PSA on DIY oil change

Texomakid

Texomakid

Member
Jun 11, 2021
25
Boat Info
2005 280 Sundancer
Engines
Twin 5.0 w/Bravo III Drives
Hey gang, I'm new to the forum and new to our 280DA but trying to get up to speed as quickly as possible. What I'm not new at is mechanical stuff in general.

So, I did my first Mercruiser 5.0 oil change today on both engines. I purchased everything needed including a nice pump/bucket combo (worked like a charm) and all is good :)
IMG_7485.jpeg

Here's the PSA part - oil filters only need to be hand tight. That's it! it's like magic and 99 times out of 100 you won't have any issues. I was lucky to have gotten this filter off without major intervention (not the first time I've had to remove a filter from a previous over zealous grease monkey)
IMG_7486.jpeg

Anyway between basic knowledge & a couple of Youtube videos this was a breeze.
 
I have seen more than a few 6.5l diesels taken out by the paper inside the fram filters. And I knew a guy that had a $20k full blown race engine just completed and was using the fram for the break in. Broke it in alright. The cardboard paper valve in the filter came apart and into the engine.

I wouldn't trust one in my lawn mower. But it's your choice.
 
scoflaw said:
You should know the stats. Friends don't let friends use that crap
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I'm very much aware of the "stats" but to be honest this was my post and thread just making a subtle suggestion to any of those members who plan to change their own oil & filter change and think they might need to tighten that filter with a filter wrench. Hand tight only will suffice. Also I'm new to the forum and just really wanted to participate a little in the forum. Really didn't expect a pack of filter snobs to attach my post right off the bat.

As far as Fram filters? I'm aware of what's out there on the internet and I've done my own due diligence on filter over the years (that includes all the YouTube videos) as well as dozens of opened canisters after use in our shop. I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't troll my post. If you've got a beef with Fram filters I politely suggest you start your own thread and hammer away at the Orange can of Death.....
 
Texomakid said:
I'm very much aware of the "stats" but to be honest this was my post and thread just making a subtle suggestion to any of those members who plan to change their own oil & filter change and think they might need to tighten that filter with a filter wrench. Hand tight only will suffice. Also I'm new to the forum and just really wanted to participate a little in the forum. Really didn't expect a pack of filter snobs to attach my post right off the bat.

As far as Fram filters? I'm aware of what's out there on the internet and I've done my own due diligence on filter over the years (that includes all the YouTube videos) as well as dozens of opened canisters after use in our shop. I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't troll my post. If you've got a beef with Fram filters I politely suggest you start your own thread and hammer away at the Orange can of Death.....
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Respectfully, most of the posters on here are seasoned boaters. They change oil in their sleep. The Oil filter debate is a long and storried one (So is the portable generator debate). Bottom line, seasoned boaters don't just go for the cheapest due the the marine environment. Stick around, there is plenty of helpful information from these guys.
 
I always put my Mercury brand filters on by hand, and not that tight.
For some reason they are a bitch to get off at end of season. I find they are are much easier to remove after the engine is cool.
 
Golfman25 said:
Respectfully, most of the posters on here are seasoned boaters. They change oil in their sleep. The Oil filter debate is a long and storried one (So is the portable generator debate). Bottom line, seasoned boaters don't just go for the cheapest due the the marine environment. Stick around, there is plenty of helpful information from these guys.
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So you assume I'm not a seasoned boater and my choice of filter on this particular oil change is because I'm cheap? I was just proud of my bucket and pump. found a filter that was entirely overtightened and shared that issue with others. Now, I'm a rookie boater that goes the cheap route?

You really don't know me nor have a clue sport. Maybe there's more to the story than you know?

Man, is the forum always this way? I've never in my life been attacked like this. Not sure I'm really wanting to be a part of this crowd. Y'all have a good day. I'm out.
 
Texomakid said:
So you assume I'm not a seasoned boater and my choice of filter on this particular oil change is because I'm cheap? I was just proud of my bucket and pump. found a filter that was entirely overtightened and shared that issue with others. Now, I'm a rookie boater that goes the cheap route?

You really don't know me nor have a clue sport. Maybe there's more to the story than you know?

Man, is the forum always this way? I've never in my life been attacked like this. Not sure I'm really wanting to be a part of this crowd. Y'all have a good day. I'm out.
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Chill out....its just part of the initiation process :p
 
I'm reading through this as an innocent bystander here. Kid, I don't see anyone here attacking you. In fact, I read it as simply another "PSA" to be aware of. What if you DIDN'T know that Fram wasn't so good... wouldn't the advice to not use it be beneficial? Afterall, no one here knows what you do and do not know. Scof also recommended a couple filters that WOULD be good. Again, I see that only as beneficial.

Yes, those pumps are nice - certainly makes things easier. The one you have works well - but if you really get into DIY'ing and/or helping out others, you might consider upgrading the bronze head model - it sucks faster... ;) And, lasts longer. If you're just doing simple, once a year stuff, the one you have will be just fine.

Suggestion... peel back your carpet before doing the oil change... gel is easier to clean than carpet should there be an accident.

Side note... I've opened up a few dozen filters used on small block Mercs... in two of them, the pleats had completely separated allowing unfiltered oil to go right through. Guess what brands they were? :)
 
It's more like, you made a post to help others. Which is appreciated. Someone spotted something where they felt they could help you. But it doesn't seem like you appreciate the help that was offered? Fram filters are well known for not only providing poor filtration but also falling apart. Wix filters are not.
 
Welcome to CSR and congrats on the DIY's.

I've only done a few oil changes so far on my 5.0's and I found the same when I 1st started.

Seems like the marina tech's love to crank them up tight.
 
Texomakid said:
So you assume I'm not a seasoned boater and my choice of filter on this particular oil change is because I'm cheap? I was just proud of my bucket and pump. found a filter that was entirely overtightened and shared that issue with others. Now, I'm a rookie boater that goes the cheap route?

You really don't know me nor have a clue sport. Maybe there's more to the story than you know?

Man, is the forum always this way? I've never in my life been attacked like this. Not sure I'm really wanting to be a part of this crowd. Y'all have a good day. I'm out.
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No I assume you're not a seasoned boater because you admitted you did your first 5.0 oil change, had to buy the pump and bucket, and watch a few you tube videos. Then you proceeded to school us on how to hand tighten an oil filter. As Fred indicated, even when hand tightened they can be a real bitch to get off. Nobody's attacking you -- Just challenging your choice of the orange filter, a challenge based on a decade of debate and research.

If you really want to start something and see sparks fly, start a post how you'll be using your portable Honda generator. :)
 
Golfman25 said:
No I assume you're not a seasoned boater because you admitted you did your first 5.0 oil change, had to buy the pump and bucket, and watch a few you tube videos. Then you proceeded to school us on how to hand tighten an oil filter. As Fred indicated, even when hand tightened they can be a real bitch to get off. Nobody's attacking you -- Just challenging your choice of the orange filter, a challenge based on a decade of debate and research.

If you really want to start something and see sparks fly, start a post how you'll be using your portable Honda generator. :)
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I run my Honda Gen in the salon so I don’t have to hear it when I’m outside enjoying the water, what’s wrong with that?? Sorry, couldn’t resist…
 
I am an avid amateur tribologist and follow all the oil related forums. Fram had a bad name for many years. In the last decade, their XG and TG filters have shown to be reliable, and economical. The orange can filters of past were not particularly good. But in the past few years even those have been upgraded. Are they the best made filter, not really, but are they fit for purpose, sure. Every filter brand has manufacturing flaws and you can easily find pictures of failed filters from fram, wix, purolator, mobil1, Napa, ….. in the past few years Purolator was the highest defect filter until they improved their manufacturing process.
So feel free to flame the orange can, but you are likely spreading dated and incorrect information.
All that said, would I use one on my boat, no, but only because for another dollar or 2 I can get a better made filter with higher filtration and flow rates.
 
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Texomakid said:
Wow 3 for 3. Anyone else wanna pile on?
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Don't take it personally. There are many knowledgeable members here willing to help. Sometimes it’s like high school without the teachers and there will be some jabs thrown around but all in good fun.

By the way, I think the Honda Service department hires the same 800 lb. gorillas to install their oil filters as a Mercruiser service department. They can be nearly impossible to remove too.

Also try putting the spanner wrench as close to the base of the filter as possible. Putting the pressure of the spanner around steel base plate will help to prevent crushing the filter can.
 
Don’t give the guy such a hard time. Looks like he has a nice 280da and is trying to keep it maintained. And sharing some info - oil filters are a PIA somehow no matter what they end up ridiculously tight. As far as oil filters I don’t use Fram now - but years ago I did 2000hrs of Fram oil and fuel filters on my Correct Craft - this was before the vast wisdom of google and YouTube - not one issue related to the Fram filters. Are they the best - no, do I use them today - no, but they aren’t the engine killers some people seem to make them out to be. The are many other engine killers out there that will get you before the Fram oil filter.

I do use a lot of Sierra parts and no issues - just like oil filters over time you learn which parts are good, bad or maybe you just like them. For example, I started using AC Delco oil filters, I found a good source, they are OEM and I like the blue color. Are they the best - no, as good as Wix or NAPA, don’t know, good enough to last one year / 50hrs in my boat - absolutely.

And for what it is worth, I generally use NAPA filters in my cars.

So don’t get worked up and leave over the Fram filters - if you like them - use them - not going to hurt anything. This can be a tough crowd on some topics, but the intentions are mostly good.
 
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