How much oil capacity for this OMC ?

[RogerBoat]

I want to start out telling you folks how helpful you have been to me in restoring this old 1972 Mackinac cabin cruiser. Hope I will be able to contribute to others now that I have a year and a half restoration invested in this boat.

Today is a simple question. My manual says the crank case takes 5 qts of motor oil with filter. But, the dip stick says on it that capacity is 4 qts. I could only put in 4 qts. including filter change to satisfy the full mark. There is nothing to guarentee me that the right dip stick in there. This engine replaced a 4cyl Vovo and previous owners could have done anything.

Anyone have one of these motors and knows which is right? 5qts. or 4 qts.

1975-1976 OMC 175 HP Ford 302 Engine.

 

[southkogs]

Re: How much oil capacity for this OMC ?

My manual says 5 qts. + filter for the 302 too.

 

[Don S]

Re: How much oil capacity for this OMC ?

After you drain the oil and change the filter, put in 4 qts. run the engine and check for leaks. Then (with the engine level) check the oil again and top off as needed. Do not overfill.

 

[RogerBoat]

Re: How much oil capacity for this OMC ?

That's where I am at....topped off, leveled and checked. But it only took a total of 4 qts. to fill the filter and reach full on the dip stick. I just never heard of a V8 engine taking less than 5 qts. And, the pan was empty when I started.

By the way, greetings to Murfreesboro and Western Washington. I moved down here from Prosser WA.

 

[Don S]

Re: How much oil capacity for this OMC ?

Then you possibly didn't get all the old oil out.

 

[NW Redneck]

Re: How much oil capacity for this OMC ?

Don S is probably right. (He usually is!) Check out the first post of my thread here:
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=501126

I've put up a bunch of stringer info in that thread you might find useful. I have the same year and model motor/drive as you and it's been a great combo in my boat and fairly easy to work on. Do you have the hydraulic SelecTrim setup too?

 

[RogerBoat]

Re: How much oil capacity for this OMC ?

Yes, this stringer has the hydraulic trim, its the only thing I haven't had to work on...other than change the fluid.

The point of this thread is that I have a dipstick clearly stamped, "Capacity 4 Qts." So do I depend on this or the service manuals?

I guess it would help if others with 1975-1977 could tell me if their dip sticks are marked with capacity. If it helps anyone, the engine model number is: 990230E.

Perhaps this is a Canadian model. Then would 4 imperial Qts. be about 5 US Qts.? Then I would agree that I didn't get all the old oil out.

Finally, the pan on this motor tapers from shallow in the front to deeper to the back and the dip stick tube is installed where you would find an oil drain plug were it an automotive engine. What does your look like? Perhaps someone changed this out and monkeyed with the dip stick tube.

 

[Redrig]

Re: How much oil capacity for this OMC ?

I have a 77 302 in my boat, and I can tell you from my experience that mine will not take a full 5 quarts, its closer to 4, I always end up with extra.

Sorry cant verify anything on the dipstick, she is still in storage.

Sounds like I may have the wrong dipstick as well if the manual says 5.

 

[RogerBoat]

Re: How much oil capacity for this OMC ?

Thanks for your information. I am almost certain mine is also a 1977 and it is reassuring for me that you also can't find room for 5 quarts.

Well, all the wiring and switches has been reworked, the outdrive has been rebuilt, the bottom surface has been re-done with an epoxy barrier coat, Carburator rebuilt, the tilt feature rebuilt...3 times, Engine tuned up, interior resored to reasonable appearance, Trailer reworked, and 400 or 500 other things I have since forgottgen I did. As soon as the wind and rain quits, I am off to the water for a untroubled boating experience....or should I say...find out what else I have yet to fix. Ha!

Thanks guys