Changing Oil in 120 Merc

[1984SportCraft]

So, I am the proud new owner of a 1984 Sport Craft with a 120 Merc. The oil has not been changed in the last year and judging by the looks of it on the dipstick, it could stand to be changed. Unfortunately, this is my first I/O and I wanted to be sure what I was doing before I jumped in with both feet.<br /><br />Am I correct in assuming the oil has to be "sucked" out through the dipstick check hole and if so, what is the best way to do this?<br /><br />Also, should I replace the filter while I am at it? And of course lastly, what oil would anyone recommend for putting back in. I am loving the boat and hope she will last me several good years.<br /><br />Thanks in advance for anyone's input.

 

[dixieboater165]

Re: Changing Oil in 120 Merc

It is easier with a suction pump that is inserted in the dipstick tube, but it does have a conventional drain plug. I just changed my Merc 165 w/o the pump. There isn't room for a pan so I used clear tubing and taped it to a funnel and ran it out the drain plug hole into a bucket. If you are going to be changing the oil yourself regulary, it will probably be worth it to buy a pump. I intend to, but it can be done w/o it. Always change the filter every time you change the oil. There are a thousand opinions on this, but I use straight 40 weight like the Clymer says. Good luck with your new boat.

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Changing Oil in 120 Merc

Am I correct in assuming the oil has to be "sucked" out through the dipstick check hole and if so, what is the best way to do this?<br />

Look Here<br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/mall/index.cg...t pump&**********=994270277&*******=714869865 <br /><br />

Also, should I replace the filter while I am at it?

Yes Always<br /><br />Refere to your owners manual for oil recomendations.<br /><br />As for brand of oil. Your preferance.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Changing Oil in 120 Merc

i got me a tempo brand oil sucker. ya many not need one, but it sure beats the alternitive. believe i got it from overtons. it works real well. sorry i can't give ya a model # but ya just pump it up and it creates a vacum and sucks the oil right out the dip stick hole. very clean, no muss, no fuss and easy to transport to the oil recycler. it was about $50. <br />yep, i change my filter at ea. oil change also. i use the merc. 25W-40 stuff and a merc filter. i like the oem stuff.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Changing Oil in 120 Merc

Wow, what an oportunity to start another oil descusion.<br /><br /> But I wont

 

[jeff13601]

Re: Changing Oil in 120 Merc

If the boat is out of the water I drain mine from the bottom. I bought a small funnel for a dollar and six feet of large gas line. I cut the tip of the funnel off so I could squeeze the gas line over it. I then slide the other end out of the plug and into a jug. You have to drain it slower and hold the funnel under the drain plug but it gets all of the old oil out.

 

[Phantom17]

Re: Changing Oil in 120 Merc

I didn't see it here, but make sure you run the engine to temp before you do it, obviously make sure you have water to it. Cool oil will be slow, hot oil will go better and faster for you. Try to get as much sludge as you can since it's been a while. Good luck.-Jeff

 

[1984SportCraft]

Re: Changing Oil in 120 Merc

Thanks for all the info and I wish I could consult my owners manual, but it did not come with one. <br /><br />Appreciate all the helpful tips.