Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 07-31-2022, 09:59 AM   #1
Obx
Senior Member
 
City: Outer banks NC
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 128
Synthetic for 3208

I have 1989 3208 TA's and use T4 15w40, does anyone use synthetic oil and if so had any problems with oil leaks or other?
Obx is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-31-2022, 11:18 AM   #2
Guru
 
tiltrider1's Avatar
 
City: Seattle
Vessel Name: AZZURRA
Vessel Model: Ocean Alexander 54
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 4,308
You can use synthetic but it’s a waste of money. Synthetic is just standard oil that as been further refined. It’s purpose is to not break down when used in tight clearance applications like modern high performance engines. 3208’s like heavy duty motor oil. Shell T4 or Delco 400. You can use T5 or T6 but you won’t gain anything.
tiltrider1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-31-2022, 01:42 PM   #3
Guru
 
City: Great Lakes
Vessel Model: OA 440
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 904
Full synthetic Rotella T6 15-40 diesel oil is roughly the same price as Delco 400. I switched to Rotella synthetic a few years ago. Decreased oil consumption. Give it a try.
Rufus is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-31-2022, 02:00 PM   #4
Guru
 
Nomad Willy's Avatar
 
City: Concrete Washington State
Vessel Name: Willy
Vessel Model: Willard Nomad 30'
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 18,743
I think the hazards of using synthetic lube oil in older engines is a thing of the past. Important engine seals would swell or shrink (can’t remember which. Call a Cat rep.

Delo 30wt. is probably recommended.
__________________
Eric

North Western Washington State USA
Nomad Willy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-31-2022, 07:59 PM   #5
Grand Vizier
 
Delfin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,816
I've been using T6 for 10 years or so in a Cat 3306B. There is zero, as in no oil consumption. The lubricity of synthetic oil is greater than pure dino oil, and like the arguments against bypass filters, I've yet to hear a good argument against cleaner and more slippery oil. And with respect, pure synthetic oil is not just more refined petroleum oil.

www.machinerylubrication.com/synthetic-oil-31800
Delfin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-01-2022, 09:21 AM   #6
Senior Member
 
Knot Salted's Avatar
 
City: Muskegon, MI
Vessel Name: Knot Salted
Vessel Model: 1981 Californian 34 LRC
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 322
Synthetic for 3208

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nomad Willy View Post
I think the hazards of using synthetic lube oil in older engines is a thing of the past. Important engine seals would swell or shrink (can’t remember which. Call a Cat rep.

Delo 30wt. is probably recommended.


Right. Synthetics are no longer an issue with seals.
I of course would use Schaeffer 700 (15-40).
Nice to see you here Willy /Eric! [emoji16]
Knot Salted is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-01-2022, 10:15 AM   #7
Guru
 
City: Carefree, Arizona
Vessel Name: sunchaser V
Vessel Model: DeFever 48 (sold)
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 10,186
Quote:
Originally Posted by Delfin View Post
I've been using T6 for 10 years or so in a Cat 3306B. There is zero, as in no oil consumption. The lubricity of synthetic oil is greater than pure dino oil, and like the arguments against bypass filters, I've yet to hear a good argument against cleaner and more slippery oil. And with respect, pure synthetic oil is not just more refined petroleum oil.

www.machinerylubrication.com/synthetic-oil-31800
Carl
The attached article does point out one of the issues with synthetics, that it doesn't do well in long very cold winter lay ups. The reason being stratification of additives as opposed to using pure Dino with additives. The way around this is a springtime oil change for those cold weather lay ups when using synthetics. This of course negates the advantages of longer oil changes for those who leave there boats on the hard during a hard winter.

How Chevron and the major diesel manufacturers have dealt with using the best of two worlds (or marketing hype) is Isothyn Technolgy for DELO 400. I doubt though that the Seattle- Vancouver area is deemed a cold winter layup. I'm happy with DELO 400. During this season's cruise to AK we've not seen the need for any oil additions when starting out with fresh oil.

Given some engines propensity for heavy smoking until warmed up (older Lehmans or Hinos?) I'm curious as to whether full synthetics ease that issue.
sunchaser is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-01-2022, 11:09 AM   #8
Guru
 
Nomad Willy's Avatar
 
City: Concrete Washington State
Vessel Name: Willy
Vessel Model: Willard Nomad 30'
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 18,743
I have a car w 303,000 miles on the clock.
And I “need” more slippery oil?
Can only see it as a plus but?

Seriously I’d be interested to know how much more slippery syn oil is?
Attached Thumbnails
07B5D44E-44ED-43C3-AA9F-9629C63664B0.jpg  
__________________
Eric

North Western Washington State USA
Nomad Willy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-01-2022, 12:40 PM   #9
Senior Member
 
Mac2's Avatar
 
City: Ballard
Vessel Model: 1998 RealShips Voyager
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 394
Quote:
Originally Posted by Delfin View Post
I've been using T6 for 10 years or so in a Cat 3306B. There is zero, as in no oil consumption. The lubricity of synthetic oil is greater than pure dino oil, and like the arguments against bypass filters, I've yet to hear a good argument against cleaner and more slippery oil. And with respect, pure synthetic oil is not just more refined petroleum oil.

www.machinerylubrication.com/synthetic-oil-31800
I have bypass oil filters on both mains (3208 NA) and both generators. Like you, I can't see an argument against them. I've always used full synthetics in all my vehicles. I've wanted to put synthetic in the 3208's, but have always been told not to because of how "thin" the synthetic oil is and that my engines would leak more oil. My engines are 1998's. Sounds like you don't have these issues with T6. Was there any more oil drips from your engines? I talked to a Cat dealer and they couldn't say one way or another about the use of synthetic oil in my engine.
Mac2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-01-2022, 06:46 PM   #10
Grand Vizier
 
Delfin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,816
Quote:
Originally Posted by sunchaser View Post
Carl
The attached article does point out one of the issues with synthetics, that it doesn't do well in long very cold winter lay ups. The reason being stratification of additives as opposed to using pure Dino with additives. The way around this is a springtime oil change for those cold weather lay ups when using synthetics. This of course negates the advantages of longer oil changes for those who leave there boats on the hard during a hard winter.

How Chevron and the major diesel manufacturers have dealt with using the best of two worlds (or marketing hype) is Isothyn Technolgy for DELO 400. I doubt though that the Seattle- Vancouver area is deemed a cold winter layup. I'm happy with DELO 400. During this season's cruise to AK we've not seen the need for any oil additions when starting out with fresh oil.

Given some engines propensity for heavy smoking until warmed up (older Lehmans or Hinos?) I'm curious as to whether full synthetics ease that issue.
Thanks Tom,

The link in my post discusses that, and like you, I assume Anacortes in the winter isn't what they're talking about for issues with additives. The same article mentions a figure of a 47% improvement in the performance of synthetic vs dino, and given what would be involved in swapping engines out in Delfin, I figure an additional $30 once a year for pure synthetic isn't a cost I'm worried about.
Delfin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-01-2022, 06:50 PM   #11
Grand Vizier
 
Delfin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,816
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mac2 View Post
I have bypass oil filters on both mains (3208 NA) and both generators. Like you, I can't see an argument against them. I've always used full synthetics in all my vehicles. I've wanted to put synthetic in the 3208's, but have always been told not to because of how "thin" the synthetic oil is and that my engines would leak more oil. My engines are 1998's. Sounds like you don't have these issues with T6. Was there any more oil drips from your engines? I talked to a Cat dealer and they couldn't say one way or another about the use of synthetic oil in my engine.
I had some really minor leakage out the real seal, as in 3 tbs per year initially, but zero now. Not sure why, but that's what I observe.
Delfin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-01-2022, 06:54 PM   #12
Grand Vizier
 
Delfin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,816
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nomad Willy View Post
I have a car w 303,000 miles on the clock.
And I “need” more slippery oil?
Can only see it as a plus but?

Seriously I’d be interested to know how much more slippery syn oil is?
Beats me. As I said, my perspective is that given the cost of problems with a $50k marine engine, I don't think the additional cost of synthetic is an argument against its usage, and I also don't think there is any argument to be made that synthetic is not a superior lubricant. So why not?
Delfin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-01-2022, 07:59 PM   #13
Senior Member
 
Slowmo's Avatar
 
City: Lafayette, CA
Vessel Name: Esprit
Vessel Model: 40' Tollycraft tricabin diesel
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 453
Quote:
Originally Posted by Obx View Post
I have 1989 3208 TA's and use T4 15w40, does anyone use synthetic oil and if so had any problems with oil leaks or other?
As a lubricant expert I'd say it is very unlikely to have leaks related to Rotella T4. Shell uses GTL (Gas To Liquid) base stock which is quite a nice base stock to formulate with due to the high viscosity index. In the distant, and I mean distant, past early synthetics were associated with seal shrinkage. In those days only synthetic esters and polyalpholefins were available as synthetic base fluids. Frankly this problem was solved over 30 years ago and modern synthetics mainly use group III (high VI hydrocracked then isomerized) base oils. Keep in mind the term 'synthetic' is a marketing and not technical term. The historic technical definition of 'synthetic' encompasses essentially all modern base oils which are all hydrorcracked and isomerized.

By the way, the Cat 3208 will derive no real benefits from a synthetic. A good API CK4 or CJ4 oil is way more than this engine was ever designed to run on.
Slowmo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-01-2022, 11:22 PM   #14
Guru
 
Nomad Willy's Avatar
 
City: Concrete Washington State
Vessel Name: Willy
Vessel Model: Willard Nomad 30'
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 18,743
Delfin wrote;
“ Beats me. As I said, my perspective is that given the cost of problems with a $50k marine engine, I don't think the additional cost of synthetic is an argument against its usage, and I also don't think there is any argument to be made that synthetic is not a superior lubricant. So why not?”

Would I be better off using synthetic less the cost? Sounds like a simple question and should command a simple answer.

But some people shoot rabbits w a 22. And there are some that use an 06 or a shotgun.

There is a good reason to use dino … your’e oil runs cleaner if changed frequently .. then dino oil would be more expensive. And to that end the by-pass would add to that. But who would need their oil to be as clean as it comes out of the bottle? Getting rid of almost all the abrasives in the oil would be a definite plus tho.

That little car in post #8 has a strong engine that sounds good in a throaty way during heavy throttle. Still use 10w30 oil. I’m the second owner and the first (a woman) drove her the first 270,000 miles. So she’s never been driven hard. Less side loading on the pistons and bores may lead to minimal wear .. opinion.
__________________
Eric

North Western Washington State USA
Nomad Willy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-02-2022, 12:47 AM   #15
Guru
 
tiltrider1's Avatar
 
City: Seattle
Vessel Name: AZZURRA
Vessel Model: Ocean Alexander 54
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 4,308
Synthetic has its place. It is a requirement in my race car due to close tolerances. If I ran normal oil I would have wear issues and the life of my engine would be less. A lot less at hi RPMs. Synthetic is not more slippery and it’s not thinner, it is not some magic non petroleum artificial magic lubricant. It starts life as petroleum oil and is processed differently. Using it instead of normal oil is throwing away good money on a 3208 and most old school diesels. It is false logic to think you might get 30,000 hours out of your diesel instead of 20,000. It took my boat 30 years to get to 5,000 hours I doubt I will be alive when it hits 10,000.

Will it hurt to run synthetic? No.
tiltrider1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-02-2022, 08:44 AM   #16
Guru
 
City: Carefree, Arizona
Vessel Name: sunchaser V
Vessel Model: DeFever 48 (sold)
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 10,186
Quote:
Originally Posted by Slowmo View Post
The historic technical definition of 'synthetic' encompasses essentially all modern base oils which are all hydrorcracked and isomerized.
Slomo
Could you expand on this as to how a major brand differentiates between a synthetic Vs a standard oil? Also, what does Chevron's Isothyn designation for its DELO mean? Thanks
sunchaser is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-02-2022, 09:26 AM   #17
Guru
 
Nomad Willy's Avatar
 
City: Concrete Washington State
Vessel Name: Willy
Vessel Model: Willard Nomad 30'
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 18,743
There’s so much “blend” out there I can see where the confusion is widespread.
I think if it says 100% synthetic on the bottle/jug how could it be legal to have dino oil in it?
If you don’t see 100% “synthetic” it must be a blend or 100% dino oil. In the 80’s there was numerous synthetic base stocks. But now if one was clearly superior (as in ticks all the boxes but “cheaper”) it could be the only base stock used in the bulk of synthetic oil production. And I can’t imagine there not being rather exotic base stocks being used for racing oil .. and sold OTC.

I still have a gallon of “100% synthetic” racing oil (Bell Ray brand) and it’s so viscous it will not work properly in oil injection systems like motorcycles and OB engines. It also dosn’t mix well in gasoline but is sold and used for motorcycle racing whereas they mix their fuel for each race. Well beyond the scope of general purpose lube oil.

In the 80’s (and probably now too) the most important feature of synthetic oil was it’s viscosity stability .. that is it’s ability to not thin out in extremely hot running conditions. It maintained it’s viscosity at higher temps than dino oil can. In a continuous climb out for 15 minutes in an UL aircraft running rich was necessary to keep the engine from seizing. Not so w synthetic. And there were other advantages.

But now there are probably fewer exotic synthetics. But I maintain that if it says “100% synthetic” there should be no dino oil in it.
__________________
Eric

North Western Washington State USA
Nomad Willy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-02-2022, 09:51 AM   #18
Guru
 
Nomad Willy's Avatar
 
City: Concrete Washington State
Vessel Name: Willy
Vessel Model: Willard Nomad 30'
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 18,743
Tiltrider 1 wrote;
“Will it hurt to run synthetic? No”

I would tend to agree. But it could be problematic if one’s engine was not letter graded for it. Still it may be fine. But I would want to see the proper letter grade to feel guaranteed.
But if it is you’re good to go.
__________________
Eric

North Western Washington State USA
Nomad Willy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-05-2022, 03:47 PM   #19
Senior Member
 
City: Emsworth
Vessel Name: Let's Go
Vessel Model: Mitchell 28
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 103
Cat engines and oil

Have a look at page 14/15 of this Cat document. I had a 3116 and this explains the reason Cat thinks you shouldn't use a multigrade. I do not know if it applies to your engine or not. CAT may do an updated document- worth looking for.

Gilbert
Attached Files
File Type: pdf CAT Diesel Engine Fluid Specifications.pdf (809.3 KB, 29 views)
gilbertpark is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-05-2022, 05:59 PM   #20
Grand Vizier
 
Delfin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,816
Quote:
Originally Posted by tiltrider1 View Post
Synthetic has its place. It is a requirement in my race car due to close tolerances. If I ran normal oil I would have wear issues and the life of my engine would be less. A lot less at hi RPMs. Synthetic is not more slippery and it’s not thinner, it is not some magic non petroleum artificial magic lubricant. It starts life as petroleum oil and is processed differently. Using it instead of normal oil is throwing away good money on a 3208 and most old school diesels. It is false logic to think you might get 30,000 hours out of your diesel instead of 20,000. It took my boat 30 years to get to 5,000 hours I doubt I will be alive when it hits 10,000.

Will it hurt to run synthetic? No.
Some might disagree. Regarding improved lubricity, countless studies have shown improved wear characteristics of synthetic oils over mineral oils. If that is not improved lubricity, let me know the correct word to use.

https://www.caranddriver.com/researc...synthetic-oil/

"The excellent oiliness (a lower coefficient of friction of one oil compared to another fluid of the same viscosity) of synthetic oils reduces engine wear during the initial, critical engine startup."

https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/tr...just-extra-hp/
Delfin is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Trawler Port Captains
Port Captains are TF volunteers who can serve as local guides or assist with local arrangements and information. Search below to locate Port Captains near your destination. To learn more about this program read here: TF Port Captain Program





All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:51 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2006 - 2012