Can't get to oil filter and question about filter

[hz293]

I have a Mercruiser 5.0 with alpha 1outdrive. I don't know the year of the engine because it has been changed. The boat is a 1989 Chaperral 198xl. Sucked all the oil out and went to change filter. Looked all over and found it all the way in very back of engine on bottom port side. Boat was built with a box for the seats so can't get to filter. Fram filter and Napa filter appear about 1/2 the physical side of the existing one we can barely see. Checked and I have correct Fram filter PH 8873. So here's the questions.

I cannot get to the existing filter to see a number so I'm asking if anyone has bought an oil filer for Mercruiser 5.0 that is longer than the standard one and if so what kind and the number. My guess is that they put one on when they changed the engine and never replaced it because of the bear to change it where it's at.

Anyone have the same problem I'm having or have had getting to the filter. I see the only answer is to either remove this box at the stern or cut out the side panel to be able to reach the filter. Any recommendations will be appreciated except sell the boat. I left the boat without oil until I can figure out the filter problem.

 

[Scott Danforth]

many times you have to hang over the motor or remove parts of the boat to get to things like oil filters.

 

[bruceb58]

Once you get to it, think long and hard about installing a remote oil filter. It sucks that the boat manufacturer didn't put one in when it was built. One of the reasons I like Volvo. Comes standard that way.

 

[Bondo]

I cannot get to the existing filter to see a number so I'm asking if anyone has bought an oil filer for Mercruiser 5.0 that is longer than the standard one and if so what kind and the number.

Ayuh,.... Yer motor takes the same oil filter Chevy has used since they came out with the spin-on canister filters, back in the '60s,.......

It's available in many lengths, from real short 1/2 pint, to rather large qt, 'n 1/2 sizes,....
With check valves for upside-down mountin', 'n without,...

I get mine at my local Napa,... which size depends on the space available,....

'n Ya, boat manufacturers do their best to make servicin' yer driveline as tough as possible,....

Either contort into whatever spaces ya got, or start pullin' chunks of "boat" outa yer way,....

As Bruce mentions, a remote filter kit would mean ya only gotta get in there once, insteada every year,...
Nothin' Marine 'bout 'em, they can be found at any good auto parts house,.....
Just stick with the standard Chevy thread/ gasket interface,...

 

[alldodge]

While the PH8873 will fit (thread 13/16 by 16) it is 3.3 inch long. The PH30 is 4 inch long, and PH4 is 5.75 long (there are others). First I would not buy a Fram filter, there is next to no quality control. I have a case of Pennzoil filter (Fram filters that are painted Yellow) and have cut some open, what I found is not good.

Get WIX or NAPA (NAPA filters made by WIX), or any other filter other then Fram

Agree with Bruce and Bondo, install a remote oil filter at a location you can get to, will help a lot

 

[Scott Danforth]

Summit Racing has remote kits cheap

 

[thumpar]

My Merc 5.7l came with the remote filter. It is one of the easiest things to get to on the engine. Get the kit to remote the filter and save yourself time.

 

[hz293]

I would love to get a remote oil kit. However, it will depend on whether I can see and reach the filter so that I can install the remote or whether I have to remove the filter and install the new one by just feel. In looking over the Internet there are a lot of people with this problem. Looks like I'll be taking things apart so I can get to it. Whatever I take apart I'll make sure it's easier to do next time. Thanks for your input.

 

[thumpar]

This is not my setup but my filter is just like it. Even if you have to hire someone it would be worth it in the long run.

 

[M.A.CCruiser]

same situation here... engine box came out as well as the boxes for the port side rear seat to get to that filter.... a multi-jointed filter wrench helped. But you should just anticipate a few scrapes and some creative vulgarities while getting it out.

then there is the fun of getting the filter outta there without dumping the oil in it all over the bilge.

 

[Bondo]

then there is the fun of getting the filter outta there without dumping the oil in it all over the bilge.

Ayuh,.... Just as with fuel filters,....
Crack the filter loose, slip a qt. baggie 'round it, spin it off, drop it into the baggie, 'n seal it up,....

 

[superbenk]

From my research here's a cross-reference of filters that should fit:
Oil Filter:
Mercury 35-866340K01, 35-866340Q03
Champ/Luberfiner = PH454
Mighty = M454
Mobil = MO5313
Mobil 1 = M1-111
Purepro = L5313
Royal Purple = 10-454
Service Champ = OF5313
STP = S8873
Valvoline = VO65
Warner = WPH454

I'm not a fan of Fram at all so I'd avoid that (they have cardboard ends on the filter element instead of metal which can collapse/distort.

 

[Volphin]

K&N Oil Filters HP-2001 or HP-3002 fit 5.0L.

 

[Challenger84]

I got the Wix 51061 Spin-On Oil Filter for my 2000 5.0 model..

This is what mines look like with the remote oil kit..
I bought the boat with it already insatlled.. Not sure if it was standard from the factory or not but makes changing oil easy.

You got my vote for installing the remote oil kit

 

[bruceb58]

I got the Wix 51061 Spin-On Oil Filter for my 2000 5.0 model..

This is what mines look like with the remote oil kit..
I bought the boat with it already insatlled.. Not sure if it was standard from the factory or not but makes changing oil easy.

Now that is a tight fit. How do you change a starter on that thing? The sides come off?

 

[Challenger84]

Now that is a tight fit. How do you change a starter on that thing?

bruceb58

its' actually very easy to get to..
I just replaced a fuel pump yesterday which was located underneath the engine.
There are panels on each side that can be removed with wing nuts..
All the bench seating and panels are removable and makes it very easy and roomy to get to.. takes about 10 mins to remove all seating and panels.
First thing i looked at when purchasing was how easy it would be to wrench on the engine. This was one of the reasons I bought this boat over other models.

Sorry for the crappy quality picture, but this ws a screen shot from a video of the engine running.

 

[alldodge]

Dang Bruce you bring up a great point, the owner cannot even look the motor over because he/she cannot see it. You could have a real problem going on and not see it until your dead in the water. just trying to pull the motor to do anything like starter replacement will cause concern as to how do I get at the motor mounts

Edit: woops should have waited

 

[bruceb58]

Takes me around an hour to get all the stuff off around my motor in order to do a starter on it.

Kinda looks hard to do a starter on that one too. Ever had to change it?

 

[Lou C]

It's problem we have all dealt with. When I re did the interior of my '88 F/W H-200 what I did with the sun sport seating (big bench seat) was to replaced the old rotted seat with 2 bench seats (36" wide each) that are for a pontoon boat. I notched the shelf on the gunnel on each side for them and they are basically a press fit. Next I took the big wood bulkhead behind the seats and cut it in half vertically and put a take apart hinge in the middle . So what I do is lift out one seat (I made straps attached to the seat frame to make it easy on the old back) then the bulkhead opens like a door. I can lift out one side of it or both. Take about 5 min and I can get right in next to the oil filter or starter. Still though when the boat gets re powered it's getting closed cooling and a remote filter for sure. These 2 things will cut the winterizing time in half and to me closed cooling is a must in salt.

 

[Lou C]

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