oil change tips

[Nbigger]

I am doing the first oil change on my boat since I bought it. I have put about 40 hours on it and now that I have it out I figure it is a good time. Is there any tips on what oil and filter I should use? I live in michigan so it does not get much over 90. Also is there any other things I need to change at this time other than the oil and filter.

Thanks for any info, Nick

[NautiqueJeff]

From the manual (see attachment).

I would use a Motorcraft FL-1A filter.

[MacedayDave]

Another oil filter choice is the AC-Delco PF-2. I use this filter because I cannot bear to put a Ford filter on a GM engine! Yellow_Flash_Colorz:

[NautiqueJeff]

He has a 1990, which has a Ford engine.

[Nbigger]

Thanks I will pick up a Motorcraft FL-1A filter and some SAE 30W. I forgot to mention I have a 351 ford motor.

Thanks again, Nick

[DanielC]

Get the engine hot. I plan my oil changes so I can do them after running the boat in the water for a while, not just with a flushing attachment in the driveway.
I have a small hand operated pump I use. I get ready to pull the boat out of the water, with the trailer in the water, and with the engine off, I hook the oil pump up to the engine. With the boat still floating, I start the engine, run the engine up to 2000 or 3000 RPM in neutral, for about 10 to 20 seconds, shut the engine off and suck oil out. I then pull the boat onto the trailer with the winch strap.
I take the boat home, and thread the oil drain hose through drain plug hole in the bottom of the boat, and let the oil drain overnight.

The next day, I lay some old rags in the bildge under the oil filter to catch any oil drips. Put some old towels down on the carpet where you are working. I then loosten the oil filter a little, and wrap an extra rag around the base of the oil filter. I keep that rag wrapped around the oil filter to catch any oil that wants to pour out of the oil filter. As soon as you can, hold the old oil filter base up. Carefully set the old oil filter somewhere safe, preferably out of the boat.
Pour about a pint of oil in the center hole of the new oil filter. Install that filter. PUT THE PLUG OR CAP BACK ON THE OIL DRAIN HOSE! Don't ask how I know. Rethread the oil drain hose back into position, and secure it. My GT-40 engine takes 4 1/2 quarts of oil.
Take the rags out of the bildge. Clean up any oil spills in the bilge. Simple Green works good for this. Pressure washing the bildge also can clean up a lot of gunk in there. A "quarter car wash" is an option if you do not have a pressure washer.
I have an oil change catch bucket I use when I change the oil in my cars, ETC. I put the old oil filter on it to drain. After the filter drains some. I punch a hole in the side of the old oil filter to let the rest of the oil drain out. When the filter is empty, you can throw it away. Do not throw an oil filter full of oil directly in your trash, drain it first.
Many auto parts stores will accept and recycle your used motor oil.
By running the engine right before you suck the oil out, you stir up any sediments in the bottom of the oil pan, and can remove them. Letting the engine drain overnight allows about an extra cup to a pint of oil to run out of the engine.
Every other oil change, or once a year, change your transmission oil.
Change your engine oil, and your transmission oil at the end of the season. Your boat will be happier with fresh non contaminated fluids in it for it's long winter's nap.

[skiinxs]

A nice way to keep oil from the filter from going everywhere is to put a big zip lock bag around the filter after you "break it loose" but before you loosen enough for the oil to start dripping out. I agree on running the boat for a while first. Even if you warm the engine to operating temp with a flush attachment, the oil takes a lot longer to come up to temp.
Dave

[jhiestand]

Hey Jeff, what manual is that from? The manuals for my '94 Sport and 01 Super both said/say to use 40W40 for temps 50F degrees and over, and 30W30 for 32F to 50F. Did PCM change their recommendation?

[AirTool]

Thanks I will pick up a Motorcraft FL-1A filter and some SAE 30W. I forgot to mention I have a 351 ford motor.

Thanks again, Nick

Note - if you use a Motorcraft filter and like the filter wrench that slips on the bottom of the filter like a socket.....you'll need the special Motorcraft pattern.

Or use a band wrench. Don't tighten with a wrench...just use the wrench to loosen.

AirTool

[DanielC]

When I install the oil filter, I only put it on as tight as I can do it with my left hand, one hand only. That way, when I want to remove it, both hands will usually do the trick.

[AirTool]

Good idea on the left hand biz. I take a box cutter or screwdriver and place a small scratch in the paint....give 'er a good spin then 3/4 of a turn by hand which is easy to figure with the scratch visible. Should be hand tight by then.

You trick is nice but I change the filter with it all HOT and prefer removal with a wrench to protect my tender, delicate, supple hands.

AirTool

[DanielC]

AT, that works too. I started to let the filters sit on the engine overnight, because I noticed less oil ran out than if I changed the oil filter right away. Less oil in the bildge that way.
The oil was running out of the oil galley, I think. The Motorcraft FL1-A filter has a very good anti drain back valve in it.
I have found it more difficult to hold a plastic bag around the filter on a Ford engine. On a GM engine, especially with the remote filter, the plastic bag works really good.
I am actually half way through an oil change tonight. Most of the oil is out, but some is still draining. Tomorrow morning, I will put the new filter on, and put new oil in.
2018.2 Hours and counting

[NautiqueJeff]

Hey Jeff, what manual is that from? The manuals for my '94 Sport and 01 Super both said/say to use 40W40 for temps 50F degrees and over, and 30W30 for 32F to 50F. Did PCM change their recommendation?

That's from the 1991 PCM engine manual. The 1990 manual is similar.

[03Air210]

I have a ZR6 and last week I fed the oil drain hose through the drain hole in the back and when I took of the end cap off to drain I got nothing??? Is there some form of petcock up under the motor?

[DanielC]

Was the engine hot? It can take little while for the oil to drain. That is why I use a suction pump to pull the oil out. Follow your drain hose back to the oil pan if there is a petcock, you will find it. My experience, there is no petcock