changing oil..how to?

[Josh9685]

Hi,<br />I feel like a moron for asking such a small thing.<br />I know how to change the oil on a car.<br /><br />The motor is a 460 Ford. How do I change the oil on it? The problem is that the drain plug sits almost flush with the floor, and is about 4 inches away from a stringer. <br />Is there some sort of trick involved here, or am I looking at pulling the engine?<br />I was thinking of just pulling the draincock on the boat and letting the oil drain into the bilge and out the back of the boat and then degreasing the bildge?? Or is that a no-no?<br /><br />thanks<br />Josh

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: changing oil..how to?

You suck it out. There may be a garden hose type fitting on the dipstick or elsewhere. You connect a hose to that and suck it out with a pump or vacuum tank. If no attachments, a tube is inserted into the dipstick tube down to the bottom of the pan. It sucks much easier if the oil is warm.

 

[flashback]

Re: changing oil..how to?

Well, if you mean "out the back of the boat" and into the water (lake or ocean) then no.... If the boat is on a trailer then you have the option of getting a drain valve that will fit the hole in the oilpan. just install the valve in place of the plug and then run a piece of hose from the valve thru the bilge drain and into a milk jug..this part can be found at most auto part stores...I have used it for several years and found it to be the best way to get "all" the old oil out ............

 

[KnottyBuoyz]

Re: changing oil..how to?

Like the man said "There's more than one way to skin a cat". <br /><br />If you go online on any chandlery site such as www.iboats.com and look up under the maintenance section, you'll find a host of oil change pumps and gadgets. Most are some kind of electric or suction pump that goes into your dipstick tube to suck out the oil. <br /><br />These pumps will get you about 95% of the way there. Once you've got the bulk of the oil out of the pan you still have to get the filter out without making a mess and if you're a "purest" mechanic you'll want to get the last of the old oil out of your pan. <br /><br />I have the hand vacuum pump type. It works well. I also have a stainless steel drip tray that fits under my engine so I can get the filter off and back out the drain plug without making a big mess. You could also use an oil absorbant matt or rags whichever you prefer.<br /><br />When I take the filter off I put some absorbant (Kitty Litter type) into a plastic grocery bag and fold the open end over my hand. Grab the filter with the bag and twist off. Any spilled oil will stay in the bag with the absorbant.<br /><br />Just 1 teaspoon of oil can contaminate 10,000 gallons of drinking water!<br /><br />If you're as concerned about protecting our marine environment as I am, you might find this publication insightful.<br /><br /> http://www.tc.gc.ca/BoatingSafety/pubs/pme/menu.htm <br /><br />Rick

 

[Josh9685]

Re: changing oil..how to?

man! that seems like a lot of trouble to change the oil! not looking forward to it at all.<br /><br />I have always wondered about exhaust that exits into the water. All exhaust contains unburned fuel. I would think that that unburned fuel when cooled by the water ends up in the water?<br /><br />something to think about...

 

[beezee28]

Re: changing oil..how to?

I just a hand pump that is connected to the dip stick opening. I then pump out the oil and change the filter.

 

[KnottyBuoyz]

Re: changing oil..how to?

Hey Josh<br /><br />THe first couple of times it might be a chore but it'll get easier and you'll save a lot of money over the marina doing it. Besides you'll get a good sense of satisfactionhaving done it yourself.<br /><br />You're right about the exhaust thing on 2 strokes. 4 strokes it isn't that big a factor. We have lakes where 2 strokes have been outlawed because of oil discharge. Only poor running 2 strokes put out enough oil to cause contamination.<br /><br />I like to get as much oil out as I can when I change my oil. It turns acidic as it ages which can harm seals and bearings. THat's why we change our oil before we lay the boat up for the winter, besides being ready to go first thing in the spring.<br /><br />Good luck. Holler if you need help.<br /><br />Rick

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: changing oil..how to?

Hi Josh, <br /><br />I went to Boaters World and bought the Moeller Fluid Extractor. It was about $60 and it can be used on anything. <br /><br />The others are right that you don't get it all but the little bit left over won't hurt anything as long as you change your oil with *some* frequency!<br /><br />It took about 15 pumps and I did my 460 with completely cold oil so it took a little longer than it would if the oil was warm.<br /><br />I used the hose connection on my dip stick and I got a little piece of clear plastic hose to extend the opaque rigid plastic hose supplied with the extractor. They also include various size piping to slide into the dipstick tube.<br /><br />I was the easiest oil change I've ever done.<br /><br /><br />regards, <br /><br />Rick

 

[wvit100]

Re: changing oil..how to?

I bought an electric pump at NAPA, about $25. It has aligator clips that clip onto the battery. It takes 3 or 4 minutes to pump the oil out throught the dipstick tube. Then change the filter using a bag over it to catch any oil that runs out.