As warmer weather arrives and summer boating season approaches, Dennis K. Burke, Inc. has the engine oils and hydraulic fluids needed to help keep marine equipment operating reliably and ready for busy holiday weekends on the water.
Marine lubricant requirements continue to evolve as engine technology advances and environmental regulations become more stringent. Reducing exhaust emissions, fuel type (diesel, biodiesel, etc.) and fuel efficiency are key considerations for these changes.
Marine engine oils are specially formulated with alkaline additives designed to neutralize the corrosive effects created during combustion. Sulfur found in many residual fuel oils oxidizes during combustion and forms sulfuric acid, which can impact both two-stroke and four-stroke diesel engines. The concentration of these additives helps determine the oil’s Total Base Number (TBN), an important factor in protecting marine engines from corrosion and wear.
Strict regulations have been imposed on emission of both nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur oxide (SOx). These limits mean that either a low sulfur distillate fuel is burned and/or a scrubbing system is used to remove most of the sulfur from the exhaust gas. Because of this, selecting the proper marine engine oil depends heavily on the type of fuel being used, whether low-sulfur fuel, high-sulfur fuel, biodiesel blends, or LNG. For LNG-powered marine engines, detergency additives are especially important. These additives help minimize combustion deposits and reduce piston and piston ring buildup, helping maintain engine cleanliness and performance.
Dennis K. Burke, Inc. offers a variety of high-quality heavy duty engine oils that meet demanding marine requirements, including Fleetline Superfleet, Kendall® Super-D, Petro-Canada™ Duron SHP, and Valvoline™ Premium Blue.
Alongside marine engine oils, marine hydraulic fluids must also meet strict performance and environmental standards. Marine Hydraulic Fluids are commonly zinc-free, helping reduce the risk of corrosion to certain metals and making them safer for use around waterways. Additional key requirements include:
Non-sheening performance
Readily or inherently biodegradable formulations
High viscosity index (VI) for excellent thermal and oxidative stability
High lubricity
Broad operating temperature range
Excellent solvency to help reduce deposits and varnish formation
Compliance with environmentally acceptable lubricant (EAL) standards under EPA 2013 U.S. Vessel General Permit (VGP) guidelines
Dennis K. Burke, Inc. carries quality hydraulic fluids that meet these marine requirements that include Phillips 66® Powerflow NZ, Petro-Canada Environ, Renewable Lubricants® Bio Flo and Bio-Fleet.
Below are selected U.S. Coast Guard and Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) guidelines regarding hydraulic fluids used in marine applications:
Part 58 —Main and Auxiliary Machinery and Related Systems
Subpart 58.30 —Fluid Power and Control Systems
Source: USCG-2020-0634, 89 FR 50179, June 12, 2024, unless otherwise noted.
Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1333; 46 U.S.C. 3306, 3703; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; Department of Homeland
Security Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.3.
Source: CGFR 68-82, 33 FR 18878, Dec. 18, 1968, unless otherwise noted.
§ 58.30-10 Hydraulic fluid.
The fluid used in hydraulic power transmission systems must have a flashpoint of not less than 200°F for pressures below 150 psig and 315°F for pressures 150 psig and above, as determined by ASTM D92
The chemical and physical properties of the hydraulic fluid must be suitable for use with any materials in the system or components thereof.
The hydraulic fluid must be suitable for operation of the hydraulic system through the entire temperature range to which it may be subjected in service.
The recommendations of the system component manufacturers must be considered in the selection and use of hydraulic fluid.
If you have any questions regarding marine engine oils and hydraulic fluids, or would like to place an order, please reach out to your dedicated Dennis K. Burke, Inc. Sales Representative, or place an order through lubeorders@burkeoil.com or 1-800-289-2875.