96 Mercruiser 3.0 Alpha Oil and Filter Type? Need Help.

zuhl

Recruit
Joined
Jun 29, 2008
Messages
4
Hi! I picked up a great condition 96 Sea Ray 175 last summer with a Mercruiser 3.0 Alpha in it for $5500. The owner had changed the oil before I got it so I did not bother with it last summer. So I want to get it changed before I take it out this year and I have absolutely no idea what filter and oil to get. There is a mercury filter on there, but none of the local marine stores carry it.

At the same time, I am sure there is a Fram filter sitting on the shelves at Wal-mart that would work just fine. I just can't find a cross reference anywhere. Also, what kind of oil should I run. I am sure there is a special marine oil that the claim if anyone knows an SAE equivalent (10w30 or 25w50 maybe?), that would sure make life easier.

Also, if anyone has recommendations for what other yearly maintenance items I might look into servicing I would appreciate it. Thanks for any help you can offer.
 

xxxflhrci

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 14, 2008
Messages
637
Re: 96 Mercruiser 3.0 Alpha Oil and Filter Type? Need Help.

Even though, I'm sure I'll take some flames for using a Fram, I either use a Fram PH-30 or the Delco equivelent on my 3.0. My boat has had nothing but Pennzoil 30wt put in it since new. It is a a 1985 and still going strong.
 

RJLeuwen

Seaman
Joined
Jun 19, 2008
Messages
69
Re: 96 Mercruiser 3.0 Alpha Oil and Filter Type? Need Help.

The Fram PH-30 will work just fine. Why don't you ask the person you got the boat from what oil he used and use the same?
Not good to switch brands of oil.

RJ
 

zuhl

Recruit
Joined
Jun 29, 2008
Messages
4
Re: 96 Mercruiser 3.0 Alpha Oil and Filter Type? Need Help.

Thanks! I will get one of the Fram Filters (or equivalent) and give it a shot. I will email them to see what kind of oil they used.
 

xxxflhrci

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 14, 2008
Messages
637
Re: 96 Mercruiser 3.0 Alpha Oil and Filter Type? Need Help.

Not good to switch brands of oil.

RJ


Why not? Personally, I think that is a myth that we've been passing around for decades. If you do a search on it, you will be plenty of others that think the same. I know from a fact from watching my old man who is a commuter driver that swapping brands doesn't hurt an auto engine. For 34 years, he has used whatever name brand oil that happens to be on sale and doesn't do changes, but ever 5-7k miles. He runs all of his cars over 200k and has never had one that turned into an oil burner, much less ever had an oil related engine failure. Every car is always running when he gets rid of it....BTW, none of these cars have been "world class" cars. They have been cheapies like, Chevettes, Escorts, Tempos, Fiestas, Cavaliers, and so on.

Of course, out of superstition, I only run one brand.:D
 
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