DIY Oil Change System?

[KnotConnected]

Has anyone ever built a DIY oil change system with a 12v pump and bucket? The marina charges ~$150 for an oil change, so the cost of the oil change systems online will pay for itself, but for nothing more than a bucket with a pump screwed to the lid, I have to think I could build one for less than they're going for line ($120-$170 ?)

Just wondering if anyone's ever done it. Gotchyas, things to look out for, recommended parts, etc..

 

[oldjeep]

If your engine doesn't have a drain line on the pan - add one. Then get yourself a 5 gallon bucket and you are all set.

 

[KnotConnected]

I seem to recall the oil pan being too close to the bottom of the bilge to get in there properly. Are you suggesting adding a drain plug and sucking it out from the bottom, rather than up through the dipstick?

 

[bruceb58]

http://www.iboats.com/Oil-Drain-Kit-...view_id.203978

I own the 5 gallon type with the pump on the lid. On Volvos, the dipstick connects to the drain plug so I am doing essentially the same thing if you install the drain hose kit.

 

[oldjeep]

I seem to recall the oil pan being too close to the bottom of the bilge to get in there properly. Are you suggesting adding a drain plug and sucking it out from the bottom, rather than up through the dipstick?

I'm not suggesting sucking it at all, just gravity draining. Most modern boats have a drain line on the pan that you just stick out the transom plug hole and drain into a bucket. You only need about 1- 1.5" of clearance to install the drain line, did one last year on my father inlaws 2004 Malibu Response. Both my old 2005 Bayliner and my 2012 Malibu had one from the factory.

If you go through the dipstick just make sure that whatever tube you stick down there doesn't get jammed in too hard. There are a couple threads a year from people who snap off those lines into the crank case. Doesn't really hurt anything but I wouldn't want it laying in the pan.

 

[bruceb58]

You have the option of sucking it out that tube too is you wish especially if you are changing your engine oil while the boat is in the water.

All Volvos have the dipstick connected to the bottom of the pan so sucking out the dipstick = sucking out the bottom of the pan.