Did oil change. Oil still black. What the heck?

[Tmakaro]

So I just did an oil change for the first time on my new boat. The motor is a 2010 Mercruiser 4.3L
After putting in new oil and running the motor for about 30 seconds, I check the dipstick and the oil is still black! I don't ever remember this happening to me on my old boat. What gives?

To remove the oil I warmed the boat up and then pumped out the oil through the dip stick. I then pulled out the oil hose through the transom plug and drained anything that might be left over. I let it sit like that for two hours before adding in new oil. Yes I did put on a new filter.

 

[MarkSee]

Re: Did oil change. Oil still black. What the heck?

Seems like you did it all the right way; actually both ways.

The oil capacity of the 4.3 with filter as listed in Merc. service man. #25 shows 4 1/2 quarts.

Do you think about that much oil drained out or was there quite a bit less than that?

Mark

 

[Tmakaro]

Re: Did oil change. Oil still black. What the heck?

Hard to believe that there would be oil left over after waiting two hours. I put back in 3.8 liters which is what Google said for 2002 and up.

 

[Tmakaro]

Re: Did oil change. Oil still black. What the heck?

Hmm, my seloc repair manual says 4.3 liters. I'll have to check the dipstick level again. I put 3.8 to 3.9 liters in so it might be low. If it is not low then I didn't empty it out completely but how would that be possible?

 

[MarkSee]

Re: Did oil change. Oil still black. What the heck?

4.3 liters and 4 1/2 quarts is the same measurement.

It is recommended to also fill by looking at the level on the dipstick so what does that show now? You may actually not be low.

Is the boat in the water or on a trailer? This can also affect how the level looks.

The seloc manual leaves a little to be desired so here is a link to the Merc. manual you can view online or print the sections you need:
Boatinfo - Mercruiser Service Manual nr. 32 - 2001-Up - Engines - 4.3L V6 (262)

Mark

 

[Tmakaro]

Re: Did oil change. Oil still black. What the heck?

Thanks for the manual link. I'm wondering if I maybe didn't let the motor heat up enough? I'm thinking I might add a flush additive, run it for the recommended time and then put on another new filter and new oil. This time I will make sure it is completely warmed up.

 

[achris]

Re: Did oil change. Oil still black. What the heck?

Quite a lot of oil is held in oil galleys in the engine, the lifters and pushrods, the top of the cylinder heads, the valley area, the lines between the remote oil filter and the engine block, and also in the pump itself (even after the engine has been draining for a few days). To leave half a litre (or more) in the engine is not unusual. If that oil is quite black, then it will discolour the new oil quickly.

I have need to remove my engine and drop the sump pan off on a disturbingly regular basis :facepalm:, and even after the engine has been sitting on the stand for 2 days (with the sump off), it's still dripping oil from the crank and cam shafts and the oil pump pick-up screen...

Chris....

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Did oil change. Oil still black. What the heck?

What achris said plus - Did you use the tongue jack to lift or lower the bow so the oil drain was as low as possible? You never get all the old oil out and the new stuff will discolor in very short order.

In my opinion, don't use any flushing junk! Why do you want to put kerosene or the equivalent in your crankcase? What you've described isn't unusual. Is this a new to you boat or are you the first owner? When was the prior oil changed and how much use did the boat have between oil changes?

 

[Utahboatnut]

Re: Did oil change. Oil still black. What the heck?

That old oil must have been pretty black stuff, i change mine every year and the oil coming out almost looks like it could be re-used. Still has that honey color to it, but i do agree that there will be a fair bit left in there which will darken the new stuff quickly. I would run it on the lake with what is in there now and then change if it still is bothering you. I personally dont like the additives but thats just me. What type of oil are you using? just curious..

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Did oil change. Oil still black. What the heck?

Agreed. The oil from my boat is never black as it just isn't run in the engine for long enough to get that dirty. I normally only put 20 hrs a year on the oil, so it comes out looking great each time. Not new mind you, just a darker shade of amber.

 

[500dollar744ti]

Re: Did oil change. Oil still black. What the heck?

If it's still black then change it again. Keep changing it until it's not black.

 

[ericga]

Re: Did oil change. Oil still black. What the heck?

If you have a remote oil filter did you loosen (or punched if upside down) the oil filter before pumping the oil?

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Did oil change. Oil still black. What the heck?

even after the engine has been sitting on the stand for 2 days (with the sump off), it's still dripping oil from the crank and cam shafts and the oil pump pick-up screen...

Chris....

Chris,

Could that possibly be from the additional "gravity" "down under"?

 

[Tmakaro]

Re: Did oil change. Oil still black. What the heck?

Success, this time I warmed the boat up completely and tried the boat trailer at different angles during the draining process. I also added a flush additive to the oil. Put on a new filter and oil and now it is clean.

The filter is unfortunately not remotely located. I practically had to dislocate my shoulder just to get at it.

 

[MarkSee]

Re: Did oil change. Oil still black. What the heck?

The filter is unfortunately not remotely located. I practically had to dislocate my shoulder just to get at it.

A 2010 engine and does not have the remote set up? I thought that was completely standard these days on the 4.3 but I guess not.

Might want to look at getting a remote oil filter kit next time you change the filter and never go through that again.

Mark

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Did oil change. Oil still black. What the heck?

I also added a flush additive to the oil.

I would suggest that you NOT do that again. Any diluting "additive" will increase the risk of breaking something loose (like any sludge or other particle) that if loose on the wrong (clean) side of the filter, could result in a (starved) spun/seized bearing and a possible catastrophic failure.

For others thinking you're "helping" using "Flushing Snake-Oils"..............

DON'T DO IT! Just change the oil with whatever oil you want to use at least every year, at the end of the season.


Regards,



Rick

 

[djmakko]

Re: Did oil change. Oil still black. What the heck?

Oil black? little unusual for a newer boat , mine is an 86' prior to the repower (i know i didn't winterized "on time"), old engine never had black oil, always brandy color...

 

[achris]

Re: Did oil change. Oil still black. What the heck?

Oil black? little unusual for a newer boat , mine is an 86' prior to the repower (i know i didn't winterized "on time"), old engine never had black oil, always brandy color...

I wouldn't think so. With the rings being new and not bedded in properly (allowing a little blow-by) and the rubbish fuels we have these days, I've seen oil go black pretty quickly...

JHMO,

Chris....
(The 'O' is for 'observations' )

 

[ricohman]

Re: Did oil change. Oil still black. What the heck?

I don't understand. Your boat is a 2010, and this is its first oil change?
It may indeed by black after a change.

 

[04fxdwgi]

Re: Did oil change. Oil still black. What the heck?

Gotta believe this 2010 boat is a "new to him" used boat and this is the 1st change the new owner has done. If, indeed this is the case, perhaps the prior owner was not that keen on regular maintenance and upkeep, which would cause concern and make me to go through everything with a fine tooth comb and make sure everything is in good shape.

If he has had the boat since 2010 and this is the 1st oil change that has been done, I would suggest getting his hands on a manual and follow at least the minimum recommended maintenance intervals. Three years would slightly exceed those intervals.