Oil change

[zang8027]

Hey guys,

Is there a guide/post on here for changing motor oil in Alpha one? I am about to dive into it, but I would like to know where the drain plug is, what weight and amount of oil it needs, and which filter it takes. I looked at my manual but it does not tell me where the drain plug is. I assume its on the bottom of the engine above my bilge somewhere.

Thanks!

See my sig for engine specs

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Oil change

Engine oil? You "drain" by sucking the oil out through the dipstick tube. Search for "oil change pump". Once the oil is out you can put a fitting and hose in the oil pan drain so next time you can drain by running the hose out through the transom drain hole (that is what I have).

You need about 5 1/2 quarts of 25/40 0il (recommended by Mercruiser).

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Oil change

An Alpha One is the outdrive not an engine.
If your looking to change the engine oil, you need a pump to suck it out through the dipstick tube. then replace the filter with the recommended one and use the recommended oil from the engine manufacture.
If you want to change the oil in the outdrive, pull the vent and drain plugs, let it drain out. Then refill the drive using the drain hole until the oil comes out of the vent plug. Secure the vent plug then remove the oil tube and replace the drain plug.

Straight 30wt for the engine, and marine 90wt for the drive.

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Re: Oil change

Are you referring to the engine or the drive? the Alpha One is the drive, the engine is the 170

The unlike a car, engine's dipsitick runs down to the bottom of the oil pan. You can use an oil extractor pump to suck the oil out thru it.

If you can get to the drain plug on the engine you can drain it that way too, I've cut a hole in an empty antifreeze container on the side and align it with the drain. It doesn't accept all of it so you have to plug it and drain it a couple times, kind of a pain but quicker than the pump method.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Oil change

Straight 30wt for the engine.

For the MCM 170 Mercruiser recommends either straight 40 wt (old) or 25w 40 (new).

 

[zang8027]

Re: Oil change

yes sorry, the engine, not the drive. I am pretty sure I had the drive oil changed recently. So I need a pump to do so? I was hoping theres a drain plug that I can just drain into the bilge and out the plug.. then wash it out. I was going to place something over the pump so it does not get any oil on it.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Oil change

I was hoping theres a drain plug that I can just drain into the bilge and out the plug.. then wash it out. I was going to place something over the pump so it does not get any oil on it.

That will make a huge mess! There is an oil drain plug on the starboard side of the pan. What I would recommend is instal the drain hose as mentioned above. Have everything ready to go, put a bunch of paper towels under the drain and make a quick switch from the drain plug to the banjo fitting in the hose kit. Should be able to do it without too much oil going all over. I did mine that way, as I recall only lost a few oz of oil in the switch.

BTW should change the outdrive oil at the end of every season. Remove both plugs to drain, (look for water and metal shavings in oil) and refill from the bottom with a pump. Takes about 1 1/2 quarts.

Oh Yeah: If it has been more than 2 years since the impeller was changed (or you do not know when it was last changed), change it! MCM 170's need to be kept cool!

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Re: Oil change

You can do what you want, it's your boat, but after about 10-seconds of watching dirty oil cover your bilge.... your gonna say:

Once you invest in the pump there will be no regrets...

 

[zang8027]

Re: Oil change

I was able to do it pretty easily with the plug. I found it, but it was tight! Must never have been off. We lifted the pump up so it did not get any dirty, pulled the plug, and let it drain out the back into a pan (I was on a hill). Then I took the filter off, replaced it. Now It is all good, expect I could use another .5 quarts. I will get one today. I used 10w-40 as I plan on changing it each season. Cleaned up alright too with a little washing out.

I will check out that impeller. I had gear oil changed a month ago if that, when I took it to the shop to get something else fixed. I assume by "Gear Oil" he meant out drive oil. I can see how dirty it look.

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: Oil change

In gear oil, it's not so much being dirty, it's more to do with moisture contamination...... Milky or milky streaks looking........

 

[a1nowell]

Re: Oil change

zang,
A bilge clean up that has worked well for me is:
Put about a quart of Simple Green in the bilge, fill the bilge with water just below the pan. Stir it up real good and let it set over night. You can drain thru the boat drain plug or run it thru your bilge pump or both. It cleans the bilge and the pump real good.

Larry