VOLVO DIESEL OIL 15W-40 VDS-3 5L

Function and technical context

This grade 15W-40 mineral-synthetic lubricant with VDS 4.5 (Volvo Drain Specification) specification is formulated specifically for high-demand marine diesel engines, where the lubrication of the valve train, main bearings and pistons must remain stable under prolonged load and temperature cycles. It works in the engine lubrication system by providing a continuous protective film that reduces friction between moving metal components, neutralizes the acids generated by diesel combustion and keeps carbonaceous residues in suspension until the oil change. The VDS 4.5 specification ensures advanced protection against sludge formation, lubricant oxidation and premature timing wear, critical aspects in marine diesel engines operating in high humidity and salinity environments. Using an oil that does not meet the VDS 4.5 specification in engines that require it can void the engine warranty, accelerate internal wear and cause costly breakdowns far from port.

When to change the oil?

In Volvo Penta marine diesel engines, the usual oil change interval ranges between 150 and 250 hours of operation, although the engine manual should always be consulted, as it varies depending on the series and year of manufacture. The most common indicators that the oil has exhausted its useful life are excessive blackening, the appearance of a chocolate emulsion on the dipstick (a sign of water entry), an increase in lubricant consumption or the oil pressure warning light coming on. Performing an oil change at the beginning of each nautical season, even if the recommended hours have not been completed, is a preventive practice that protects the engine during the months of winter inactivity and avoids high-cost repairs while sailing.

Equivalent manufacturer part numbers