Changing Oil in a Mercruiser I/O

FastAction · 07-09-2002, 03:20 PM

I have an older boat with a Mercruiser I/O. I want to change the oil in it. So I assume that I pull the plug and let it drain in that out the plug in the Transom! Then flush the oil out of the boat with some simple green or other de-greaser! Any tips or concerns would be helpful!

07-09-2002, 03:24 PM

After you finish draining the crank case put a fitting, hose and a ball valve in the drain. Next time you can hang the hose out of your boat drain and let the oil flow into a pan.
Don't forget to put a plug in the end of the hose in case the valve gets opened when you aren't ready for it :blush: .

[ 07-09-2002, 04:25 PM: Message edited by: Keta ]

Herring Impaired · 07-09-2002, 03:24 PM

Don't make a mess!

They have a pump that you can attach to the dipstick tube and pump it out from there. Much neater and cleaner.... But one thing I always hated about it is that it does not allow you to pump all the oil out...

This is a hand operated pump that screws on right at the dipstick. Guessing $10-$15 or so....
Mine had a hose so you could pump the oil right into a milk jug and recycle it.

[ 07-09-2002, 04:25 PM: Message edited by: Leroy ]

07-09-2002, 08:42 PM

Install the hose like Keta mentioned. I wouldnt let it drain into the boat as even a small amount can blow your I/O out of the water. Buy the pump and suck it out the dip stick.
Good Luck

Fool

Pilar · 07-10-2002, 07:31 AM

Do the remote oil change kit for $40. They give you 4' of hose, a brass fitting to replace the drain plug, extra pipe plugs and a cap for the end.

You will have to do the ugly oil change first. I have used an antifreeze bottle with a window cut in one of the flat sides. Then use clear poly hose and some tape and put the hose on the neck of the bottle. Run the hose out the bilge drain hole. This is far from perfect but it will be the last time. Warm up the engine, drain into the antifreeze bottle and dump it out into a pan on the driveway thru the duct taped drain hose. Use the same rig to change out your oil filter.

Then install your remote oil change kit. The next time you do an oil change just pull the hose out the bilge drain hole and set a pan under it. Pull the plug and wait 15 minutes. It's that easy and no mess.

Mercruiser recommends a 30 day or 25 hour oil and oil filter change interval. The reason is to minimize water contamination of the oil by condensation. Most boats get an oil change annually because it is such a pain in the keister.

07-10-2002, 07:47 AM

Pilar,
Someone makes a kit?

The anti freeze jug is a good idea, never seen it done that way. I have used a jug like that with the cap on and always spilled a little (sometimes more than a little) oil in the bilge. I had oil soak pads in the bilge and on the deck and then dumped Cheveron detergent in the bilge to clean up the mess. Your way is much cleaner. :smile:

Pilar · 07-10-2002, 08:32 AM

Keta, they have it at Fisherman's Marine. It is by JABSCO. $40 is cheap compared to oiling your boat, the harbor or the side of the CG boat writing you a ticket for an oil spill.