Oil for New Volvo 130S Saildrive

[waterdog]

My port side 120s saildrive was just replaced this week with a new 130S. The boat is on the hard. Yesterday I checked the oil on the newly installed unit and the stick came out dry.

Called the yard today and asked. They said they had filled, but would check it again. I asked what they filled with and they said G5 gear oil. I asked to speak to the mechanic. He says it is marked right on the drive.

My understanding is that the drives used to use ATF and Volvo sent out bulletins recommending 15W40 as of 2010. Is anybody aware of a switch to gear oil on the latest units? Or should I be planning to change oil on the weekend prior to splashing?

[High time]

I'm in 15/40 camp, the 130 doesn't differ much from the 120 (gears at the bottom and at the very top) I'd like a lighter oil than gear oil, saying that some of the new synthetic gear oils have lower viscosity and the later 130 would have the oil seals to cope with the synthetic stuff, so you could even use a semi synthetic 10/40 or 15/40.
My 120 is still doing her stuff and is on 10/40 out put shaft seals replaced and all is good.

[ballvalve]

15W/40 same as the engine. Cheaper than gear oil and ATF :-)