How often do you change oil.

[Bill_Giles]

Ours oil and oil filter at 100 hours and after Winter layup. Plus fuel filters every other oil change. Plus coolant change bi-annual.

[SOLAR SUPPORT]

Oil and filter replacement are often advised by engine brands annualy and If the sulphure content ratio in diesel fuel is high then you need to change the oil more often. Around 100 or 50 hours. If you have access to low sulphure content diesel in your area, you can use your motor oil for 200-250 hours. It depends on the petrol refinery that has the technology used to reduce the sulphure content when extracting diesel from the crude oil. Motor oil quality is an other issue..

I certainly suggest you to check your fuel's sulphure content first before extending the motor oil change period of hours.

Also check the attached file about the fuel quality

[nofacey]

Perkins 4236.
- offshore, every 200 hrs
- coastal cruising - every 100 hrs (much shorter runs are harder on engine)

Always change filter.

Cutting the filter open and looking at the filter element is a good habit too. Helps if you have an aircraft mechanic buddy with filter cutter.....$150 tool.
Have seen it done cleanly using tin snips.

[Advara]

Take the manufacturers recommended oil change parameters as the minimum requirement and you won't go far wrong. If in doubt, change it out. Change the filter every time. The cost is minimal in the whole scheme of things and it makes you feel good when you know you're running a clean and well-lubricated engine, when out on the 'oggin' with no service station for miles.

[MicHughV]

I think 100 hours between changes is pretty normal for your basic sailboat diesel...give or take...if you don't do 100 hours a year, then changing it yearly is much the same thing.

Most all diesels have an " hour meter"...they are put on there for a reason, much like an odometer on a car, they give notice when a change s needed. Modern cars go one further, you get a blinking red light that sez " hey buddy, time to look at the engine"

100 hours does not sound like much, but I'm willing to bet that your average sailor likely does not put more than a 100 hours a year on a marine diesel.

While you are changing the oil, also a good time to check over the rest of the engine....change the filter, look for signs of rust, a new drip from the impeller, stuffing box, etc..

I'm talking oil AND filter.

[MicHughV]

I do mine every 100.2345 hours....just to be different...just to teach my engine who is boss on the boat

[Martin S]

Having done an RYA diesel maintenance course I realized that the oil is working in a punishing environment and is critical. Simply not worth skimping on. Use a major brand like Texaco, BP, Castrol or Shell (examples). Mines a Yanmar and like others I change out 100 hrs or annually.
Incidentally decent antifreeze every 2 years is equally critical.

[JRO]

I use synthetic to avoid it aging out. My boat leaves port and gets daily use for 3 months or so between long sitting spells with regular start-ups.

[kristjan]

Once a year, I don’t watch the hours

[JRO]

It aged out unless it’s synthetic. Oil is biodegradable... Like milk.

[sail sfbay]

Originally Posted by BonesD

.............Do I change it just because it’s been a year? How many hours do you go on an oil change?..............

My response is similar to others......Hunter 46 Yanmar engine oil/filter are changed once a year even though annual engine hours are low (maybe 20) since its is easy and quick. On the other hand my Symbol 44 Sundeck two Volvo Penta engine oil/filter are changed every 100 hours because it is a lot more work.

[Hoodsail]

Originally Posted by Marekaofholland

During the 40 odd years I change (currently a Perkins M90 from 1994) every year regardless the amount of hours. Every 5 years I send some oil to the lab for an oilanalyses to check on the state of the engine.
So far never a problem. Knock on wood....

Mareka, curious what type of information do you get when you send your engine oil for analysis? And do they provide interpretation of their results? Thinking of doing this annually beginning with the end of season this Fall. thnks

[Mike Burch]

Oil and filter at 100 hours or once a year, whichever comes first.
It might be thought overkill, but it's vastly cheaper than a rebuild.

[Icarus]

Originally Posted by BonesD

Curious what others do.

In my case I might have 30 hours on last years oil & filter change
The oil looks great. Engine is 40 year old Perkins 4-236.

Do I change it just because it’s been a year?

How many hours do you go on an oil change?
I’m sure there are lots of “what if’s and it all depends on ” concerning this question.
Just looking for generic answers.
Thanks

Once every 16 month or so, unless you run the thing every day for hours.
When i bought the boat the last oil change was propably 5 years ago..

[Icarus]

Originally Posted by BonesD

Curious what others do.

In my case I might have 30 hours on last years oil & filter change
The oil looks great. Engine is 40 year old Perkins 4-236.

Do I change it just because it’s been a year?

How many hours do you go on an oil change?
I’m sure there are lots of “what if’s and it all depends on ” concerning this question.
Just looking for generic answers.
Thanks

Once every 16 month or so, unless you run the thing every day for hours.
When i bought the boat the last oil change was propably 5 years ago..