lubrication for 97' GTX

[rrichr]

Reading through the shop manual for my ski it states that with the 787 Rotax engine I have to use Sea Doo Synthetic or its equivalent and to stay away from even the natural Sea Doo 2 cycle oil. Are there any 2 cycle synthetics out there other than Sea Doo one that is recommended. I understand that 'low ash' is required and 'no ash' is not better because the ash actually has some lubricating properties for the Rotax engine. The manuals say not to use synthetics that are TC3 like penzoil.

Also it keeps referring to SeaDoo lubricant in a spray. What is the generic compatible?

[John Kubiak]

1997 Sea-Doo Operator‘s Guide (P/N 219 000
059) mentions to use Bombardier synthetic injection oil for the 787 engines. This has been revised. From now on, both Bombardier mineral or synthetic injection oils can be used on all engines including 787 and 947.
Ensure notify customers of these changes.

Sea-Doo Service Bulletin 97-5, December 23, 1996

I prefer to use the Sea-Doo synthetic oil myself, but you can run a high quality synthetic such as Maxima Super-M instead. Unfortunately, it is just as expensive as the Sea-Doo oil.

For the Sea-Doo lube, you can use their product, or Boeshield T-7, or CRC Power Lube.

[rrichr]

Thanks John. Walmart sells their mineral based for $17/gallon. Are there any chain stores that you know that sell the sythetic or an equivalent like the one you mentioned?

[Bill O'Neal]

Walmart sells Pennzoil 100% full synthetic for $20 a gallon.
I have many customers who use it.

[rrichr]

I was going to use the Pennzoil but is says not to use TC-W3 right in the operator's manual. It has no ash and I read on this site that the ash was required for Rotax engines. I know people use it. Has there been an update on that in the newer manuals as well?

[John Kubiak]

Let's not be penny-wise and dollar-foolish. The oil that is used in your watercraft is literally the lifeblood of the engine. Cutting costs on oil is not a good idea. Each manufacturer has their own requirements for their proprietary engines.

Most oil companies can and do blend oils that are a reasonable medium for general outboard motor use. Personal watercraft are not operated in the same manner as an outboard, and they have a lot more stress placed on piston skirts and wrist pin bearings than any outboard motor.

The Sea-Doo engines are especially sensitive to these oil requirements, since they are the highest power output per liter of displacement engines found in any PWC. All except the 947/951 require a small amount of ash to assist in oil retention and lubrication of the rotary valve.

All of these parts that have high stress loads are highly dependant on reliable lubrication.

I suggest you contact the oil company you are interested in and see if they will back up your engine if there is a lubrication related failure, that can be attributed to their oil. I'll bet that most companies will refuse to do such a thing. Gee, I wonder why?

The Maxima "Super-M" that I suggested is approximately the same price as the Rotax XP-S synthetic oil, the reason for this is it costs about the same to make and distribute.

Wal-Mart only carries the mineral oil for Sea-Doo in most market areas where they sell it.

Do yourself a favor, cut the costs of your recreation by buying cheaper paper plates, sodas, hot-dogs, napkins, etc..... and make sure you don't ruin your engine by saving money on your oil.

[rrichr]

I agree John,

Are there any areas in Tampa that sell the Maxima Super-M? The SeaDoo dealer's are pretty far away from me.

[rrichr]

Just a heads up on prices for the synthetic in the Tampa Bay area at least. I went to two differnent authorized dealers and one sold for 32.99 and the other for 39.00