Where is the oil drain plug on OMC 3.8L ?

[Watercanuck]

Hey guys,<br /><br />I need to change my oil on my OMC 3.8L V6 <br />The oil is black it is so old. Where is the drain plug on this engine? Any ideas?<br /><br />And I'm guessing there is an oil filter just like a car. Do I buy the oil filter from any auto parts store?<br /><br />Any and all advice/knowledge before I attempt my first oil change on a boat would be appreciated.<br /><br />Thanks in advance!<br /><br />John

 

[Laddies]

Re: Where is the oil drain plug on OMC 3.8L ?

John on marine engines with out a drain hose which is most of them you have to pump the oil out of the dipstick tube, you will find the oil filter on the rear of the engine port side

 

[Watercanuck]

Re: Where is the oil drain plug on OMC 3.8L ?

What? There is no oil drain plug or an oil pan? WOW! Ok so let me confirm, I need a pump of some kind? Stick it down the dipstick tube and suck the oil out?

 

[Laddies]

Re: Where is the oil drain plug on OMC 3.8L ?

You can buy inexpencive 12 volt pump kit for around $30, you should get the oil as hot as possable befofe trying to pump it--Bob

 

[Watercanuck]

Re: Where is the oil drain plug on OMC 3.8L ?

Thanks Bob. I'll give this a shot today. I'll check Canadian Tire for the pump. I guess my biggest concern with this is if the pump hose is plastic wouldn't it melt inside the engine if the oil is hot (hence engine would be hot).

 

[KaGee]

Re: Where is the oil drain plug on OMC 3.8L ?

Hi John, Welcome to Iboats!<br /><br />If you notice, the tube with your dipstick has a threaded fitting. A garden hose fitting will screw onto it. There are many aftermarket setups, but I made my own, using a drill operated selfpriming pump and garden hose. It sucks up 98% of the oil. <br /><br />BTW, you should be changing that oil and filter every fall. The filter is a FRAM PH-3980 or equal. Use a good straight 30W oil. Personally (at risk of starting the flame wars again) I switched to CHEVRON DELO 400 as recommended by Mr. Lube Dude!<br /><br />On a side note, I have ordered a oil filter relocation kit. No more scraped up hands and weird contortions to get that mother out! Most likely swithing to K&N filter too.

 

[Watercanuck]

Re: Where is the oil drain plug on OMC 3.8L ?

Hi Keith,<br /><br />Thanks for the warm welcome! I honestly didn't notice the thread fitting on the top but I'll take a look at it today when I go to the marina. I would change the oil every year but I just bought this boat last week and I can see the guy never took care of it. Now its time for a little TLC and I'm trying to save a little money on the marina mechanic hourly rates of $78.90 per hour. The only thing I will pay the marina to do is clean the carbs but I think with the knowledge/advice of you folks here I should be able to manage an oil change.<br /><br />Ok so the spout has threads for a garden hose. I guess I would need to remove the oil filter first so there is a place for the air to be pulled from when sucking with the hose?

 

[KaGee]

Re: Where is the oil drain plug on OMC 3.8L ?

No need to remove the filter first. It can breathe through the crankcase.<br /><br />If you don't have the threads, somebody broke it off or changed to dipstick tube to a non-oem type. OMC used that fitting on all the tubes in that vintage, as far as I know.<br /><br />BTW, I did not use a whole hose! I just bought 4' from Lowe's and the appropriate fittings.<br /><br />If you don't have the threaded fitting, there are numerous kits out there where you suff a tube down the neck and suck it out that way.