[C320-list] Engine oil usage

[Warren Updike]

This is our 6th season and I typically change the oil twice a season, so
that is 10 changes plus 1 as I've already done my mid-season change. I
typically pump out 3.5 qts. So I'm using about a half quart between changes.
In that period of time we've put 1,000 hrs on the engine. (11 x 5.5qts x
32oz)/1000 = 0.176 oz./engine hour.  My exhaust has never had any smoke of
any color. BTW, it's a Perkins M30. I have no idea if this is reasonable or
no.

Warren & Pattie Updike
Catalina 320, #62, "Warr De Mar"
Middle River, Chesapeake Bay



-----Original Message-----
From: Ed Edwards [mailto:edandsue.pt at gmail.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, August 25, 2009 2:07 AM
To: C320-List at catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Engine oil usage

I am curious about my engine oil consumpyion.  REBOUND is is hull # 347 with
a Yanmar 3GM.  I have 1400 hours and it has been maintained professionally.
It runs great, I had the MAX-prop repitched with a max rpm of 3600 and I
cruise at 2800 rpms.  My mechanic isn't concerned about the oil usage, which
has been consistant since I got the boat 4 years ago, 400 hours ago.  I am
going through a little more than 1 ounce per cruising (motoring) hour.  This
seems a little excessive to me, more than anything its just a pain topping
of every day or two when we are cruising.  Most of the time it's not a big
issue when I'm motoring out into the bay and back for a race.

I use Delo SAE 100 - 30.

Does this consumption  rate sound normal.  I'm not too worried yet but when
my oil consumption exceeds my beer consumption, I'll be forced into action.

Ed Edwards,  REBOUND  #347