oil change

R

robbie lee

New Member
Jul 7, 2008
97
uk poole dorset
Boat Info
sundancer 26da 2007
Engines
bravo 111 350 mag
Hi guys need to change oil in my searay sundancer 24 50L mpi 2003/04 260 bhp with bravo 111 which oil should i use .plus spark plugs my dealer told me i dont need to change them after 100 hrs . do mpi engines have platium plugs

CHEERS
YO YO:smt021
 
I believe the correct oil for the '03 240DA with the 5.0 MPI is 25W-40. Should take 5 quarts if i remember correctly. Use a pump to take the oil out through the dipstick after its warmed up. Then use a screw driver (phillips head) and punch a hole in the top of the oil filter to drain whats in there into the crank. That way when you when you take the oil filter off, it won't spill oil all over the place (ask me how i learned that!).

If the engine only has 100 hours on it since the last time the plugs were changed, you probably dont need to change them. If there are only 100 hours on the engine since 2003, i would probably change them since 5 years is a long time. Just make sure you run the equivalent plug that is recommended and you can choose your favorite brand/type.

Hope this helps.

Mike
 
I tried to find what engine oil everyone here is running in their boat but doing an engine oil search came up with alot of threads. Does anyone have a preference?
 
Your manuals from 07 if like mine recommend Merc - Synthetic Blend - 25w40.
 
Could we use a different brand but with sythentic blend?
 
I always use the Mercury 25W-40 Synthetic Blend. I never pump it out through the tube but always pull the drain hose out through the garboard drain to be sure to get any contaminants from the bottom of the pan. Not sure about the capacity for your engine. It should be in your manual.

Almost sure you have platinum tipped plugs, if so remember they are good for 100,000 miles in auto usage -- that equates to 1000's of hours. I have the 350MAG and the same basic engine in my Tahoe. When I changed those plugs at 98,000 miles they had virtually no wear.

Good Luck!:smt001
 
If it were me and I did not know when the plugs where changed last, I would change them, it's cheap enough..same goes for all filters and any other regular maintenance. Start a log too.
 
Do you have the manual? All fluids, etc and recommended intervals are outlined there.
Also shows lubrication points and recommended grease for things like gimbal bearing etc.
 
The drain plug is the way to go to let your oil out. Just make sure your engine is warm, it will greatly speed the process. Also make sure you change your fuel filter and clean the air arrestor.

Check with Mercury on the plugs you use. I use the APP's Autolite double platniums because they run better in some of my motors.

I use the mercury synthetic recommended by the manual. That way they can't complain if there is a warranty issue.
 
"I use the mercury synthetic recommended by the manual. That way they can't complain if there is a warranty issue."

+1

For our remans, Jasper said "use this oil" so we did, for 18 months while under warranty, then we switched to synthetic.
 
I will be doing my first oil change on mine soon. I've had the service dept do my last two.
I'll use Merc's Synthetic blend.
From Merc's website
faqs_temp.gif


The marine engines really want oils with the NMMA FC-W, not be confused with FC-3 motor oil.

NOTE: The use of non-detergent oils, multi-viscosity oils (other than as specified), non-FC-W rated synthetic oils, low quality oils or oils that contain solid additives are specifically not recommended.
 
I just changed my oil and filter today. I used the synthetic blend 25w-40 and used 4.5 qt.

This process took me about 2 hours because I didn't warm up the engine long enough and I was constantly pumping out the oil. Just make sure you warm the engine for atleast 15 minutes.
 
I use the merc 25-40 (non-synthetic) since I change the oil about every 50 hrs. (plus my manual recommends this. I don't think they had merc synthetic in 1999). As others state, use the merc reccomendation.

BTW- I am a big advocate for changing the plugs and using never-seize. I have had to pull plugs that were rusted in the head and it is not fun. I use double platinum but only because my company built the machine that assembles them and I have a case of them!!! Even on boats I don't have bulk stock plugs for, I change them yearly when I start the motor in the spring.

Mark
 
A OEM Service Manual is a smart investment if you plan to do whatever maintenance you can yourself and save substantial dollars. You can order them thru Mercruymarine or www.sterndrives.com If you are lucky, it may be listed for free (PDF File) on a site called www.marine-engines.wikia.com That's how I got my free copy for my 8.1L MPI MIE. Good luck.
 
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