New owner of a used 2004 mercruiser 3.0. - a few questions

[Fishfearme1174]

This boat (32' party cruiser pontoon) was always in the water so the oil drain hose accessible through transom plug hole is sitting on top of engine. Apparently they only used the pump to do oil chgs. I'd prefer using the hose out the plug hole. How the heck could I manage getting the hose rerouted under engine and out the plug hole? Also how in the heck are you supposed to reach the fuel filter to replace it in this setup? Any tips at all??? I've replaced the plugs and serviced the lower unit. What else should I do? The motor looks clean for most part but judging by appearance of plugs and old engine oil it was not regularly maintained. I want to establish some confidence in the reliability of the engine before I take my family on any lengthy trips. Thx in advance.

Oh yeah...??? And also, is using the ez drain system for the block and manifold the only thing I need to worry about draining to prevent water from freezing in the engine and causing damage?

 

[philipp10]

I have the same motor, a 2004. I have a drain for the oil and much prefer to pumping the oil out. Doubt it is easy to add in your application. As far as the EZ drain, I have had no issues but some people say tear it out as it could in theory clog. I just watch the flow and as long as it is fast, I don't worry. Sounds like the fuel filter is in a bad spot, I would have to see a better picture.

 

[Fishfearme1174]

Yes. Like you I am getting a good strong flow so feel it's completely draining. I did pump the oil and it wAs easy. Just feel I'd get a better evacuation with the drain hose.

 

[Scott Danforth]

I personally do not like the ez drain system. they are too easily clogged with debris. I prefer the good old brass pipe plugs myself. Always probe the drains with a small wire to make sure they are still draining.

 

[alldodge]

This boat (32' party cruiser pontoon) was always in the water so the oil drain hose accessible through transom plug hole is sitting on top of engine. Apparently they only used the pump to do oil chgs. I'd prefer using the hose out the plug hole. How the heck could I manage getting the hose rerouted under engine and out the plug hole?

Sucking the oil out the hose would be easy and get just about the same out. As to how to reroute the hose to the drain plug, well we cannot see what your seeing so unable to say.

Also how in the heck are you supposed to reach the fuel filter to replace it in this setup? Any tips at all???

As with all mechanic work, many times you have to remove the stuff that's in the way to get at the part.

I've replaced the plugs and serviced the lower unit. What else should I do? The motor looks clean for most part but judging by appearance of plugs and old engine oil it was not regularly maintained. I want to establish some confidence in the reliability of the engine before I take my family on any lengthy trips. Thx in advance.

Oh yeah...??? And also, is using the ez drain system for the block and manifold the only thing I need to worry about draining to prevent water from freezing in the engine and causing damage?

When draining the single of 3 point systems, I would recommend disconnecting hoses going to the block after draining and blow air through the line. There could be a slight clog going on

 

[Fishfearme1174]

Thx for the replies.