engine oil & outdrive fluid ???

[jonewby]

Finally got around to winterizing over the weekend. Everything went OK, (thanks Don) but when draining the engine oil I could only got 3 qts. Supposed to hold 4 and yes the dip stick said full before I started. The outdrive only gave up 1 1/2 qts., supposed to hold 2. Is this normal? Both drained per manual instructions. Boat level or slightly bow high and engine warmed up.

Merc 3.0 with Alpha 1.

 

[Don S]

Re: engine oil & outdrive fluid ???

How exactly did you go about getting the oil out of the engine.
An Alpha one drive only takes 36 or 38 oz, I forget exactly. But not 2 quarts.

 

[JustJason]

Re: engine oil & outdrive fluid ???

the alpha's are roughly a 1qt and a 1/2 if i'm not mistaken. as far as the engine oil goes... are you counting the 1/2QT in the filter and the other half probably in the crank and all they oil galleys.

 

[jonewby]

Re: engine oil & outdrive fluid ???

Thanks for your responses guys. Changed engine oil via the "Easy Oil Drain System" - black drain hose out the bilge drain plug. Yes the 3 qts. included the oil filter. Alpha 1's supposed to hold 64 oz. according to the manual.

 

[Don S]

Re: engine oil & outdrive fluid ???

What year is this Alpha I ? Does it have a reservoir?
What manual are you using.

Those drain hoses are so slow, the oil, (if not really warm) will cool off before it all comes out. I usually use a pump attached to that hose to get it all out.

 

[jonewby]

Re: engine oil & outdrive fluid ???

Alpha 1 is an 07. Yes it has a reservoir and per manual, I empied that first. I'm using the Mercury MerCruiser manuel that came with the boat. I haven't refilled the engine yet, I guess I should get a dip stick pump and get it all. I thought the way I did it would be more effective but you're correct, it took a long time to drain - I let it go overnight. Thanks again for your help!

 

[Don S]

Re: engine oil & outdrive fluid ???

Then you have an Alpha I Gen II drive, which is different from an Alpha I that you said you have. That is why you need to put years on stuff. Also not exactly sure about Mercruisers math abilities. The drive is supposed to hold 39.2 ounces of gear lube and with the reservoir it should be 64, You see the reservoir, does it look like it will hold 24 ounces? Even with the hose?????

 

[jonewby]

Re: engine oil & outdrive fluid ???

Thanks for the clarification. Should have listed year and Gen II. The reservoir and hose look as if they would hold 24 oz. That solves the quanity question. Now I just have to figure out why I could only drain 1 1/2 qts. As I said the level was right at the full mark when I started. Per manual, I started draining with trim full up. Then after flow stopped I moved it to about half way down for awhile, then full down. Still only got 1 1/2 qts. Entire system is clean, no leaks and fluid level checked each time I go out. Guess I should mark it down to experience and let it go. Thanks again for your help.