Synthetic oil and winter storage

[Califoiler]

I have a 99 A/N with close to 500 hrs on the engine and I'm thinking about switching to a full synthetic oil. Good idea or not and should the oil be changed at the end of the season or in the spring? And for winter storage, I live near Monterey, California on the coast and we have fairly mild winters here, but at my hose the temps drop down in the 40s and 30s sometimes at night. The boat is stored inside the garage with a boat cover. Any advice on winter storage besides having a full tank of gas and adding Stabil to the tank?

Thanks,
J

[Red57Bird]

I believe the general consensus is that any synthetic oils are a no-no in PCM engines/transmissions. You may find some that have used them without issue but I can't say I'd chance it, especially since PCM mentions not to use them.

[NautiqueJeff]

[Quinner]

Foiler,

There should be many threads on winterizing if you do a search

Some of the basics are:
Add Sta-Bil then fill fuel tank
replace fuel filter/separator if required
Run engine
Change oil/filter
Drain all water from block / heater / shower / ballast / pumps / etc.
refill same areas (except ballast) with anti-freeze of choice (A/F will also prevent corrosion).
spray cylinders with fogging oil

[Fredk]

I wouldn't worry about winterizing on the coast in Calif. Even if you were up in Carmel Valley you probably wouldn't have to. I lived in Santa Maria for years without ever winterizing and never had an issue. Stabilzer is good idea. Besides don't you want to make that New Years Day run at Nacimento :mrgreen:

[TRBenj]

I believe the general consensus is that any synthetic oils are a no-no in PCM engines/transmissions. You may find some that have used them without issue but I can't say I'd chance it, especially since PCM mentions not to use them.

Yes and no. You want to be careful not to use a synthetic oil that does not have ZDDP additives in a motor with a flat tappet cam. This includes the Ford 351w and Chevy 454. I believe most synthetics (but perhaps not all) lack the necessary additives. So, if you have a GT40 (Ford 351w) in your '99, be very careful with your oil selection.

On the contrary, the newer Chevy motors (350ci Apex and Excalibur, as well as the 6.0L ZR6) are roller cam motors. There is no harm in running synthetic in them. Per PCM, dont extend the change intervals or expect significant efficiency increases, but they do have benefits and wont do any harm.

[Califoiler]

Thanks for all the replies....I hope that there's more water in Nacimento on New Years Day than there is now >: )

[darrel409]

I still have 2 sweatshirts from skiing at the New Years Day Freeze Out at Naci. They must be from around mid to late 90's. Fun times!!

[Red57Bird]

I believe the general consensus is that any synthetic oils are a no-no in PCM engines/transmissions. You may find some that have used them without issue but I can't say I'd chance it, especially since PCM mentions not to use them.

Yes and no. You want to be careful not to use a synthetic oil that does not have ZDDP additives in a motor with a flat tappet cam. This includes the Ford 351w and Chevy 454. I believe most synthetics (but perhaps not all) lack the necessary additives. So, if you have a GT40 (Ford 351w) in your '99, be very careful with your oil selection.

On the contrary, the newer Chevy motors (350ci Apex and Excalibur, as well as the 6.0L ZR6) are roller cam motors. There is no harm in running synthetic in them. Per PCM, dont extend the change intervals or expect significant efficiency increases, but they do have benefits and wont do any harm.

TRB - I stand corrected on the blanket statement on synthetics. PCM manuals for the newer GM-based PCM engines do in fact state that they are OK for use. However, since we are talking about a 99' vintage with most likely a GT-40 engine (although it could be a GM Apex or a Python I guess), synthetics are specifically not recommended.

[boatech]

syn. oils are not good for any engine that will be stored for a period of time. it does not stick to the metals like a convetional oil and will not leave a coating on the parts and when stored for periods of time will cause internal engine problems. use a syn blend its the best of both worlds at a good price point.

[fyerfytr]

I believe the general consensus is that any synthetic oils are a no-no in PCM engines/transmissions. You may find some that have used them without issue but I can't say I'd chance it, especially since PCM mentions not to use them.

Yes and no. You want to be careful not to use a synthetic oil that does not have ZDDP additives in a motor with a flat tappet cam. This includes the Ford 351w and Chevy 454. I believe most synthetics (but perhaps not all) lack the necessary additives. So, if you have a GT40 (Ford 351w) in your '99, be very careful with your oil selection.

On the contrary, the newer Chevy motors (350ci Apex and Excalibur, as well as the 6.0L ZR6) are roller cam motors. There is no harm in running synthetic in them. Per PCM, dont extend the change intervals or expect significant efficiency increases, but they do have benefits and wont do any harm.

Mobil one 0-40 European car formula is not API certified, it does contain ZDDP additives. According to mobil one website it is safe for flat tappet motors.

[TRBenj]

Mobil one 0-40 European car formula is not API certified, it does contain ZDDP additives. According to mobil one website it is safe for flat tappet motors.

Good info, thanks for sharing.

[Red57Bird]

Apparently Mobil 1 15W-50 also has the ZDDP additive. In fact, it has higher levels of ZDDP targeted for towing, hauling and racing vehicles. My guess is that the higher viscosity may also help protect cylinder walls when winterized (less run-off). This is a link from the Mobil 1 site http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/...1_15W-50_.aspx

[fyerfytr]

Mobil one 0-40 European car formula is not API certified, it does contain ZDDP additives. According to mobil one website it is safe for flat tappet motors.

Good info, thanks for sharing.

No problem, got it at Napa. I checked the Mobil one website to be sure before using and it should be fine in there. It is factory fill at Mercedes and Porsche, appearently they dont have to use the API certified oils since they are euro cars.

Here is the link to show the additive content.

http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/...t_Engines.aspx