Oil change

[jcarney]

If using Yanmar synthetic oil how often should oil and filter be changed?

 

[Nellie Too]

I do it at minimum, once a year.
Bob

 

[Chimo]

I would follow the directions of Yanmar. Some synthetic oil can have interesting properties early in their life cycle. Generally they are intended for extended intervals.

 

[knotflying]

Yanmar says 250 hours or annually.

 

[Chimo]

Yanmar says 250 hours or annually.

Just for interest, is that 250 the same for regular oil?

 

[knotflying]

The Yanmar can only use synthetic. Synthetic oil changes are usually further apart than regular oil.

 

[baz]

If using Yanmar synthetic oil how often should oil and filter be changed?

Simply put if your ownership is going to be lengthy .... once per year regardless of cruising hrs. If you run the engine hard and cruise at 15-18 mph constantly I would even say twice per year.

Dirty oil is the engine's enemy, especially in the high compression diesel engines.

Changing the oil/filter is a simply chore and takes little time to do.

 

[Chimo]

The Yanmar can only use synthetic. Synthetic oil changes are usually further apart than regular oil.

Thanks. I didn't know that about Yanmar. I learned something.

 

[NorthernFocus]

The Yanmar can only use synthetic. Synthetic oil changes are usually further apart than regular oil.

Presumably this means that Yanmar only approves the use of synthetic oil and will void the warranty otherwise?

Another thing that's rarely mentioned that has extended the life of oil in diesel engines nowadays is the use of ULS diesel fuel. Sulfur contamination used to be a problem.

Aside from contamination the other thing that kills oil is heat. The primary benefit of Synthetic oil is resistance to heat degradation. So synthetics are much more beneficial in engines that are run hard, particularly turbocharged engines(likely why Yanmar specifies synthetic). Manufacturers recommendations for oil change intervals are based on the engine running at design load. So running harder or lighter one can adjust the interval accordingly. Though obviously for engines that are still under warranty the manufacturer's specified interval should not be exceeded.

Then there's the simple visual test. Regardless of hours of operation if the oil is truly black on the dipstick it needs to be changed.

 

[knotflying]

Presumably this means that Yanmar only approves the use of synthetic oil and will void the warranty otherwise?

Correct. As long as the oil used meets or exceeds the API rating you can use any brand. I use eithe Mobil one or Rotella Synthetic. I also do an oil analysis each time and at the 250 or less interval the oil degradation was non-existent.

 

[Craig]

Oil that is very black is not necessarily an indicator that an oil change is needed for the motor. I've had several diesel motors that a few days after the change the oils is as black as it ever would get. Use your hour meter or go by the calendar or both


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