oil change

[mh11]

Hello there, i have a Galaxie 22xl merc 260, chevy 350 crate motor.

I have never changed the oil. I bought the suck pump deal to suck the oil out, and am getting ready to change the oil.

What is the best way to do this?

Thanks

 

[QC]

Re: oil change

Get the oil up to operating temp and it will flow much better if this is a drill pump. Expect spills no matter how careful you are. Wrap the filter in a trash bag if it is right side up. If it is upside down punch a hole in the top (bottom) of the filter before you do anything.

 

[mh11]

Re: oil change

Thanks, it's a suction pump that goes down the dipstick tube that the dealer sold me.

I am more concerned with how to check the oil level. Can I just check the oil level by hooking up the flush kit, put fresh oil in to the rec'd spec, make sure the boat is level and test?

I have heard it's best to have the boat in the water and check the oil level, is this correct?

Thanks

 

[QC]

Re: oil change

Yes, you can use the capacity to be comfortable, but . . . This is very IMPORTANT! Only use the capacity if you know you got everything out. If you think you have it empty, but there is actually 2 quarts left, and you put in 5 quarts that could be a problem. Does it have a stick? If not you need something to use to determine if you are using any oil during regular operation . . .

As far as being in the water is concerned, if you know how your boat sits then simply approximate that. You can use a level across the waterline if you can see it and you know that it is true in the water. Close is fine, overfilling is worse than underfilling as long as there is some oil in there.

 

[Bondo]

Re: oil change

Close is fine, overfilling is worse than underfilling as long as there is some oil in there.

Ayuh,... Exactly,.. The Dipstick Rules,...

Anywhere between The Line,+ add a Qt. is Fine,....
Over the Line is Not fine,.. at All...
Over the line is as Bad as Off the Dipstick....

 

[mh11]

Re: oil change

Gotcha, thanks for the heads up. I will try the level trick and see what happens. What is the oil capacity for the merc 260 chevy motor?

I will do my best, I just want to be ready for the season when it comes here in a few weeks.

Thanks for all the help

 

[Ridemywideglide]

Re: oil change

My old OMC 260 manual (a chevy 350) says 5 quarts, 6 with filter. Fill filter before putting it on. As stated, err on the low side. I'd try to keep count of what you pull out. Use old milk jugs in the boat then transfer to whatever disposal vessel you choose.
For level, toss a torpedo level accross the carb top (arrestor off) and trim it level when checking.