Conflicting info on engine oil and oil filters

jimrockireland

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Jul 8, 2013
Messages
141
I have a 1983 Mercruiser 305 V8 MCM228 engine with serial#6285627. I'm trying to bring it back to life after sitting 2 years. The oil filter I removed was a QUICKSILVER 35-802885Q. The dealer wanted to give me a 35-866340Q03. It was shorter than the one I took off so I ended up with one a little longer - an ACDelco PF1218. Is this compatible?

My general repair manual says these engines should use SAE40 (above 70 degrees) and specifically says not to use multiviscosity oils. The dealer suggested I use a multiviscosity 25-40. I don't have an owner's manual and it seems they are no longer available. What is the recommended oil and filter for this engine?
 

HT32BSX115

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 8, 2005
Messages
10,083
Re: Conflicting info on engine oil and oil filters

I have a 1983 Mercruiser 305 V8 MCM228 engine with serial#6285627. I'm trying to bring it back to life after sitting 2 years. The oil filter I removed was a QUICKSILVER 35-802885Q. The dealer wanted to give me a 35-866340Q03. It was shorter than the one I took off so I ended up with one a little longer - an ACDelco PF1218. Is this compatible?

My general repair manual says these engines should use SAE40 (above 70 degrees) and specifically says not to use multiviscosity oils. The dealer suggested I use a multiviscosity 25-40. I don't have an owner's manual and it seems they are no longer available. What is the recommended oil and filter for this engine?

Howdy,

Yeah, things things have changed in the oil industry in 30 years a bit.

Unfortunately the manufacturers don't sent you new manuals when they change things.....

They do periodically publish service bulletins and with the internet post the latest "stuff" for service and maintenance!

From MerCruiser Fuel & Oil FAQs | Storage & Maintenance MerCruiser FAQs | Mercury Marine

What type of oil should I use? Can I use synthetic oil?

Engine Oil
For optimum engine performance and maximum protection, use the following oil:
ApplicationRecommended Oil
All MerCruiser enginesMercury MerCruiser Full-Synthetic Engine Oil, 20W-40, NMMC FC-W rated
IMPORTANT: Lubrication requirements for catalyzed engines differ from the requirements for non-catalyzed engines. Some marine-grade lubricants contain high levels of phosphorus, which can damage the catalyst system on MerCruiser engines. Although these high-phosphorus lubricants may allow acceptable engine performance, exposure over time will damage the catalyst. Catalysts damaged by lubricants containing high levels of phosphorus may not be covered by the MerCruiser Limited Warranty.
If Mercury MerCruiser Full-Synthetic, 20W-40 oils is unavailable, use the following lubricants, listed in order of recommendation. If you are servicing a catalyst engine, use these for short periods of time only.

  1. Mercury/Quicksilver 25W-40 Synthetic Blend, NMMA FC-W-rated 4-cycle MerCruiser oil
  2. Mercury/Quicksilver 25W-40, NMMA FC-W-rated 4-cycle MerCruiser oil
  3. Other recognized brands of NMMA FC-W-rated 4-cycle oils
  4. A good-grade, straight-weight detergent automotive oil according to the last row of the operating chart below.
NOTE: We do not recommend non-detergent oils, multi-viscosity oils (other than as specified), non-FC-W-rated synthetic oils, low-quality oils, or oils that contain solid additives.
oil%20chart.gif
This crankcase oil recommendation supersedes all previously printed crankcase oil recommendations for MerCruiser gasoline engines. The reason for this change is to include the newer engine oils that are now available in the recommendation.
Older Operation, Maintenance & Warranty manuals, Service manuals and other publications that are not regularly updated will not be revised to show this latest engine oil recommendation. Current Operation, Maintenance & Warranty manuals, Service manuals and other service publications that receive regular updates will receive this revised recommendation the next time they are updated.


the filter is not all that critical.....the PF-1218 is the same filter spec'd for a 6.5L diesel (I use the Baldwin equiv on my 454!) and a HOST of other engines. Filters are probably one of the most generic things on an engine.

For an engine sitting for 2 years (or longer) , I might even pull the distributor and turn the pump with a drill motor to prime the oil system before cranking.

If you're not sure it was winterized and you live where it freezes, you might be on the look-out for a cracked block too!



Cheers,

Rick
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
70,468
Re: Conflicting info on engine oil and oil filters

Ayuh,.... The SBC oil filter has been the same, since it went to a canister filter,....

The Choices are of the Length on it,...
The Longer you can fit, the More filtration, 'n More oil,...

They Used to all be a Quart,...
Then Engineers/ Designers closed in on the motors, makin' smaller, 'n smaller filters a Necessity,...

As far as Our motors, The SBC's, 'n the 3.0l/ 2.5l's use the Same filters,...
The 4.3l is the Oddball in the clan,...
 

jimrockireland

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 8, 2013
Messages
141
Re: Conflicting info on engine oil and oil filters

Thanks for the info. Nothing in life is simple anymore.
 

Jonnybbad

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 10, 2011
Messages
210
Re: Conflicting info on engine oil and oil filters

The Delco PF1218 is what I use on my 3.0L and 5.7L. I've cut apart a few different brands of filters and I feel the construction of the Delco filter is very good and at a reasonable price. That doesn't mean that a Fram PH5, Sierra, or whatever else you have won't do the job either though.

No biggie on the oil in my opinion. Go 40w, 20w40, 20w50, 15w40.... its all good in my book.
 

Fleetwin

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Nov 23, 2011
Messages
1,141
Re: Conflicting info on engine oil and oil filters

Howdy,

Yeah, things things have changed in the oil industry in 30 years a bit.

Unfortunately the manufacturers don't sent you new manuals when they change things.....

They do periodically publish service bulletins and with the internet post the latest "stuff" for service and maintenance!

From MerCruiser Fuel & Oil FAQs | Storage & Maintenance MerCruiser FAQs | Mercury Marine




the filter is not all that critical.....the PF-1218 is the same filter spec'd for a 6.5L diesel (I use the Baldwin equiv on my 454!) and a HOST of other engines. Filters are probably one of the most generic things on an engine.

Cheers,

Rick

Boy. do I disagree with that one. Ever cut up a bunch of new filters and look?? The differences are frightening. The brand mentioned above will never enter my garage. Especially diesel!

I use nothing but OEM......
 
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