Oil Change Question

[smcclure0270]

I have an Mercruiser 3.0LX and am getting ready to go the winterization in a couple weeks. While looking at the boat the other day to get my mental reps in, I noticed that the oil dipstick tube where my oil pump will screw on to, is blocked by what I am guessing is the ignition coil. It sets on the starboard side of the engine next to the distributor cap. There is a spark plug wire running from the top of the distributor to the side of this thing, and connects to what looks like a spark plug top. Obviously I'm not mechanic, but I assume this is the coil. So, can I just remove this piece while pumping out the oil or is there another way around it? The less I can mess with the happier I'll be.

 

[bonzoscott]

Re: Oil Change Question

With a 3.0, you should be able to reach the plug in the oil pan pretty easy. Why not go that route? Is it just the mess?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Oil Change Question

I have an Mercruiser 3.0LX and am getting ready to go the winterization in a couple weeks. While looking at the boat the other day to get my mental reps in, I noticed that the oil dipstick tube where my oil pump will screw on to, is blocked by what I am guessing is the ignition coil. It sets on the starboard side of the engine next to the distributor cap. There is a spark plug wire running from the top of the distributor to the side of this thing, and connects to what looks like a spark plug top. Obviously I'm not mechanic, but I assume this is the coil. So, can I just remove this piece while pumping out the oil or is there another way around it? The less I can mess with the happier I'll be.

Ayuh,... You could set the coil aside, or gently bend the dipstick tube for clearance,...

 

[Walt T]

Re: Oil Change Question

Saying "Gently bend" to someone who says "Obviously I'm not a mechanic" could be interesting....

 

[alldodge]

Re: Oil Change Question

the oil dipstick tube where my oil pump will screw on to,
The less I can mess with the happier I'll be.

I have never used the screw on fitting because I saw it as more to clean up. I have a 5 foot piece of old power steering hose which fits snugly over the end of the dip stick. Put a hose clamp over it to make it a bit more snug fitting and turn the pump on. Works great and very little clean up.

 

[thumpar]

Re: Oil Change Question

On my 2.5l I would loosen the bolt that holds the coil to the block and just twist it a little bit out of the way. Once you are done you can just put it back and tighten the bolt.