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Old subject. Oil recommendations. 'W' motors.

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gwdgfd78
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Old subject. Oil recommendations. 'W' motors.

Post by gwdgfd78 » Fri Mar 12, 2021 1:04 pm

Thanks for the help. I need some opinions on oil recommendations. I have twin 1951 'W' motors that have been newly rebuilt (no oil filter - shares oil with transmission) that are going back into a 1951 Chris Craft 50' Catalina. These need to last a long time, can't go thru this 10 year restoration again. Have a good oil change pump pulling oil from both engines and reverse gears' drains. Boat will be doing the 'Loop' 2022, so engines will be working fairly hard and steady. I'm pretty anal about changing oil. Plan on every 50 hours??? Thinking about straight 30 weight detergent with Lucas zinc plus. Will take 28 quarts per change. Can't afford Brad Penn. Looking at TSC Travelers Oil, cheap and readily available. ($ 2.00/qt.). They also have a straight 30 Diesel oil ( $ 2.50/qt.) Shell Rotella also makes a straight 30 T 1 Diesel at $ 4.00/qt. Questions: 1. Any other brands reasonable priced. 2. Straight 30 vs 30 Diesel. 3. TSC oil any good. 4. How many hours between oil change. Thanks again.
George Darnell


'51 50' Catalina
'62 18' Buehler
'66 18 Resorter
'66 21 Coronado
'26 26 Hacker
'66 18 Cruisers Inc
'91 14 Amphijeep

'

Greg Wallace
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Re: Old subject. Oil recommendations. 'W' motors.

Post by Greg Wallace » Sat Mar 13, 2021 8:04 am

Install good "By-Pass" oil filters, then change after break in, then every 100hrs (or once a year) thereafter. Get the best deal on the best oil you can find. It seems counterproductive to me to have spent the time and money on these engines and then cheap out on oil while planning a 6000 plus mile cruise. Your fuel bill alone will make your oil cost seem minor. The best of luck and have a great experience on your "looper".
Greg Wallace 23 Custom 22166 former Chris-Craft dealer Russells Point, Oh.

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Don Vogt
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Re: Old subject. Oil recommendations. 'W' motors.

Post by Don Vogt » Sun Mar 14, 2021 8:45 am

good advice about not skimping on oil.

I have used chevron delo 400 30 weight at the recommendation of my mechanic ever since he rebuilt my 1938 KA engine a number of years ago. Before retiring, Jim McNeilly of McNeillys marine service was a top pre-war engine rebuilder in the country. So I have listened to his advice. I also change the oil each year at the end of the season regardless of hours (which are never that many).
1938 Chris Craft 17' Deluxe Runabout "Jennifer II"

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Matt Smith
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Re: Old subject. Oil recommendations. 'W' motors.

Post by Matt Smith » Sun Mar 14, 2021 6:24 pm

Been there done that, I have a new W as well. I have tried it all, and the hands down number one oil is Shell Rotel 40 wgt. Also its critical you change the oil alot. Or it will smell like hell. I know. The viscosity breaks down and you get back pressure. Oil change and gone. I have done countless stories on this topic about the W. You will also notice a tad less oil consumption. We forget that back in the day, adding oil was normal. Its why you would get a gallon gan with the boat new! HA!
1948 25' Chris Craft Sportsman
1937 16' Special Racer
1968 40' Rice Trawler
1968 11' Crab Skiff
2018 Hole in my head

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Matt Smith
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Re: Old subject. Oil recommendations. 'W' motors.

Post by Matt Smith » Sun Mar 14, 2021 6:24 pm

1948 25' Chris Craft Sportsman
1937 16' Special Racer
1968 40' Rice Trawler
1968 11' Crab Skiff
2018 Hole in my head

WoodyBoater.com

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Matt Smith
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Re: Old subject. Oil recommendations. 'W' motors.

Post by Matt Smith » Sun Mar 14, 2021 6:25 pm

1948 25' Chris Craft Sportsman
1937 16' Special Racer
1968 40' Rice Trawler
1968 11' Crab Skiff
2018 Hole in my head

WoodyBoater.com

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Bilge Rat
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Re: Old subject. Oil recommendations. 'W' motors.

Post by Bilge Rat » Mon Mar 15, 2021 7:05 am

Second on installing filters because:

If using a filter, you can use a detergent oil to suspend the crap in the oil so the filter can trap it.

If you do not use a filter, you're supposed to use a non-detergent oil and the crap settles out in the oil pan, rather than circulate through the finely machined passages. What do you do about the crap and sludge in the pan? Remove the pan and clean it out, and that is counterproductive.
1966 Lyman Cruisette 25 foot "Serenity Now!"
1953 Chris Craft Sportsman 22 foot "Summerwind"

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