Updated- September, 2024
A reader asks: I have a 2012 Sea-Doo RXP-X 260 with the 1493cc supercharged/intercooled 4-TEC engine. I know some Sea-Doo owners use Shell Rotella 10W-40 diesel oil. Others swear by BRP XPS Semi-Syn Oil? What is the correct AMSOIL engine oil recommendation?
Answer: As you have the supercharged Rotax 4-TEC engine, using the proper motor oil is vital. AMSOIL 10W-40 Marine Synthetic Motor Oil covers all of the bases. It is likely the best choice on the market for your supercharged Rotax.
The first consideration is that the motor oil is compatible with the slip-clutch on your supercharger. The vital aspect to note is that motor oil designed for gasoline-powered cars and trucks contains friction modifiers. Friction modifiers are motor oil additives designed to reduce friction and improve fuel economy. However, friction modifiers can cause clutches to slip and thereby permanently damaging the super-charger clutch plates. So it is VERY important to avoid using motor oils that contain friction modifiers in your Sea-Doo engine.
It is also important to note that synthetic oils are not a concern. Synthetic oils that do not contain friction modifiers promote cooler operation and can actually extend clutch life.
AMSOIL Marine 10W-40 does not contain friction modifiers. Therefore, it possesses the ideal frictional properties for consistent supercharger performance. The synthetic makeup of this product also fights extreme heat. The service life of supercharger slip washers and bearings is optimized.
The Sea-Doo owners using Shell Rotella diesel oil may have less expensive oil. AMSOIL 10W-40 Marine Synthetic Motor Oil not only offers 100% synthetic performance, it also delivers an anti-rust and corrosion package. AMSOIL delivers corrosion protection both in-season and during storage. This measure of corrosion protection alone is well-worth the upgrade to AMSOIL Marine 10W-40. AMSOIL products have always performed well versus BRP XPS Oils. We can confidently suggest that AMSOIL Marine 10W-40 will be a solid upgrade over the partial-synthetic XPS 4-Stroke Oil.
What About Ceramic Supercharger Washers?
Some Rotax 4-Tec models from 2004 to 2007 may still have ceramic slip washers on their superchargers. AMSOIL 10W-40 Marine Synthetic Motor Oil is 100% compatible with this material and will not weaken these washers. There was a myth out there several years ago suggesting that synthetic oil could damage these ceramic washers. AMSOIL has performed extensive testing to debunk this theory.
Most Sea-Doo owners of 2004-07 models have upgraded their supercharger’s ceramic slip-clutch washers to metal (or should be considering this upgrade). Regardless of whether your model has ceramic or steel supercharger washers, AMSOIL Marine 10W-40 will be perfect for your Sea-Doo 4-TEC engine.
We can offer AMSOIL 10W-40 Marine Synthetic Motor Oil at the lowest price in Canada or the United States. Contact us for a wholesale price list using the form on this page or call us at 1-800-748-5781.