Knowing the correct oil type, engine-oil capacity and filter number is essential when servicing a Yanmar marine diesel. This Yanmar marine engine oil type and capacity chart covers popular YM, JH, LH, LP, LY and CX-series engines, while our Marine Diesel Troubleshooting Guide can help diagnose low oil pressure, excessive oil consumption, blue smoke, overheating and other diesel-engine problems.
Yanmar Marine Engine Oil Type & Capacity Chart
Quick-reference oil capacities, genuine Yanmar oil-filter numbers and lubricant recommendations for common Yanmar marine diesel engines.
Yanmar Marine Oil Capacity & Filter Chart
| Yanmar Marine Engine | Common Standard Oil Capacity | Standard Yanmar Oil Filter | Recommended Oil |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3YM30 | 2.8 L / 3.0 qt with KM2P-1* | Yanmar 119305-35151 | Yanmar marine diesel oil / suitable 10W-30 or 15W-40 Delo or Rotella meeting required specification |
| 4JH45 / 4JH57 | 5.0 L / 5.28 qt at 7° rake* | Yanmar 129150-35170 | Yanmar marine diesel oil / suitable 15W-40 or approved equivalent according to temperature and manual |
| 4JH80 / 4JH110 | 5.5 L / 5.81 qt at 7° rake* | Yanmar 129150-35170 | Yanmar marine diesel oil / suitable Delo or Rotella meeting required API and viscosity specification |
| 4LHA-DTP / HTP / STP | 13.0 L / 13.7 qt total | Yanmar 127695-35150 | Yanmar Premium Marine 15W-40 / suitable Delo or Rotella 15W-40 meeting specification |
| 6LPA-STP2 | 10.5 L / 11.0 qt total | Yanmar 119770-90620 | Yanmar marine diesel oil / suitable heavy-duty 15W-40 where specified |
| 6LY2A-STP / UTP | 20.0 L / 21.1 qt total | 119593-35100 Full-Flow + 119593-35400 Bypass | Yanmar marine diesel oil / suitable SAE 15W-40 meeting required specification |
| 6LY3-ETP / STP / UTP | 18.8 L / 19.9 qt total | 119593-35100/35110 Full-Flow + 119593-35400/35410 Bypass | Yanmar marine diesel oil / suitable SAE 15W-40 meeting required specification |
| 6LY400 / 6LY440 | 20.0 L / 21.1 qt total | 119593-35110 Full-Flow + 119593-35410 Bypass | Yanmar Premium Marine 15W-40 / suitable Delo or Rotella equivalent |
| 6CX / 6CXM-ETE | 23 L / 24.3 qt oil pan* | Yanmar 127695-35150 + bypass filter where fitted | Yanmar marine diesel oil / SAE 15W-40 commonly specified |
| 6CXBM-GT | 33 L / 34.9 qt standard sump | Yanmar 127695-35150 + 128633-35450 Bypass* | SAE 15W-40 Yanmar marine oil / suitable approved equivalent |
IMPORTANT — VERIFY THE ENGINE MODEL, SERIAL NUMBER AND INSTALLATION:
Yanmar oil capacity can change with engine rake angle, marine gear or saildrive installation, oil-pan configuration and engine generation. The figures above are common service references. Always verify the exact engine and establish the final level using the properly calibrated dipstick.
Capacity note: Yanmar often distinguishes between total lubrication-system capacity, oil-pan capacity and the “effective” quantity between the upper and lower dipstick marks. When a Yanmar manual states a total capacity, that figure can include oil in the pan, passages, cooler and filter.
Yanmar oil recommendation: Yanmar-branded marine diesel engine oil is the straightforward OEM-associated choice. Chevron Delo and Shell Rotella can also be suitable where the exact formulation provides the API classification and SAE viscosity required by the particular Yanmar engine. Always match the specification rather than choosing oil only by brand name.
What Oil Should You Use in a Yanmar Marine Diesel?
Many Yanmar marine diesels operate on heavy-duty diesel engine oil in the familiar SAE 15W-40 viscosity range, although smaller auxiliary engines and specific operating temperatures may allow or require other viscosities such as 10W-30.
The correct choice depends on the particular engine family, ambient temperature and oil-performance specification. A modern common-rail 4JH or 6LY should not automatically be treated exactly the same as an older mechanically injected 4LHA or 6LP.
Owners researching current JH common-rail engines can review Yanmar’s 4JH110 engine information, while the older mechanical 4LHA-STP remains supported with factory operation manuals and technical documentation.
Yanmar 3YM30
The 3YM30 is one of Yanmar’s most familiar small auxiliary marine diesels and is widely installed in sailboats. With a KM2P-1 marine gear and the common 8-degree rake angle, the full engine-oil quantity is approximately 2.8 liters or 3.0 U.S. quarts.
Yanmar service information identifies 119305-35151 as a current oil-filter reference. Saildrive installations can have a different engine-oil quantity, so installation type matters.
Yanmar 4JH45 / 4JH57
The 4JH45 and 4JH57 are common-rail four-cylinder engines used in modern sailboats and cruising vessels. A common 7-degree installation uses approximately 5.0 liters total, including oil in the pan, passages, cooler and filter.
At a zero-degree installation angle, Yanmar documentation lists a larger quantity, showing why engine rake angle should not be ignored.
Yanmar 4JH80 / 4JH110
The turbocharged 4JH80 and 4JH110 use a larger lubrication capacity than the 45/57 family. A common 7-degree installation uses approximately 5.5 liters or 5.81 U.S. quarts.
At zero rake, the documented total increases to approximately 6.7 liters, again demonstrating the importance of installation angle.
Yanmar 4LHA-STP
The 4LHA-STP remains popular in cruisers, sportfishing boats and repowered vessels. Yanmar documentation specifies 13 liters total, with approximately 10 liters contained in the oil pan.
Yanmar 127695-35150 is a common genuine oil-filter reference for the 4LHA family.
Yanmar 6LPA-STP2
The 6LPA-STP2 is one of Yanmar’s most recognizable high-speed recreational marine diesels. Yanmar’s service information specifies approximately 10.5 liters or 11.0 quarts total, with approximately 8.4 liters in the oil pan.
The familiar spin-on engine oil filter is Yanmar 119770-90620.
Yanmar 6LY2A-STP
The 6LY2A family is widely installed in larger cruisers and sportfishing vessels. Yanmar documentation lists 20 liters or 21.1 quarts total, including the oil pan, channels, cooler and filtration system.
The engine uses full-flow filtration and a separate bypass filter, so both filter elements must be considered during scheduled service.
Yanmar 6LY3
The electronically controlled 6LY3 uses approximately 18.8 liters or 19.9 U.S. quarts total at a level installation. Yanmar specifies that this total includes the oil pan, oil passages, cooler and filter.
The full-flow and bypass filtration arrangement should be serviced as a complete system rather than changing only the easiest filter to see.
Yanmar 6LY400 / 6LY440
The newer common-rail 6LY400 and 6LY440 continue the 5.8-liter six-cylinder architecture with modern electronic fuel control. Yanmar documentation lists a 20-liter or 21.1-quart total lubrication capacity.
Owners can review Yanmar’s current 6LY440 marine engine documentation for factory information.
Yanmar 6CX / 6CXM
The 6CX and 6CXM families are larger-displacement six-cylinder marine diesels used in commercial, cruising and performance applications. Earlier 6CX/CXM-ETE documentation lists approximately 23 liters in the engine oil pan.
Yanmar 127695-35150 is a common oil-filter application across the 6CX family, with bypass filtration used on certain versions.
Yanmar 6CXBM-GT
The later 6CXBM-GT is a 7.4-liter mechanical marine diesel designed for heavier duty. Yanmar data lists a 33-liter standard sump, with a 22-liter shallow sump also available in some configurations.
Because the 6CX family spans several generations, identifying the exact engine designation is essential before assuming one capacity or filtration arrangement applies to every CX engine.
Yanmar Marine Engine Oil Filters
Yanmar uses several different oil-filter arrangements across its marine engine families. Small YM and JH engines typically use a single spin-on filter, while larger LY and CX engines can use separate full-flow and bypass filtration.
Filters the primary oil flow circulating through the engine lubrication system.
Filters a smaller portion of circulating oil for additional fine contamination control.
On engines such as the 6LY2A, 6LY3 and 6LY440, replacing only the full-flow filter can leave the bypass element in service beyond its intended interval. Check the engine-specific maintenance schedule and order the complete lubrication-filter set before beginning the oil service.
FILTER PART-NUMBER NOTE:
Yanmar has superseded some older filter numbers over time. For example, current replacement numbers can differ from those printed in older manuals. Always confirm the final filter number using the engine model and serial number.
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Oil Capacity: Total vs. Oil Pan
Yanmar manuals frequently provide more than one lubrication number. That can make two apparently conflicting capacity figures both correct.
The total capacity may include oil in the sump, internal passages, oil cooler and oil filter. The oil-pan number describes the amount retained in the sump itself, while the effective capacity is often the difference between the upper and lower dipstick marks.
The 4LHA illustrates this clearly: Yanmar lists approximately 13 liters total but only 10 liters in the oil pan. The 6LPA similarly lists about 10.5 liters total and 8.4 liters in the oil pan.
Do Not Add the Entire Quantity Blindly
After draining the engine and replacing the filter, initially add slightly less than the expected final quantity. Start the engine, verify oil pressure immediately and check the oil filter, drain system and hoses for leaks.
Shut the engine down and allow enough time for the oil to return to the sump. Then establish the final oil level on the properly calibrated dipstick.
Engine Rake Angle Matters
This issue is particularly important on Yanmar sailboat engines. The 3YM30, 4JH45/57 and 4JH80/110 all have published oil quantities that change according to installation angle.
A capacity taken from a level bench engine therefore may not match the quantity required by the same engine installed at an angle inside a boat.
Yanmar Oil Analysis & Engine Condition
Oil analysis can identify wear metals, fuel dilution, soot, coolant contamination and changes in lubricant condition before some problems become obvious during normal operation.
Trending results from the same engine over time is especially useful. A gradual rise in one wear metal or a change in viscosity can provide an early warning that would be difficult to identify from appearance alone.
Oil analysis is also valuable during a Yanmar Marine Engine Survey, where lubrication findings can be considered alongside cooling-system condition, turbocharger performance, engine operation and sea-trial results.
When an Oil Change Is Not the Repair
If a Yanmar engine develops low oil pressure, excessive oil consumption, rising oil level, blue smoke, metal in the filter or coolant contamination, changing the oil should not be treated as the repair.
The underlying cause should be diagnosed before a lubrication problem develops into bearing, turbocharger or internal engine damage.
Yanmar Preventive Maintenance
Engine oil and filtration are only part of proper Yanmar maintenance. Raw-water pumps, heat exchangers, fuel filtration, aftercoolers, turbochargers, belts, hoses, coolant and valve clearances all influence engine reliability.
For a broader service reference, see our Yanmar Marine Engine Maintenance Schedule.
Yanmar Factory References
6LPA: Yanmar’s 6LPA-STP2 factory data provides current engine and marine-gear specifications for this widely used high-speed diesel.
Maintenance parts: Yanmar maintains a genuine parts and maintenance-kit reference covering marine engines and service components.
Always use the full engine model and serial number when ordering filters or confirming capacities. Yanmar’s engine families often remain in service for decades, and later replacement parts may supersede the numbers printed in the original manual.
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Yanmar Marine Engine Oil FAQ
Common questions about Yanmar oil capacities, filter numbers, 15W-40 oil, full-flow filters and bypass filtration.
What oil should I use in a Yanmar marine diesel?
Yanmar-branded marine diesel oil is the OEM-associated choice, while suitable Chevron Delo or Shell Rotella products can also be used when they meet the required API classification and SAE viscosity. Always verify the exact requirement for the engine model and operating temperature.
Can I use Chevron Delo in a Yanmar marine engine?
Yes, when the specific Delo formulation meets Yanmar’s required API classification and viscosity. Do not assume every Delo formulation is correct for every Yanmar engine.
Can I use Shell Rotella in a Yanmar marine diesel?
Yes, a suitable Rotella formulation can be appropriate when it meets the engine’s required oil specification and viscosity. Always verify the exact product rather than selecting oil only by brand name.
Does every Yanmar marine diesel use 15W-40?
No. SAE 15W-40 is common on many Yanmar marine diesels, but smaller engines and particular temperature ranges may use another viscosity such as 10W-30. The engine manual should control the final choice.
How much oil does a Yanmar 3YM30 hold?
A 3YM30 with the KM2P-1 marine gear at the common 8-degree rake angle uses approximately 2.8 liters or 3.0 U.S. quarts. A saildrive installation can use a different quantity.
What oil filter does a Yanmar 3YM30 use?
Yanmar 119305-35151 is a current oil-filter reference for the 3YM30 family. Older documentation may show an earlier superseded filter number.
How much oil does a Yanmar 4JH45 or 4JH57 hold?
A common 7-degree installation uses approximately 5.0 liters total. A level zero-degree installation can require a greater quantity, so engine rake angle matters.
How much oil does a Yanmar 4JH80 or 4JH110 hold?
A common 7-degree installation uses approximately 5.5 liters or 5.81 U.S. quarts total. Yanmar documentation shows approximately 6.7 liters for a level zero-degree installation.
How much oil does a Yanmar 4LHA-STP hold?
Yanmar specifies approximately 13 liters total lubrication capacity for the 4LHA family, with approximately 10 liters in the oil pan. The total includes oil outside the sump itself.
What oil filter does a Yanmar 4LHA use?
Yanmar 127695-35150 is a common current oil-filter reference for the 4LHA family. Older manuals and catalogs may list a superseded number such as 127695-35160.
How much oil does a Yanmar 6LPA-STP2 hold?
The Yanmar 6LPA-STP2 has approximately 10.5 liters or 11.0 U.S. quarts total engine-oil capacity. The oil pan itself holds approximately 8.4 liters.
What oil filter does a Yanmar 6LPA use?
Yanmar 119770-90620 is a common spin-on oil-filter application for the 6LP and 6LPA marine diesel family. Verify the complete engine model before ordering.
How much oil does a Yanmar 6LY2A hold?
Yanmar specifies approximately 20 liters or 21.1 U.S. quarts total lubrication capacity for the 6LY2A. The total includes the oil pan, internal passages, cooler and filtration system.
How much oil does a Yanmar 6LY3 hold?
The Yanmar 6LY3 uses approximately 18.8 liters or 19.9 U.S. quarts total at a level installation. Yanmar lists an effective dipstick range of approximately 8 liters.
How much oil does a Yanmar 6LY400 or 6LY440 hold?
Yanmar specifies approximately 20 liters or 21.1 U.S. quarts total lubrication capacity for the 6LY400 and 6LY440 family. This total includes the oil pan, channels, cooler and oil filters.
Does a Yanmar 6LY use more than one oil filter?
Many 6LY engines use both full-flow and bypass oil filtration. Both filter elements should be included when performing the scheduled lubrication service.
How much oil does a Yanmar 6CX hold?
Oil capacity depends heavily on the exact 6CX generation. Earlier 6CX/CXM-ETE documentation lists approximately 23 liters in the oil pan, while later 6CXBM-GT engines can use a 33-liter standard sump.
Why do Yanmar oil capacities change with engine angle?
The installation angle changes the way oil sits in the sump relative to the dipstick. Yanmar therefore publishes different full quantities for several engines depending on the engine rake angle.
Can overfilling a Yanmar marine diesel cause problems?
Yes. Excess oil can contribute to aeration, crankcase-pressure problems and oil carryover into the intake. Use the published capacity as a reference and establish the final level with the dipstick.
Is oil analysis useful on a Yanmar marine engine?
Yes. Oil analysis can help identify wear metals, fuel dilution, coolant contamination, soot and changes in lubricant condition. Trending results over several services is especially useful.
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