how to change oil????????????//

1978 century

Cadet
Joined
Jan 16, 2007
Messages
24
i have a 78.merc 3.0. i have changed oil in some other boats but they have a big tube to suck the oil out...on mine all there is, is a regular size dipstick tube. i changed it from the oil pan last year..are you so post to take the oil out of the dipstick tube?
 

ziggy

Admiral
Joined
Jun 30, 2004
Messages
7,473
Re: how to change oil????????????//

if ya can get to the oil pan drain plug. more power to ya. that's a great way to do it. many boats ya can't do that. the vacum sucker down the dip stick hole is fine. but like it said. if you can reach yer oil pan drain plug. go for it......yer doin just fine.........just my opinon of corse.......
 

1978 century

Cadet
Joined
Jan 16, 2007
Messages
24
Re: how to change oil????????????//

so ur so post to put a hose down the dipstick tube? thats crazy. what were the guys thinking when they make that ....yea the good thing is i can get all the oil out with the drain plug but the bad thing is it makes a mess..i bought a drain tube that fram makes and it takes place of the drain plug and its like a fitting that you plug into i guess i will go that way cuz it makes a nasty mess and i change my oil in the spring and late summer ...im still getting use to all of this boating stuff cuz this is my first boat...i am a auto mechanic and thank god cuz i wouldnt be able to afford what some of these shops get to fix boats
 

crazy charlie

Vice Admiral
Joined
May 22, 2003
Messages
5,581
Re: how to change oil????????????//

The dipstick method works pretty good depending on the extractor you purchase.The first one I used years ago was the brass hand pump.It was one of the best upper body workouts I ever had and my arms were sore for days after that:'(.The next one was a vacuum tank type that work really good which I currently use.The best and most expensive is the 12vlt pump on top of the 5 gal bucket set up($119).All of which are totally inneffective unless the oil is fully warmed up.The fitting that you put on is also great way but potentially messy.I once made a catcher for that method by cutting open one flat side of an anti freeze container and attaching a hose to the cap and sealing it with silicome and feeding the hose through the the bilge drain and out of the boat.Cheap and clean and very effective.Not many can get to their oil drain plug so consider yourself lucky.8)
 

QC

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 22, 2005
Messages
22,783
Re: how to change oil????????????//

The absolute best system is the Merc drain plug hose thing. It doubles as your bilge plug. Pull out the bilge plug and it is attached to a wire that is attached to another plug in the end of a hose. The other end of the hose is plumbed into your oil pan drain hole. Tug on the bilge drain plug, and the hose comes out of the bilge outside the boat, pull the plug in the end of the hose and you can drain the oil into anything. My hose pulls out a good 4 feet. The oil will even drain cold, but as you know you should run it a few minutes just to get the crap mixed in well . . . I can pull that hose out and start it draining in 30 seconds, and then I can go screw around on something else for as long as I want.

The other cool thing is that my bilge plug hangs out the bilge on that little wire. It's always right where you need it before you forget to put it in . . . 8)
 

EarestTBass

Cadet
Joined
Aug 1, 2006
Messages
22
Re: how to change oil????????????//

I do my 5.0 through the dipstick tube, no biggie. Bought a cheapie hand pump with the hoses & warmed up the oil.
 

wvit1001

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 10, 2006
Messages
157
Re: how to change oil????????????//

I do my 5.7 through the dipstick tube with a $35 electric pump that runs off the battery. It works great and only takes a couple of minutes to pump all the oil out. As long as the oil is warmed up some first it works great.

To keep from spilling oil taking off the filter I aways loosen it up then put a plastic freezer bag over it as I take it all the way off. This catches all the drips.
 

HT32BSX115

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 8, 2005
Messages
10,083
Re: how to change oil????????????//

I'm in the process of installing a Merc 7.4L engine+ B III in my Four Winns. It's going to get the drain hose that comes out thru the bilge drain. It's absolutely the best way to do it if you can get it installed.


Cheers,

Rick
 

QC

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 22, 2005
Messages
22,783
Re: how to change oil????????????//

HT32BSX115 said:
I'm in the process of installing a Merc 7.4L engine+ B III in my Four Winns. It's going to get the drain hose that comes out thru the bilge drain. It's absolutely the best way to do it if you can get it installed.
Just to make sure we're being clear here . . . NO PUMP!!. It is easier than a car by a lot.
 

HT32BSX115

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 8, 2005
Messages
10,083
Re: how to change oil????????????//

Yeah it's just a simple gravity-drain hose connected to the regular drain plug long enough to come out thru the transom bilge drain.
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,082
Re: how to change oil????????????//

When I planted my 4.3LX in my hull,...
I bought the Pan Fitting,+ built my own Drain Line to attach to it,......

It's Long enough, that it Easily slides out the Bilge Drain,...but Also can be pulled up along side the motor from Inside the boat,.....

I can attach my Pumpout Pump on it, At the Dock,+ change the oil, now that I'm a Dockboater,+ Not a Trailerboater........

The Plus of this little Trick, is that the Pumpout Pump can be attached to that hose When it's On the Trailer as Well,.........
No More waiting for 'ell to Freeze over,+ the oil to Stop Dripping.........:love:
 

QC

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 22, 2005
Messages
22,783
Re: how to change oil????????????//

Bond-o said:
but Also can be pulled up along side the motor from Inside the boat,.....
If I do that, my boat will sink . . . :% 8)
 

Link2052

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Nov 14, 2004
Messages
36
Re: how to change oil????????????//

I have a 4.3 with the pull through drain hose ,but it seems so slow ,should I tilt the boat towards the fitting PORT side , it's warmed up but flows SLOW does it all come out
thanks link
 

crazy charlie

Vice Admiral
Joined
May 22, 2003
Messages
5,581
Re: how to change oil????????????//

Link,make sure the motor has run for a while.Not just till it is warm.The hotter the oil the easier it will flow.Just because the motor temp is up does not mean the oil is hot yet.Let it run for at least 15. minutes.Also open the valve cover oil fill.This should make the oil run out a little quicker.Charlie
 

Link2052

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Nov 14, 2004
Messages
36
Re: how to change oil????????????//

Thanks for the info I do my lay up in early November and it's usually in the 40's here in Buzzards Bay,Ma.
and your right I'm not letting it get hot, just warm. next season I'll know better.
Link
 
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