10 Quarts of oil in an L-18????

[prostar205]

Has anyone heard that Indmar is requiring 10 (not 8) quarts of oil for the L-18 motor? My dealer told me that Indmar published a service information letter stating that all L-18 motors need 10 quarts of oil rather than 8 quarts. They are sending new dip sticks to the dealers showing a new "full" line corresponding to the 10 quart requirement.

My question is: if the oil pan was designed to hold 8 quarts, would putting 10 quarts in this same pan cause the front or rear main seals to blow out or leak? My L-18 uses a little oil but I always check it and add more if necessary. I don't want to "fix" one problem only to create another.

[TMCNo1]

I would think that if Indmar recommends 10 quarts, then they know what they are talking about. You can always send them a e-mail and ask the question to them if you don't agree with your dealer.http://www.indmar.com/About/MeetTheTeam/index.html, click on Contact Indmar.

[prostar205]

It's not that I don't agree with them. In fact I just went on the Indmar web site and they do require 10 quarts of 15W-40 Penzoil for the L-18. My concern is did they redesign the oil pan to accomodate for this extra oil or are they using the same oil pan that was used for the 8 quart requirement.

It is just a minor concern. Like you, I would assume Indmar has done their homework and would not require the additional 2 quarts of oil and use the same oil pan without doing some testing.

[prostar205]

Ok - I emailed Indmar around noon my time and got a response by 1:30 - not bad turn around time.

They current oil pans have more that enough room for the extra 2 quarts of oil without causing any damage to the seals. Here is the Service Advisory letter that went to all MC dealers.

I also included the Service Letter regarding the use of straight 40W oil for the L-18.

[TMCNo1]

Ok - I emailed Indmar around noon my time and got a response by 1:30 - not bad turn around time.

They current oil pans have more that enough room for the extra 2 quarts of oil without causing any damage to the seals. Here is the Service Advisory letter that went to all MC dealers.

I also included the Service Letter regarding the use of straight 40W oil for the L-18.

Now that's what I'm talking about, service, not a bunch of jibber jabber!

[prostar205]

I just called 2 different MasterCraft dealers and got 2 different answers for engine oil recommendations for my 2002 L-18 engine.

1) 15W-40
2) 50W (does anyone even sell 50W marine oil? I've never seen it)

The 2004 Service Letter from Indmar recommends Pennzoil 40W oil over the 15W-40. Anyone have any updated information?

[Fullpass]

I looked on the net straight pennzoil 40W 7.70 each 92.40 case 12 its out their dono if it says marine though

[prostar205]

West Marine used to carry Pennzoil Marine 40W. Now they don't. They have 15W-40 Marine oil which is what was originally used by Indmar in these big block engines.

I'd like to find some Pennzoil 40W Marine if I could.

[Engine Nut]

Don't worry too much about using marine specific oil. Most major brand oils have the required specifications and additives to protect your engine. The 40wt recommendation was just because in testing we found the engine burned less 40wt than 15W40 over a given time. You can continue using 15W40 if you want. It will protect the engine just fine. Just make sure to check the oil regularly as the 8.1L and other big block GM engines can consume some oil.

[CantRepeat]

Good too see you posting again, Larry!!