Right oil type?

[Phil B]

I just purchased an Oday 27 with an Atomic 4. The previous owner has been using 10w40 weight oil in this engine. I have seen in the specifications that sae30 oil should be used. Will this damage the engine. Being used year around, I can see using a lighter oil in the winter, then should I change to 30 wt once it gets warmer?

Appreciate some input.
Thanks

[Don Moyer]

Phil,

We like straight viscosity 30 or 20 weight (in cooler climates), but earlier Universal Owners Manuals also specified 10/30 or 10/20 as OK (again, depending on seasonal temperatures). There was likely no harm done by the previous owner's use of 10-40 oil.

Regards,

Don