How to Change Boat Motor Oil
- 1). Inspect your engine to determine if you have an oil pan plug and if it's accessible. If not, you'll have to use a pump to remove the oil through the dipstick tube. Also find your oil filter and note its position.
- 2). Start the engine and allow it to warm up for five minutes. This makes oil removal easier and ensures that dirt and debris is circulated into the oil for removal. Turn off the motor.
- 3). Place a shallow container, such as an aluminum roasting pan, under the oil pan and plug if you're going to drain the oil from the bottom. Add a piece of plywood under the pan to provide stability, and place oil-absorbent rags around it. Remove the plug with a wrench or pliers and allow the oil to drain.
- 4). Locate the oil filter and place a container under it. Use a strap wrench to loosen the filter, then remove it by hand. If you have an awkwardly placed filter, take measures to catch the oil, such as using a plastic bag or a tin can as you loosen the filter. You'll still need a pan on the ground to catch the most of the oil, but a plastic bag or can will minimize excess spillage by allowing you to catch oil as the filter is removed and quickly transferring the filter to the bag. Replace the plug.
- 5). Connect the oil pump to the dipstick tube if you can't drain the oil via the oil pan. Some dipstick tubes have outer threads to accommodate a pump hose; others require a different kind of pump that simply consists of a pick-up hose that is placed in the dipstick tube and down into the oil pan. In either case, after the hose is in place, use the pump handle to pump the oil from the engine and into a bucket or other container.
- 6). Clean the oil filter housing with gasoline or kerosene. Install a new oil filter. Refer to your owner's manual for model type. Use your finger to coat the gasket of the new filter. Tighten the filer snugly by hand, then use the strap wrench to tighten another half or three-quarter turn. Older engines may have gaskets that need to be removed and replaced.
- 7). Add new oil per the manufacturer's specifications, both for oil type and amount. Use a funnel if needed. Smaller engines may require only four quarts. Large V-8 engines may take seven quarts.
- 8). Wipe any excess oil from the engine. Start the engine and check the pressure. Look for any leaks around the filter or dipstick.
- 9). Cut the engine, let it cool for five minutes, then check the oil level on the dipstick. Add more oil if required.
Source...