Checking Oil?

[sixgun95]

Mercruiser 5.0 Alpha, 07 Chaprral Sunesta 214. Why does the manual say to check the engine oil with the boat in the water. How can I do it on the trailer? I have no boat places real close to me, where do you buy your oil?

 

[rndcomp]

Re: Checking Oil?

Mercruiser 5.0 Alpha, 07 Chaprral Sunesta 214. Why does the manual say to check the engine oil with the boat in the water. How can I do it on the trailer? I have no boat places real close to me, where do you buy your oil?

I believe that this has to do with ensuring the engine is compeletly level. I have checked mine on the water (while sitting for some time so the engine was cool) and then checked again when I was back home and there was a noticible difference. I had assumed that this was because of the angle the boat sits on the trailer.

Thanks!

 

[njlarry]

Re: Checking Oil?

Anyone have info on the correct way to check for level ? The risers or carb?

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Checking Oil?

I would just fill it to slightly above 'add' while on the trailer......
Even if it is a little low on the trailer, the engine can't be harmed because it will never be under load......
Then top it off in the water.....​

 

[rndcomp]

Re: Checking Oil?

I would just fill it to slightly above 'add' while on the trailer......
Even if it is a little low on the trailer, the engine can't be harmed because it will never be under load......
Then top it off in the water.....​

Is there a risk to overfilling the oil level?

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Checking Oil?

Is there a risk to overfilling the oil level?

Yes, overfilling can lead to the crankshaft aerating the oil by contact, leading to a loss of oil pressure.....
You don't want that......​

 

[fourwinnsdook]

Re: Checking Oil?

Mine was reading extremely high on the trailer even with the boat completely level. i think the easiest way to do it out of the water would be to level it using the waterline on the boat.

 

[Zackman]

Re: Checking Oil?

I just put a level on the flame arrestor and adjust the trailer till it shows level or near level.

 

[njlarry]

Re: Checking Oil?

Thanks Zak.

 

[sixgun95]

Re: Checking Oil?

I just put a level on the flame arrestor and adjust the trailer till it shows level or near level.

I don't understand. Where along the boat could you place a level and say it is level? On the floor midway between the bow & stern? Would that do it?

 

[180shabah]

Re: Checking Oil?

I don't understand. Where along the boat could you place a level and say it is level? On the floor midway between the bow & stern? Would that do it?

Nope.

The floor slopes downward for drainage. Leveling the flame arrestor (On the top of your carb) will get you close. I have bottom paint on mine, the line is level in the water, so when it is on the trailer, i just crank the tounge until it is level.

 

[sixgun95]

Re: Checking Oil?

If no carb, whats the next best option?

 

[180shabah]

Re: Checking Oil?

If no carb, whats the next best option?

Adjust the trailer so the front of the engine is slightly higher than the back, then pull the dipstick, what does it read?

It won't be exact, but as long as you have some oil you will be fine, to run it in the muffs.

You do have muffs, right?

Then do like Haut Medoc said. check it again when you get to the water.

Where do I buy oil? Walmart, auto zone, wherever.......

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Checking Oil?

Next time you change oil, make sure you get it all out. Refill with the proper amount of oil. At this point you know it has the right amount. You can now check it where it sits and check it in that location and at that attitude each time. Or, when you launch the boat first time after a change, check it before anyone except you gets in the boat. The boat will always have that attitude when afloat. Note the oil level on the dipstick and use a small file to scribe a line at that level. This will be your "floating oil" level.

 

[Rob454]

Re: Checking Oil?

I just use a magnetic leve. and put it on the valve cover. then I crank the boat up or down. then I check my oil. It usually takes 5 qts to fill it. As for the oil I just use the Wally world brand. I change it every 30 hours
Rob

 

[Coors]

Re: Checking Oil?

Yep, I had to do what silvertip said, as the previous owner of my boat also used a car dipstick, along with all the automotive stuff he had on there- he could have blown up my stepson and family...

 

[sixgun95]

Re: Checking Oil?

The manual calls for Mercruiser/Quicksilver Synthetic Blend 25w-40. Can I use any synthetic 25-40?

 

[180shabah]

Re: Checking Oil?

The manual calls for Mercruiser/Quicksilver Synthetic Blend 25w-40. Can I use any synthetic 25-40?

Sure