Volga Hydrofoils Messageboard

Dear Friends,

My boat will soon be ready after a troublesome 1,5 years of renovation. As the documentation of the original boat has not been available, we are coming to the question what oils were recommended by the builders for the original equipment?

Original engine: GAZ53L, V8 4,3 litre Gasoline engine. Recommended oil for Russia? Mediteranean? SAE? Mineral based? Original Reverse reduction gearbox: Planetary gears, Manufacturer unknown. Recommended oil for Russia? Mediteranean? SAE? Mineral based?

Original V-drive gearbox: Manufacturer unknown.

Recommended oil for Russia? Mediteranean? SAE? Mineral based? Can anybody help me on this issue? Thanking you in advance...

best regards,

Merhaba Goro bey,

as all Russian engines of the time 1955-1990 use the same oil grades you can pour 10W-40 or 15W-40 semi-synthetic/ all season/. Full synthetic 5W-30 or 5W-40 would be too much good for this engine, the oil seals would leak . Tested on Gaz 24 and 53 engines.
For the gearbox you can put any mineral gear oil that is suitable for the old dolmus's of Istanbul - Chevy or Dodge make 1960-1980.
If you like put some full synthetic oil it will have a lower friction coefficient and increase your gas-mileage 3-8 %. Dura-lube or other make.
As you deal with ZF gearboxes/drives you can use similar oils, perhaps oils for the Baltic or Ostsee would be fine.

send some pics of the ready boat!
Christian