496HO Oil

[Wizard29]

I know this topic has probably been discussed a million times here before, but I did a search and couldn't find anything definitive. Maybe I'm not using the right search terms.

In any case, it's time to change the oil in both of my 496HOs and get ready for the new river season. Boat runs primarily at Mojave with maybe a few trips to Havasu this year. What say the inmates on oil I should be using? Readily available is best (I'd like to go get it at Wal Mart or something as opposed to ordering online since I'll need about 20 quarts, but will do online if need be). All input appreciated...

 

[fishing fool]

Mobil 1

 

[River Cruiser]

I have the same motor in my boat, and I bought the Mercruiser 25-40 synthetic blend from Amazon. Comes in 1-gallon containers. Gonna need 2 plus one quart. :thumbsup

 

[RCDave]

I always used the merc non syn 25-40. Never had a problem with it

 

[Reaper1]

Kendal GT-1 20W50

 

[prosthogod]

Kendal GT-1 20W50

Kendal racing or Penn in my 588ci blocks.

 

[BDMar]

The Merc 496 has tighter bearing clearances and designed from GM for lighter weight synthetic. We use Mobil 1 10/30 in the 496

If you don't want synthetic, then 15/40 petroleum. 20/50 is not ideal for the clearances in that engine.

 

[SoCalDave]

Mobil 1

x2...in my 5.7

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

I was running Amsoil 10W40 in my 6.2.

This year I am running the Volvo Penta 100% Synthetic 10W40 (rumored to be Amsoil anyway).

Great deals on the gallon containers of it on Ebay. I got gallons shipped for $35 each.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

The Merc 496 has tighter bearing clearances and designed from GM for lighter weight synthetic. We use Mobil 1 10/30 in the 496

If you don't want synthetic, then 15/40 petroleum. 20/50 is not ideal for the clearances in that engine.

Sidebar question for you - I have the SBC based 6.2 MX. I used to run the 51069/Napa Gold 1069 oil filter with no anti drain back valve. Switched to the taller Wix XP 51060 filter with an anti drain back valve. I can't see there being any negatives with the anti drain back valve in place.. are there?

Oil filter is in the stock location.

 

[mjc]

I have seen the merc semi syn in gallons at Walmart

 

[JuevosRancheros]

Had my 496 HO serviced/inspected by Absolute after I bought it last year. They used Kendall GT-1 20/50. That's what they suggested I switch to.

 

[nowski]

I run Mobil One 10-40 High Mileage in my 496 mag. I think it's the closest (viscosity grade) Mobil One offers that is comparable to what Mercury recommends 20-40. I change the oil once a year and use a Wix 57099XP oil filter...

 

[CobraDave]

Wouldn't a semi synthetic or full synthetic be better than Kendall Dino oil in a 496? I've had a couple services where Kendall was used and I paid a good amount for it. Just curious.

 

[Riverbound]

You could always go with something like this shipped right to your door The "Outboard" oil is for all newer 4 stroke outboards and motors that need something other than a High Zinc 20/50. its also approved for motors with Cats :thumbsup

http://www.mysinthetix.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=20&product_id=187

http://www.mysinthetix.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=20

 

[Boat 405]

I always used what mercruiser recommended was the 25w-40

With that said for my 540 I use 10w-30 mobile one. Everything always looks great and you can get it almost everywhere

 

[BDMar]

Sidebar question for you - I have the SBC based 6.2 MX. I used to run the 51069/Napa Gold 1069 oil filter with no anti drain back valve. Switched to the taller Wix XP 51060 filter with an anti drain back valve. I can't see there being any negatives with the anti drain back valve in place.. are there?

Oil filter is in the stock location.

No negatives. Only positives if it is mounted high. We use lots of Wix 51060. Very good filters.

 

[Runs2rch]

51060XP Filter. Flows the same as a Merc Racing filter, but filters better.

Has the anti-drainback which is necessary since the filter is mounted upside down.

Prevents dry starts.

I run Lucas 20/50 synthetic, but I know guys that also run synthetic diesel oils Rotella T6 15/40.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Wouldn't a semi synthetic or full synthetic be better than Kendall Dino oil in a 496? I've had a couple services where Kendall was used and I paid a good amount for it. Just curious.

Really does not matter as long as it is changed at the proper intervals.

 

[5oclocksomewhere]

I use Kendal 20-50w also. That's what my mechanic (Dustin Menace Marine) recommends. It's a little pricey but it's only one oil change a year.

 

[Runs2rch]

Guys that are running 10/30 or 10/40 how is engine noise? Idle psi and psi after a hard run?

 

[Wizard29]

Thanks for all the replies, guys. Having always been a synthetic guy, it looks like I may be leaning toward the Mobil 1. The fact that it's available just about everywhere is definitely a plus. However...

Guys that are running 10/30 or 10/40 how is engine noise? Idle psi and psi after a hard run?

This is a great question and I'm interested to hear the answers to it. I've noticed the oil pressure After hard runs is definitely on the lower side, which is one reason I suspect Merc recommends (if I understand correctly) the higher weight 25/40. Since these engines don't see extremely cold temperatures, I'm not that concerned with the lower number, but it seems like in the hotter temperatures, the higher weight oil (40) might be a good idea.

 

[Runs2rch]

Thanks for all the replies, guys. Having always been a synthetic guy, it looks like I may be leaning toward the Mobil 1. The fact that it's available just about everywhere is definitely a plus. However...



This is a great question and I'm interested to hear the answers to it. I've noticed the oil pressure After hard runs is definitely on the lower side, which is one reason I suspect Merc recommends (if I understand correctly) the higher weight 25/40. Since these engines don't see extremely cold temperatures, I'm not that concerned with the lower number, but it seems like in the hotter temperatures, the higher weight oil (40) might be a good idea.

From what I have read/heard is they are a little noisy on the thinner oils, and psi is low after hard running back to idle. Being closed cooled the engine is always operating at 175-180. Also working all the time. Mobil one 15/50 could be a good choice. Mixed reviews on what the actual formula is now. Some of the cheaper 20/50 oils actually perform very well also.

 

[nowski]

Thanks for all the replies, guys. Having always been a synthetic guy, it looks like I may be leaning toward the Mobil 1. The fact that it's available just about everywhere is definitely a plus. However...



This is a great question and I'm interested to hear the answers to it. I've noticed the oil pressure After hard runs is definitely on the lower side, which is one reason I suspect Merc recommends (if I understand correctly) the higher weight 25/40. Since these engines don't see extremely cold temperatures, I'm not that concerned with the lower number, but it seems like in the hotter temperatures, the higher weight oil (40) might be a good idea.

In my 496 mag (not an HO) while running the 10-40 Mobil One I haven't seen a change in oil pressure from when I was running the conventional 25-40. The engine is running smoother / quieter than when I was running the conventional 25-40. This is my third season running the 10-40, I ran the 15-50 Mobil One for one season and did notice my oil pressure was lower than the norm. I have two friends with the same 496 mag engine that are still running the conventional 25-40 oil, next time were out on the water I'll get an apples to apples comparison. If I had a 496 HO I'd probably run Mobil One 15-50 but that's just me...

 

[02HoWaRd26]

Any new information on this whole theory? As well what is the stock 496ho capacity? Believe it’s 10Q but haven’t been able to confirm or deny that.
Was planning to just use Merc oil but feel it is probably just the name on the bottle that’s so expensive.

 

[dribble]

I used to run the Merc 25/40 semi synthetic until it became a $150.00 oil change. Now I run Mobil 1 15/50 and it’s a $60.00 oil change.

 

[lbhsbz]

Mobil 1

You might as well have said "oil".

 

[Runs2rch]

Any new information on this whole theory? As well what is the stock 496ho capacity? Believe it’s 10Q but haven’t been able to confirm or deny that.
Was planning to just use Merc oil but feel it is probably just the name on the bottle that’s so expensive.

With 51060 filter it is dead on 10 qts. I run 20/50 Lucas Synthetic.

 

[HBCraig]

I always used the merc non syn 25-40. Never had a problem with it

Yep. Here too

 

[dribble]

Any new information on this whole theory? As well what is the stock 496ho capacity? Believe it’s 10Q but haven’t been able to confirm or deny that.
Was planning to just use Merc oil but feel it is probably just the name on the bottle that’s so expensive.

I believe that Merc is refined by Citco. Mine take 9.5 quarts.

 

[bocco]

No negatives. Only positives if it is mounted high. We use lots of Wix 51060. Very good filters.

I have a WIX 51620 and Redline 20-50 on my bench waiting for my oil change. Is the 51060 or 51060XP a much better choice? I have a 500HP carbed.

 

[Wizard29]

Any new information on this whole theory? As well what is the stock 496ho capacity? Believe it’s 10Q but haven’t been able to confirm or deny that.
Was planning to just use Merc oil but feel it is probably just the name on the bottle that’s so expensive.

I'm running the Mobil 1 10w-30 now. No funny noises or problems with oil pressure. Each of my engines takes right about 9.5 quarts with the Napa Gold 1060 filters.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

15% off almost everything on ebay app today
I maxxed out lol

The oil is already in my cart

As is a bunch more crap.

 

[02HoWaRd26]

Well....... all still the same this year or did anything latest and greatest pop up. That time again to address the 49sux oil change. Last year i did the Mobil 1 10/30 syn and the 51060 filter no issue that i know if so may as well see what says the board.

 

[02HoWaRd26]

Why the 51060 vs the 57099 also for anyone that knows. Or the xp in either, seems as often as we change oil if rather not go xp and not filter as well and well in my mind flow better by not filtering as well.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Why the 51060 vs the 57099 also for anyone that knows. Or the xp in either, seems as often as we change oil if rather not go xp and not filter as well and well in my mind flow better by not filtering as well.

51060 is about 1.5” taller than the 57099.

I get the 51060xp myself. It is $4 more than the standard 51060.

Only reason not to do the taller one is if it won’t fit under your hatch.

With the stock black motors, I don’t think any of it really matters. Change the oil throw on a filter and go boating.

 

[Wizard29]

Well....... all still the same this year or did anything latest and greatest pop up. That time again to address the 49sux oil change. Last year i did the Mobil 1 10/30 syn and the 51060 filter no issue that i know if so may as well see what says the board.

Still running Mobil 1 10-30 and still no problems.

 

[Carlson-jet]

Clean oil is better than dirty oil which is better than no oil.
Very simple rule.

 

[Waterjunky]

Just to throw one more variable into the mix here, Anyone know anything about the Kirkland / Costco full synthetic? I have ben using Mobil one for years but am always interested in saving a buck. Generally the Kirkland stuff is good but it really depends on who is making it to what standard.

 

[Runs2rch]

51060 is about 1.5” taller than the 57099.

I get the 51060xp myself. It is $4 more.

With the stock black motors, I don’t think any of it really matters. Change the oil throw on a filter and go boating.

My oil/filter just arrived. 20/50 Mobil Vtwin, 51060 XP, and M8 for the drive.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

My oil/filter just arrived. 20/50 Mobil Vtwin, 51060 XP, and M8 for the drive.

I’ve been running Volvo Penta Synthetic 10w40 for the last few years.

Was thinking of going to Mobil1 15w50 or perhaps that 20w50 Vtwin oil.

It’s almost time to order all that stuff.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Just to throw one more variable into the mix here, Anyone know anything about the Kirkland / Costco full synthetic? I have ben using Mobil one for years but am always interested in saving a buck. Generally the Kirkland stuff is good but it really depends on who is making it to what standard.

Warren makes it. Same people that are making the Amazon Basics line of oil, the Supertech oil at WalMart, as well as a few other brands.