Preseason engine oil and filter, lower unit oil change questions.

[The NY Dad]

The boat is still in storage so I can't look for myself, it's coming out this weekend. I want to get the Engine oil and filter, and lower unit oil so I can change them before the boat goes in the water. I found the oil recommendation and capacity in the Mercruiser manual, but nothing on the filter number or its location. The boat is a 2011 185 Sport 4.3TKS. I'm hoping it has a remote filter location so I don't have to be a triple jointed contortionist to change it. Can anyone help me out here.

According to the Mercruiser manual the lower unit has a capacity of 64 fluid ounces does that include the capacity of the gear lube monitor?

What is a good after market lower unit oil, I can't see paying mercury prices on oil. Thanks for the help

 

[BillK2632]

I just use the Mercruiser oils and gear lube so I can't comment on a good aftermarket brand. As far as oil filter, if it's a remote filter it's the 35-866340Q03 and you could cross reference it to another brand. If it's not the remote, then it's the standard GM 4.3 oil filter, there is a short and a long one, I use the long one and generally get them from NAPA - FIL1036.

 

[KevinC]

Just get the Quicksilver 25W-40 oil and the Quicksilver filter mentioned above. Pick them up at Walmart and save some money - not much more expensive. Oil is about $25/gal and the filter is about $7ea

-Kevin

 

[ThorSen]

I’ll add I’ve had to call Mercury twice with technical questions and they have bowled me over with both their accessibility and their willingness / ability to answer oil and other maintenance questions conclusively. Best o’ Success!

 

[The NY Dad]

I’ll add I’ve had to call Mercury twice with technical questions and they have bowled me over with both their accessibility and their willingness / ability to answer oil and other maintenance questions conclusively. Best o’ Success!

 

[Ididntdoit]

do not use anything but the green mercruiser hi performance gear lube in your drive......as for oil - the 25-40 dino mercruiser is cheap enough.......why not run it?

 

[paulswagelock]

I wouldn’t deviate from Merc high performance lower unit oil.

As for engine oil, go to Wally World and get a 15w40 diesel oil, will cost around $12 for 4 qts.

Oil filters, find the napa cross over from the Merc part number and all is good for that engine.