Best way to change oil

TBarCYa

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Apr 13, 2005
Messages
781
It's time to change the oil in my 1975 Mercruiser v8 Ford 302 so my question is what is the best way to remove the old oil? I'm reluctant to allow it to empty into the bilge unless someone can suggest one of those absorbant mats that will hold enough oil so I'm guessing that my only option is a pump. If there's another option I'm willing to look into it since the pumps cost more than the oil and filter for my change.

Another question I have is how much oil goes into this engine and does it use the same filter as the same engine in a truck?
 

smithrock

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 11, 2007
Messages
399
Re: Best way to change oil

What I do is, drain into a doubled up plastic trash bag. (No I don't then just throw it in the trash)! this works excellent for me--NO MESS !
 

laurido92

Recruit
Joined
Aug 23, 2006
Messages
2
Re: Best way to change oil

I had an oil pump you use with a drill. Run the engine with muffs for about 10-15 mins, until the oil warms up and then pump it out. It's nice and clean and you can use your regular oil pan. I bought mine for around $20. They're pretty easy to find.
Good luck
 

jontoronto27

Seaman
Joined
May 28, 2007
Messages
58
Re: Best way to change oil

Another question I have is how much oil goes into this engine and does it use the same filter as the same engine in a truck?

Get a pump. It's sooooooo much easier, I just jonesed my own extra fitting (if you're near a Princess Auto you can get the pump with the fitting for $9.99. Just put the other end of the pump in an empty jug sit on a rear seat, enjoy the afternoon.

1974 Ford 302 CID takes 5 U.S Quarts (6 if you're replacing the filter as well). Now the type of oil you use will very greatly depending on who you ask. Seloc says

32 Degrees F and above (SAE 30)
0-32 (Sae 20W)
0 and below (SAE 10W)

As for the filter.. I just put a Fram Double-Guard in mine.. haven't had a problem.
 

TBarCYa

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Apr 13, 2005
Messages
781
Re: Best way to change oil

Ok so straight 30 no multi-viscosity oil seeing as how I only boat when it's above 32 degrees. It's most likely the PF1 filter if it's a Fram I think but I'll check the book to be sure.

If I can get the pump for $10 then I'll definitely go that route. The pumps at the marine store are in the 40+ range.

Thanks.
 

jontoronto27

Seaman
Joined
May 28, 2007
Messages
58
Re: Best way to change oil

If I can get the pump for $10 then I'll definitely go that route. The pumps at the marine store are in the 40+ range.

Thanks.

Yeah I went to West Marine here in Toronto, 49.95 for the "Oil pump out kit" which was in there own West Marine Packaging. I ended up going to Canadian Tire and found THE EXACT SAME PUMP except this one was in plastic, and included an air fitting for pumping up bike tires as well, I paid 18 for that, later found another pump, that worked even better, and.. oh for pete's sake.. it's now $6.99 http://www.princessauto.com/_osn.cfm?CTRY=CAN&output=OSN&SRCH=1&SRCHAREA=OSN&T1=TRANSFER PUMP

If you're in the states, that's even less for you with exchange.
 

hal2814

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Feb 22, 2006
Messages
92
Re: Best way to change oil

I do the same as Smithrock. I've got a trashbag in a shallow box. Drain into that, pour into an oil pan, and off to the auto parts store to dump it when I'm done. I reuse the bag and box.
 

riverjet502

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Dec 28, 2006
Messages
116
Re: Best way to change oil

I had the local hydraulic shop make a 3/8 hose to fit my oil pan drain hole. (the oil pan has a 12 an fitting, "Milodon" oil pan) Bushed this down to 3/8. Slip hose through the bilge drain plug hole and then unscrew the cap on other end of hose and let it drain itself into a 5 gallon bucket lined with three trash bags.. Piece of cake....Oil filter is remotely mounted on transom... Piece of cake to change too... and no messes to clean up either....
 

DayCruiser

Ensign
Joined
Sep 24, 2004
Messages
953
Re: Best way to change oil

When in the water, I use the pump I bought from northern tools catalog. That pump has come in handy for pumping out water too. They have battery and manuel pumps. Out of water during winterizing, I let it drain out the bildge into a bucket. Anyway, whatever floats your boat :D
 

Rob454

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 9, 2005
Messages
508
Re: Best way to change oil

I just bought a harbor freight tools electric pump. The pump was 20$ and the hose and fittings ran me another 10$. this is the same pump that is used on the 150$ oil changing kits.
its SO much easier to change oil.
I woudnt trust trash bags. All I need is the corner of the bag to snag on something and I have 5-6 qt of oil all over the boat.
I was thinking of doing the drain hose in the old plug hole trick but my drain plug is part of the oil dipstick so I cant do that
Rob
 
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