Saving Old Seagulls

As was suggested on another discussion group, I googled "SAE 140 viscosity change" and found a document that explains that in 2005, SAE 140 viscosity range was split into SAE 140 (which covers the lower half of the pre-2005 SAE140 viscosity range) and a newly defined SAE 190 (which covers the upper half of the pre-2005 SAE 140 viscosity range).

That probably explains why my recent purchases of SAE 140 oil appear thinner than my old stock purchased years ago from BritishSeagullShop. com.

The document explains that this split was made because engineers felt that the wide range of viscosity allowed in SAE 140 labeled products was causing problems where too light a viscosity was being used for the manufacturer' s specs.

So my question now is... which end of the range of the old SAE 140 viscosity is better suited for British Seagull motors that call for SAE 140? The new SAE 140? or new SAE 190? or doesn't it matter?

I've ordered a quart of SAE 190 to compare.

I realize this may have been a discussion back in 2005 when it would have been more relevant, but that I wasn't paying attention because I was well stocked up on SAE 140 gear oil for my Seagull. It only became relevant to me at the end of this boating season when I discovered that I had less than 1/2 a water bottle full of my BritishSeagullShop. com supplied stock.

--Joe Shields
SJM model 40-

The only hard and fast rule is that it needs to POUR. No grease. Obviously you want gear oil in there as opposed to say, engine oil, though if one were in a jam ...
As to weight, Seagull said under extremely cold conditions, 90 wt. might be more suitable, while some wags will spoon in 240 wt. so it doesn't dribble out less-than-pristine bushings.
Mind that heavier oils offer more drag, all other things being equal. In fact, I've heard some 'Gull racers actually fill their gearboxes with WD40 to gain that competitive edge.

Todd

Hi Joe

Welcome to the service here! Be warned that participating in discussions on SOS is habit-forming.



The best,

Ted