Cheap bastich oil change 25hp

Skagit Hunter

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Oct 25, 2010
Messages
33
Is there any reason When changing lower unit oil.(on the cheap) I cant just fill it from the top hole not having or wanting to buy the oil pump. I understand it will take longer to let it drain down inside. Time is free. I get free plug gaskets. And free oil bottle refills.
 

ezmobee

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 26, 2007
Messages
23,767
Re: Cheap bastich oil change 25hp

I have never used a pump (I actually just got one but haven't used it yet) and fill from the bottom hole. The oil, even the Wal-Mart stuff, comes in a loverly bottle with a top that fits in the hole. You REALLY need to fill from the bottom to make sure it gets filled and not just a big 'ol air bubble.
 

samo_ott

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jun 18, 2006
Messages
5,125
Re: Cheap bastich oil change 25hp

I have used a pump for years and swear by it. It's the greatest thing since sliced bread. And they're under $10. It's not worth the mess to me. Squeezing in a tube in the bottom and then holding it there when trying to put the top screw in is a recipe for disaster! I would HIGHLY recommend getting a pump but if not you still need to fill from the bottom to get the air bubbles out as they will stay in there hidden in crevices etc. Have you tried it? It's VERY slow and time consuming to try and put it in the top as you form an airlock if you put the tube in all the way... And you will just end up trying to use thinner oil as thick stuff just wont go in... It's up to you what you do, all we can do it provide advise from experience...
 

Vic.S

Rear Admiral
Joined
May 4, 2004
Messages
4,719
Re: Cheap bastich oil change 25hp

I do fill mine from the top but I have the syringe shown below. The nozzle is small enough to fit right through the vent hole and air locking is never a problem.

It is still a tedious method as the gearcase holds 325cm? and the syringe only about 75 cm? however I had the syringe and I don't have a pump. ( I dread to think how much a pump will cost in the UK!)

It has the advantage that it is not uniquely sized to fit any particular make of gear case.

I'd not particularly recommend it but it works for me and is better than using a squeezy tube in the bottom hole.
If you have a similar syringe knocking about go for it ... otherwise splash the cash on a pump.

DSCF0863.jpg
 

boobie

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 5, 2009
Messages
20,826
Re: Cheap bastich oil change 25hp

Filling from the bottom is still the only way. You get all the air out and you know it's then filled for sure. Plastic oil pump fill bottles are still cheaper than g/c repairs due to low oil levels.
 

richardgreen

Seaman
Joined
Sep 25, 2010
Messages
50
Re: Cheap bastich oil change 25hp

You have to take out the lower screw to drain the gearcase anyway, so why not use it as designed to fill it back up from the bottom???

If your time is worth anything to you, treat yourself to the $10 pump that fits on the quart bottle.

RG
 

5150abf

Vice Admiral
Joined
Aug 12, 2007
Messages
5,808
Re: Cheap bastich oil change 25hp

no pump here either, just fill one bottle clear full an do it that way, there is plenty in the bottle to fill it this also ensures that is done right and there are no air bubbles.

You have to change the oil any how and it uses the same amount whether you put it in the top or bottom so you may as well do it right and it save alot of time.
 

Sixmark

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 11, 2010
Messages
890
Re: Cheap bastich oil change 25hp

I guess it's all about personal preference, I have used a bottle forever and never once had any major issues with a mess. Unless you consider having to wipe about 1ml of grease off the lower unit a mess. I have seen people making more of a mess when they have to swap the pump to a different bottle of lube.
 

garzilla

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Oct 24, 2010
Messages
174
Re: Cheap bastich oil change 25hp

I just did mine yesterday for the first time.....found oil that came in like a toothpaste type tube, cut the end off, stick it in the bottom hole and squeeze til it comes out the top.....6 bucks for the tube from my local boat store.....so easy, a cave man can do it.
 

Skagit Hunter

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Oct 25, 2010
Messages
33
Re: Cheap bastich oil change 25hp

Sounds like doing it the right way, Is what I will do. This is the first time doing it myself. I use the boat year around so I change it twice a year.
But It costs more in gas to take it to be done for free, Than a pump will cost.

Im working on the duck blind....Check this out...all freebie SS from bimini's from yachts hammered in wind storms....Boat yards just want the stuff gone.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTaEzGE--Yc
 

JimS123

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Jul 27, 2007
Messages
8,237
Re: Cheap bastich oil change 25hp

Years ago I bought a small plastic plug that screwed in and replaced the lower unit's bottom drain. It has a one-way check valve and the outside end is designed to fit an oil squeeze tube. I don't imagine I paid more than a buck for it.

After draining the lower unit, the plug is screwed in and you can leisurely add oil from one or more tubes, switching between tubes without any spillage or hassle.

Maybe someboady still makes it.
 
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