This is a really simple question which for some reason I am finding it impossible to find an actual answer. As it says in the title, I recently bought a boat with a 2008 Mariner 30hp 4 stroke. I've downloaded the operators manual for the correct serial number of my outboard, and in regards to checking oil it says the following (edited to make it shorter):
Checking And Adding Engine Oil
IMPORTANT: Do not overfill. Be sure that the outboard is upright (not tilted) when checking oil.
1. Turn the engine off. Have the outboard in a level operating position. Remove the top cowl.
2. Pull out the dipstick. Wipe it with a clean rag or towel and push it back in all the way.
3. Pull the dipstick back out again and observe the oil level. Oil must be between full mark and add mark. If the oil level is low, remove the oil fill cap and fill to (but not over) the upper oil level.
4. Push the dipstick back in all the way. Install the oil fill cap hand tight.
So my question is, does the engine have to be running before I check the oil? I know it implies it when it says "turn the engine off", but it doesn't explicitly state that it needed to be running first. If I leave it sitting for a day or two, then the oil is over the top mark of the dipstick (I assume from the oil filter dripping slowly), but if I run it for a minute or two on idle, and then check it right after I turn the engine off, it doesn't even register on the bottom of the dipstick, which is slightly scary. If I leave it sitting for half an hour or so and tilt it up and down, it is at about 1/3 to 1/2 full on the dipstick... but it also doesn't make any mention of actually doing that in the manual.
Basically if I fill to the full mark right after I turn it off (which seems to be what is being implied) and leave it sit for a day, the oil is well and truly over the full mark, which is also scary.
Does anybody unequivocally know the real answer to this question?
Any help would go a long way to putting my mind at ease.
Checking And Adding Engine Oil
IMPORTANT: Do not overfill. Be sure that the outboard is upright (not tilted) when checking oil.
1. Turn the engine off. Have the outboard in a level operating position. Remove the top cowl.
2. Pull out the dipstick. Wipe it with a clean rag or towel and push it back in all the way.
3. Pull the dipstick back out again and observe the oil level. Oil must be between full mark and add mark. If the oil level is low, remove the oil fill cap and fill to (but not over) the upper oil level.
4. Push the dipstick back in all the way. Install the oil fill cap hand tight.
So my question is, does the engine have to be running before I check the oil? I know it implies it when it says "turn the engine off", but it doesn't explicitly state that it needed to be running first. If I leave it sitting for a day or two, then the oil is over the top mark of the dipstick (I assume from the oil filter dripping slowly), but if I run it for a minute or two on idle, and then check it right after I turn the engine off, it doesn't even register on the bottom of the dipstick, which is slightly scary. If I leave it sitting for half an hour or so and tilt it up and down, it is at about 1/3 to 1/2 full on the dipstick... but it also doesn't make any mention of actually doing that in the manual.
Basically if I fill to the full mark right after I turn it off (which seems to be what is being implied) and leave it sit for a day, the oil is well and truly over the full mark, which is also scary.
Does anybody unequivocally know the real answer to this question?
Any help would go a long way to putting my mind at ease.