Questions regarding the Apex 5.7

[MTT1979]

I'm farely new to the Nautique world as I just bought a 02 SANTE last month and have a few questions. I've owned an inboard boat for 8 years prior to this one so I do know a little. My boat has the Apex 5.7 which I don't know alot about. I was looking for one with the GT40 but couldn't find one. I went to change the oil and pulled a little over 4 quarts out. How much does this engine hold? My owners manual says 6, the dealer told me 5, and another book I printed off the web says 4. The level was good on the dipstick but I dont always trust them. Also I want to change the spark plugs and need to know the gap. Again one says .035 and the other says .045 so im confused. What does everybody think of the Apex engine? Thanks for any help

[swc5150]

The Apex is a strong and reliable engine. The Apex is 320HP w/ 375lb feet of torque. The GT40 is 310 w/ 375. The curve on the GT40 is supposed to be a little more conducive to slalom pull requirements, but that could be splitting hairs? I believe the Apex has a roller cam, which means you won't need to worry about the zinc levels in your oil, or the oil the previous owner used. As far as oil capacity, unless you use an extractor to suck the oil out of crankcase, you won't get all the old oil out, more than likely. You'll normally put about 5 quarts in. I'd put 4 or 4 1/2 in, or until the dipstick reads full, then run it around the lake and top it off if need be. I can't help you on the plug gap, but I'm sure someone will post it soon. If not, call Wes at Nautiqueparts.com (White Lake Marine). He'll know.

[Quinner]

Apex is a fine motor, pretty much the predecessor of the Excalibur. The Excal is 5qts with filter change, would imagine the Apex would be the same. Did you check your engine shroud or valve covers for basic engine information, if there, should answer your gap question and possibly the oil type and capacity as well (Excal is 15w40). Not sure what manuals you sourced for your info however I would give Ski-Dim and PCM a call with both your questions for a definitive answer.

[MTT1979]

Thanks for the replies I'll check the covers for info tonight. I did end up using an extractor and it appears to be around 4.5 quarts so I'll ad that much back and top it off if need be. I noticed my oil drain has a small leak where it threads into the oil pan. How hard is this to fix? I have both hard tanks out now and it looks like a tight fit but nows the time to fix it. I bought some valvoline 15W40 for refill. It says for Diesel engines but I suppose it'll be ok I've run it before in my mastercraft. Thanks again

[Mikeski]

oil capacity is dependent on filter capacity. Some filters hold 1/2 a quart and result in a total capacity of 4.5 quarts, other filters hold a full quart and result in a total capacity of 5 quarts. As MTT suggest there is also the residual oil if you don't get it all out. The 15w-40 should be fine for refill. If the plugs are copper tipped they should be 0.35, if they are platinum or irridium they should be 0.45, I think.

[MTT1979]

yeah that makes a lot of sense Mike. I didn't really think about the size of the filter. I think I'll go with 4.5 and ad if it needs it and gap the plugs at .035. I'll also try to tackle that drain hose leak. Looks like fun!

[shag]

Always try to check the oil level floating in the water, that's what I've always been told, and always do. Not that there is that much difference.