

[valleywine]

I have a 92 Ski Nautique and am having trouble finding the spec'd oil which is 20W non-detergent oil.

Are there any substitutes I can use?

[AirTool]

RE: 92 Ski Nautique transmission oil?

Won't comment on substitutes....but for th 20w ND

1. Try your local "real" auto parts and ask them. Sometimes they have odd oils behind the counter.
2. Try your local tractor/farm supply. ND oils are common for lawnmower and other splash lubricated engines
3. Try a local oil distributor. We have them here in Houston that will sell to the public and can get anything you want. If they won't sell to you, ask them for a list of customers near you and have that shop, etc. get it for you.

[WakeSlayer]

RE: 92 Ski Nautique transmission oil?

Back when I had to get 20W, I got it from the farm supply place. Mills Fleet Farm in MN, fwiw.
As far as substitutes, my understanding is you stick with what you have. Either trans fluid, or oil.

[valleywine]

RE: 92 Ski Nautique transmission oil?

No substitutes. Got it. Thanks all.

I'll continue to search for the spec'd oil. I've tried most of the local auto parts and lawn mower stores. I'll try the tractor dealers next.

[TRBenj]

RE: 92 Ski Nautique transmission oil?

I dont think you want 20w in a '92- the fix for the buzz was added by late '90. 20w wont do any harm (my '90 ran it for 15+ years), but I switched over to ATF a few years ago and would recommend you do the same. Go with a conventional Dex/Merc or Dex III (do NOT use synthetic). Avoid high mileage formulations. I prefer the Valvoline Dex/Merc.

[WakeSlayer]

RE: 92 Ski Nautique transmission oil?

Tim,

How many changes did it take to get it clean? Or did you just clean flush it once? Just curious. My 90 used 20w also, my 92 had Dexron.

[TRBenj]

RE: 92 Ski Nautique transmission oil?

Mike, it only took me once- but I switched over while I had the tranny out so I was able to drain it completely. I suspect that it would normally take several flushes to get it all out, but Ive been told by Eric at FFM that the 2 fluids will coexist without causing problems.

[WakeSlayer]

RE: 92 Ski Nautique transmission oil?

Interesting. Eric would know.

This was 15 years ago, and there wasn't a knowledgeable way to verify. I just left mine.

Valley, I would do as Tim suggests. Sounds like a simple changeout.