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What if you CAN'T GET the right OIL ?? | Ask The Expert with NIGEL CALDER
December 2, 2025 · 1 min · 862 views
What this video covers
Mixing different oil weights in a marine diesel engine — specifically adding 30W when only 15W-40 is available — is the question Nigel Calder addresses in this short Q&A with host Jan Attenstedt.0:24 Calder's position is direct: running an engine low on oil is worse than topping it up with a mismatched weight or brand.0:43 He draws on personal cruising experience where obtaining the exact specified oil was impossible, though he acknowledges he has no controlled scientific data to back the claim.Watch The practical guidance is to use whatever oil is available to keep the engine running, then switch back to the correct specification as soon as it can be sourced.1:23 Calder and Attenstedt invite listeners with harder technical evidence to contribute to the comments section of their marine diesel engine maintenance course.1:09 The core takeaway: oil compatibility matters, but an engine running on slightly wrong oil outlasts one running dry.
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