1st oil change

That was fast. Thanks

I've changed the oil on my cars for years by myself. Never has any problems.

1) Is this something I could do myself or leave to the experts?
2) What grade engine oil does the boat require?
3) How many quarts for a 4.3L engine?
4) Oil filter type?

Thanks coming from a newbie learning slowly.
 
I'm always a fan of the first drain being early. I'd do it by 10 hr's but admittedly, is probably overkill. But overkill is how I roll... :smt043

As for the rest, I would direct you to your owners manual. The info. is simple but I would always suggest you read the manual and follow what Merc. requires/suggests especially while they are warrantying it.

It'll also outline how yours can be drained. Or, you always have the old standby using a vacuum type pump on the dipstick tube like most of us do. But yours may have a drain tube or some other way to drain. I'm not sure what Merc. has done recently.
 
Searay Jim said:
I'm always a fan of the first drain being early. I'd do it by 10 hr's but admittedly, is probably overkill. But overkill is how I roll... :smt043

As for the rest, I would direct you to your owners manual. The info. is simple but I would always suggest you read the manual and follow what Merc. requires/suggests especially while they are warrantying it.

It'll also outline how yours can be drained. Or, you always have the old standby using a vacuum type pump on the dipstick tube like most of us do. But yours may have a drain tube or some other way to drain. I'm not sure what Merc. has done recently.
Click to expand...

There is a drain tube that is attached to the drain plug.
 
A drain tube !! What is this? Very handy but you haven't experienced burning your forearms on the warm exhaust manifolds trying to reach the oil pan bolt. Going by feel because you can not see the oil pan let alone the bolt. Dropping the wrench followed by the bolt into the bildge. Bloodshot eyes trying to remove the filter that was spun on by a factory tech that lifts his own weight with one arm. Forgetting to position the drain pan under the stern and dumping 4 and a half litres of black gold onto the laneway. Hearing "who took my sunlight soap" that you used to wash out the bildge at the end. Ahh drain tube, next thing will be a remote filter. Enjoy the task, it is a great feeling when it is completed.
 
Sweet Xscape....

I have an '06 Sea Ray Sport 195..... Got it last July..... When I put it up for the winter (if that's what you want to call it here in TX!) I changed all of the fluids..... Very easy task with the drain hose connected to the oil pan..... You just simply run the hose out of the drain plug (hose comes out right beneath the outboard unit) and into a bucket....

Granted, I did change the oil AFTER I had the boat out for several hours that day. It made draining the oil VERY EASY! Oil was still pretty hot, and when I pulled the plug on the drain hose, the oil flowed out with ease!

Another note: The expression "Killed two birds with one stone" comes to mind.... I purchased an oil filter wrench (the kind that fits over the end of the filter, uses a socket wrench) from the local AutoZone and that same wrench also fits my fuel/ water seperator filter.... Luck was on my side that day and it worked out pretty well.... I changed the fuel filter while I was doing the oil change... Pretty easy....

Oh yeah, what SeaRay Jim said..... Check your owners manual for the required fluids... That's where I got all of my information.... It also has step-by-step instructions listed....

Good luck... Very simple task.... Shouldn't be hard to do yourself....
 
dr.j said:
A drain tube !! What is this? Very handy but you haven't experienced burning your forearms on the warm exhaust manifolds trying to reach the oil pan bolt. Going by feel because you can not see the oil pan let alone the bolt. Dropping the wrench followed by the bolt into the bildge. Bloodshot eyes trying to remove the filter that was spun on by a factory tech that lifts his own weight with one arm. Forgetting to position the drain pan under the stern and dumping 4 and a half litres of black gold onto the laneway. Hearing "who took my sunlight soap" that you used to wash out the bildge at the end. Ahh drain tube, next thing will be a remote filter. Enjoy the task, it is a great feeling when it is completed.
Click to expand...

Sounds like fun :wink: I must confess that I let the dealer do it for now.
 
I'm going to give changing the engine oil a shot myself. I read the manual but must have overlooked the oil change section or forgotten. Ooops.

I just can't see myself paying someone else to do something I know how to do. You guys are the best. I'm going to change the oil at 10 hours to be 'safe'.
 
Sweet Xscape said:
I just can't see myself paying someone else to do something I know how to do. You guys are the best. I'm going to change the oil at 10 hours to be 'safe'.
Click to expand...

Right on. Or having someone else screw it up. I've heard my share of horror stories to stay away. Like putting on the oil plug so tight that a new oil pan is needed after attempting to remove it (friend of mine's car). And putting on the oil filter so tight, it cracks and drains oil everywhere while going down the highway (friend of wifes car). I'lll just do it myself and know the job is done correctly. :thumbsup:

Anyway, I use a device that pumps the oil out of the dipstick tube. Very nice; I can't remember the name brand but it is one of the better ones. No mess and easy. I don't have a tube like you guys do on your newer boats...
 
[quote="
I just can't see myself paying someone else to do something I know how to do. You guys are the best. I'm going to change the oil at 10 hours to be 'safe'.[/quote]


It all depends on time for me. If I have the time I'll do it, but I don't mind paying for certian services in life. I trust the service mechanic that does the work (that I pay for or warranty) on my boat so that's not an issue. I'm not saying that you or anyone shouldn't do the work yourself and understand that many people including myself enjoy getting under the hood so to speak. The way I look at it is if I try to do everything that has to be done myself I'd never get to use the boat cause I'd be to busy doing chores all weekend. :smt001
 
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