In-water oil change
- Ed Ellis
- admiral
- Posts: 168
- Joined: Mon May 17, 2004 10:48 pm
- Location: Soldier Creek / Perdido Bay, AL
In-water oil change
I have 2003 4-stroke Yamahas that are due for an oil change. There's a plug in the back of the engine that's removed, and the old oil pours out. The first time I changed the oil, the boat was on the hard so preventing spillage was not a problem. Now the boat's in the water, it's hard for me to image how to use drain plug without making huge mess. Does anyone have suggestions for how to change the oil in a safe manner (e.g., no spillage) without having to remove the engine other than sticking a tube down the oil fill hole and pumping the old oil out?
Ed & Linda Ellis
Tranquility
Tranquility
Yamaha Oil Change
Ed,
I think the dipsick tube tube is the only way. In the past I used a drill pump by Jabsco but now use a hand pump to suck the oil to a plastic container for disposal. It works great and takes only a few minutes. As you know, there is only one quart per engine to suck out.
Another procedure I learned from other PDQers is to remove the oil screens, hold them over a glass pickle jar and blast them with automotive carburetor cleaner using the little pipete that comes with the can. It cleans them very well for reuse. I then discard the dirty cleaner with the oil.
By the way, I also installed 2003 engines and one of them seems to have a chronic minor intrusion of seawater into the lower unit evidenced by a milky mixture when I check it. Eventually this could cause a breakdown of the unit so I will pursue it under warranty. I did have the same problem with this engine when changing the lower unit gear oil after the 25 hr run-in. The dealer replaced the shift rod seal under warranty at that time. Unfortunately I think the only way to check the lower units is to pull the engine or if the boat is hauled. I have the luxury of having the boat on a lift so I can work under it. You ar welcome to the lift if you are ever in the Punta Gorda, Fl area.
Chet
Allezcat 36010
I think the dipsick tube tube is the only way. In the past I used a drill pump by Jabsco but now use a hand pump to suck the oil to a plastic container for disposal. It works great and takes only a few minutes. As you know, there is only one quart per engine to suck out.
Another procedure I learned from other PDQers is to remove the oil screens, hold them over a glass pickle jar and blast them with automotive carburetor cleaner using the little pipete that comes with the can. It cleans them very well for reuse. I then discard the dirty cleaner with the oil.
By the way, I also installed 2003 engines and one of them seems to have a chronic minor intrusion of seawater into the lower unit evidenced by a milky mixture when I check it. Eventually this could cause a breakdown of the unit so I will pursue it under warranty. I did have the same problem with this engine when changing the lower unit gear oil after the 25 hr run-in. The dealer replaced the shift rod seal under warranty at that time. Unfortunately I think the only way to check the lower units is to pull the engine or if the boat is hauled. I have the luxury of having the boat on a lift so I can work under it. You ar welcome to the lift if you are ever in the Punta Gorda, Fl area.
Chet
Allezcat 36010
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- admiral
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- Joined: Sat May 08, 2004 1:30 pm
- Location: Washington, NC (34108)
I also use the method that Chet discusses. There is essentially no mess and you can store the used oil in the container until you reach a place where you can dispose of it. If you tilt the engine a little bit, you can get the last amount of oil out.
Also, I carry a spare filter assembly and oil dipstick just in case I drop one overboard.
Also, I carry a spare filter assembly and oil dipstick just in case I drop one overboard.
Ron McDaniel
TK III 34108
TK III 34108
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- 1st mate
- Posts: 38
- Joined: Sat May 08, 2004 10:53 am
- Location: Titusville
The method I use is to tape a 1/2 gallon ZipLock bag under the drain plug.
I use strips of Duct tape to fasten it. .
THERE ARE HAZARDS TO USING THIS METHOD!
Use a paper towel to clean the area under the plug.
You must insure a good seal between the lower end and the bag.
You need to assist shaping the bag as it fills.
Ensure that the tape and bag don’t interfere with the drain plug removal.
Always have paper towels ready to catch any leakage.
If I can find a hand pump that works better than the last two I tried, I’ll give Chet's method another go.
I use strips of Duct tape to fasten it. .
THERE ARE HAZARDS TO USING THIS METHOD!
Use a paper towel to clean the area under the plug.
You must insure a good seal between the lower end and the bag.
You need to assist shaping the bag as it fills.
Ensure that the tape and bag don’t interfere with the drain plug removal.
Always have paper towels ready to catch any leakage.
If I can find a hand pump that works better than the last two I tried, I’ll give Chet's method another go.
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- admiral
- Posts: 204
- Joined: Sat May 08, 2004 1:58 am
- Location: Philadelphia.Pa 36021
Hi Everyone, For the last 5 years I've been using a 2 gal. oil can with a vacuum hand pump on it. I think it's called "Topside". I pump all the air out of the can, insert the hose into the dipstick tube, release the clamp, & it sucks all the oil into the can. The whole process, for both engines, only takes a few minutes, without spilling a single drop. I have had to carry the can for over a week sometimes before finding a place to empty it.
Marc Here's 2 Life 36021
Marc Here's 2 Life 36021
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- 1st mate
- Posts: 38
- Joined: Sat May 08, 2004 10:53 am
- Location: Titusville
Oil Changes
Thanks Marc, bought one today
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- deckhand
- Posts: 11
- Joined: Fri Jul 02, 2004 9:27 am
- Location: Marco Island, FL
I pump the oil out through the oil dip stick hole, not the oil filler hole. The dip stick hole leads directly to the bottom of the oil pan which is difficult to reach through thr oil filler. This is the simplist, safest, and cleanest way to do it. Oil Hand pumps are not expensive and are available at most any marine retail store.
Lee Henderson, Marco Island, FL
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- 1st mate
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Check out the new Pela 2000 Oil-Extractor at http://www.pelaproducts.com