Doc
Guru
- Joined
- Oct 5, 2007
- Messages
- 508
I have always changed my boat's oil, whether gas or diesel, at the recommended interval or once a year. I have changed the oil with as little as 20 hours on it if it was a year old. Now I am wondering if it is really necessary to*do it that often. I have heard the arguments that boat engines sit in an environment where the ambient temperature and humidity change which can cause moisture build up.
What brought this to mind is my new car, a Buick*Enclave. It tells you when, based upon your usage, to change the oil. Right now for example I have over 8,000 miles on it and the car tells me that I have 20% oil life remaining. The monthly Onstar report sent via email* gives me tire pressures, etc., and*forecasts*the first ever*oil change will be needed*at 10,800 miles.
My buddy the graduate petroleum engineer says that he has always thought that we changed oil too frequently. It wasn't that long ago that I, without fail, changed every 3,000 miles.
Is the environment of a boat engine or whether it is gas or diesel*that makes the difference or are we throwing money away?
What brought this to mind is my new car, a Buick*Enclave. It tells you when, based upon your usage, to change the oil. Right now for example I have over 8,000 miles on it and the car tells me that I have 20% oil life remaining. The monthly Onstar report sent via email* gives me tire pressures, etc., and*forecasts*the first ever*oil change will be needed*at 10,800 miles.
My buddy the graduate petroleum engineer says that he has always thought that we changed oil too frequently. It wasn't that long ago that I, without fail, changed every 3,000 miles.
Is the environment of a boat engine or whether it is gas or diesel*that makes the difference or are we throwing money away?