Initial 20 hour oil change

[serpa4]

So, Suzuki (DF150) wants $21 for a filter plus shipping and waiting a week. The Suzuki cross references to a Fram. I got a higher level Fram with better filtering media than their base model. The Fram has a relief valve and anti drain back thingy. I also got 10/30 Quakerstate full synthetic.
Should be fine right?

[IrnGynt]

Ever since I read this article:

http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/oilfil ... rence.html

I haven't touched a Fram oil filter.

[krusskruss]

Good subject.

I have been waiting to see someone post on the subject of oil. I joined this forum when I sold my motorcycle for a down payment on my boat. It seemed that someone was starting a new thread on oil every day. It never seems to come up here.

I really wanted to go to full synthetic when I did my 20 hour oil change but had difficulty finding a marine grade synthetic in my area. I'm assuming that your Quaker state synthetic is standard motor oil. I know that my Yami manual requires SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 of oil and recommends Yamalube (of course) Marine grade oil. The marine grade oils seem to tout National Marine Manufacturers Association FC-W certification.

Marine grades are supposed to handle the moist environment better than standard car oil.

So the question is... How important is "Marine grade" oil?

By the way.... Fram was a bad word on the motorcycle pages too.

[Bamaman]

I find Fram.com a great place to cross reference the parts numbers for other higher quality brands of oil filters.

I wouldn't use the standard Fram filter, but their better quality filters are okay.

I went through a filter factory once that built oil and hydraulic filters for my company. They're really high tech items.

Motor oil is another very high tech item. But, there are still only about 3 major refiners of motor oil in North America. Mercury & Yamaha oils are supposedly the same with different color dyes in them.

[jim0149]

Hello from the great state of Texas. I am new to the forum and pontoon ownership but this site will definitely give you some information on oil, http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ub ... =13&page=1. Best of luck on your decision.

Jim

[WILD MAN]

I was told that unless the Suzuki dealer does the Initial 20 hr. service the warranty would be voided (I had to pull my boat 90 miles one way to get it done) You might want to check.

[Bamaman]

Unless there was an adjustment (like valves) required, screw a 20 hour service at the dealer. With modern day electronic ignitions and fuel injections, there are virtually no items to adjust on any boat. It's just another way to get into your pocket for another $200.

And, you'll spend 360 miles (90 x 4) taking your boat to the dealer and picking it up a week later.

If you look close, you can find a manufacturer's checklist with what items to address @ 20 hours. Seldom is anything a regular shade tree amateur mechanic (like me) cannot handle. I have a good grease gun, and oil and filter changes are simple to perform.

But if you are unable to maintain your boat, it's really best to buy your boat locally--if possible.

[DonCabo]

Wow, really? An initial 20 hour oil change? No offense, but I'm so glad I opted for the Evinrude. The first time I touch it is in 3 years. I guess that's common among all 4-stroke engines?

[krusskruss]

Thanks for the link Jim.

That page is the best page on the subject of boat oil that I have found. As with most forums, you really need to sort through the posts to find useful information based on broad experience. There are a lot of posts saying things like "been using it for two seasons and its great". I'm sure my new motor would run fine on the cheapest stuff I could find for two seasons.

I did find a post that was quite good for those that are interested. A bit of a read, but good. This guy either knows what he is talking about or he is really good at faking it.
http://forum.chaparralboats.com/index.p ... opic=13471

[gramps]

Wow, really? An initial 20 hour oil change? No offense, but I'm so glad I opted for the Evinrude. The first time I touch it is in 3 years. I guess that's common among all 4-stroke engines?

Don, I think the main reason for the 20 hr oil change is to get rid of any fine loose particles that may be in the engine.
Just about every eng mfg out there recommends it. Good luck waiting 3 years for an oil change.

[DonCabo]

Ah, makes sense. I guess that's one of the big differences between Four and Two Stroke. I'm far from a mechanic.