Winterization - oil change after little use

[TheRussian]

I have changed my lower unit and engine oil approximately one month ago while the oil was cold (4.3 Alpha 1 Gen 2). The reason for this was because my engine was partially submerged and I changed the oil before I got it running again. Engine oil was changed by draining oil pan instead of going though the dip stick, filter was also changed. I have had the boat out only 2 times since then. There was no sign of water in either of the oils. Will I have to change both again when I winterize the boat in the upcoming weeks? I anticipate that I may have the boat out maybe just one more time, weather permitting.
Thanks!

 

[alldodge]

Re: Winterization - oil change after little use

The old saying it's your boat you get to decide. My Rinker gets very minimal use, maybe 15 hours at most during the fall season when I pull the Formula out. I change the oil in it every other year and have been doing so for the last 5 or 6 years. Still change the impeller every other but oil and filter no. If something happens because of this it's my fault, while I do take care of my stuff (other opinions and jury still out) it's my decission.

Formula gets changed every year.

 

[Volphin]

Re: Winterization - oil change after little use

I have changed my lower unit and engine oil approximately one month ago while the oil was cold (4.3 Alpha 1 Gen 2). The reason for this was because my engine was partially submerged and I changed the oil before I got it running again. Engine oil was changed by draining oil pan instead of going though the dip stick, filter was also changed. I have had the boat out only 2 times since then. There was no sign of water in either of the oils. Will I have to change both again when I winterize the boat in the upcoming weeks? I anticipate that I may have the boat out maybe just one more time, weather permitting.
Thanks!

I'd let her ride. The water didn't reach the starter did it?

 

[achris]

Re: Winterization - oil change after little use

Before you 'store' the boat, take a sample of the drive oil from bottom plug. Any sign of water, change it. If the oil is still good, clean and blue colour, you're a happy camper....

Chris.......

 

[TheRussian]

Re: Winterization - oil change after little use

I'd let her ride. The water didn't reach the starter did it?

Yep, it sure did. About 2/3 of engine was under water. I had to replace the starter. Pulled plugs, changed engine, outdrive and trim oil. Engine is running fine now though. Checked the alternator and it is also working.

 

[TheRussian]

Re: Winterization - oil change after little use

Formula gets changed every year.

What do you mean by formula... the engine oil? So if I had replaced it a month earlier (even without warming the engine) there is no real need to change it then?

 

[achris]

Re: Winterization - oil change after little use

What do you mean by formula... the engine oil? So if I had replaced it a month earlier (even without warming the engine) there is no real need to change it then?

'Formula' is a boat brand...

What do you mean by formula... the engine oil? So if I had replaced it a month earlier (even without warming the engine) there is no real need to change it then?

If there's no water in it, I'd leave it....

 

[ricohman]

Re: Winterization - oil change after little use

I notice you are also a canuk.
Anyway, the oil on the dipstick does not always represent whats in the sump.
For the little it costs, and the fact your engine was submerged, I would spend a few bucks and change it. Lets face it. Our boats sit from September until June (at least in SK) and the oil in the motor should be as free of moisture as you can get it.

 

[britisher]

Re: Winterization - oil change after little use

There is another thread going on right now on exactly the same subject of should you change oil/filter on winterization. There are many differing views.

Quick question to achris.... I have yet to change motor oil in my boat (not yet had it long enough), but been changing motor oil in car engines for 40+ plus years. I have never seen BLUE oil. Golden Brown when new and mucky Black when changing it, but never Blue. Is that an Aussie thing???

 

[TheRussian]

Re: Winterization - oil change after little use

For the little it costs, and the fact your engine was submerged, I would spend a few bucks and change it. Lets face it.

I have changed the oil after the submersion... just trying to get opinion on getting it changed AGAIN after having already changed it this season with minimal use after.

 

[ricohman]

Re: Winterization - oil change after little use

I have changed the oil after the submersion... just trying to get opinion on getting it changed AGAIN after having already changed it this season with minimal use after.

I know. Just giving my opinion.
When I dunk my FJ40 it can take a few changes to get all the water out of the crankcase.

 

[jackd1023]

Re: Winterization - oil change after little use

There is another thread going on right now on exactly the same subject of should you change oil/filter on winterization. There are many differing views.

Quick question to achris.... I have yet to change motor oil in my boat (not yet had it long enough), but been changing motor oil in car engines for 40+ plus years. I have never seen BLUE oil. Golden Brown when new and mucky Black when changing it, but never Blue. Is that an Aussie thing???

He is talking about the premium drive oil being blue. I think, I just want to know if he wants another shrimp on the barbee

 

[jackd1023]

Re: Winterization - oil change after little use

There is another thread going on right now on exactly the same subject of should you change oil/filter on winterization. There are many differing views.

Quick question to achris.... I have yet to change motor oil in my boat (not yet had it long enough), but been changing motor oil in car engines for 40+ plus years. I have never seen BLUE oil. Golden Brown when new and mucky Black when changing it, but never Blue. Is that an Aussie thing???

He is talking about the premium drive oil being blue. I think, I just want to know if he wants another shrimp on the barbee

 

[Moose truck]

Re: Winterization - oil change after little use

He is talking about the premium drive oil being blue. I think, I just want to know if he wants another shrimp on the barbee

In Oz, it's a Prawn on the barbee...

 

[britisher]

Re: Winterization - oil change after little use

He is talking about the premium drive oil being blue. I think, I just want to know if he wants another shrimp on the barbee

When you look at oil through a full beer bottle, it still looks Golden Brown!!! So Premium Oil is Blue, then you can buy Royal Purple Oil. God knows how you cope if your color blind. LOL

 

[Another retired guy]

Re: Winterization - oil change after little use

I have changed my lower unit and engine oil approximately one month ago while the oil was cold (4.3 Alpha 1 Gen 2). The reason for this was because my engine was partially submerged and I changed the oil before I got it running again. Engine oil was changed by draining oil pan instead of going though the dip stick, filter was also changed. I have had the boat out only 2 times since then. There was no sign of water in either of the oils. Will I have to change both again when I winterize the boat in the upcoming weeks? I anticipate that I may have the boat out maybe just one more time, weather permitting.
Thanks!

You don't say how many hours the engine has run since the oil change. The question now is not if there is any water in the oil, but are there any combustion contaminants in the oil. Older engines run dirty with (maybe) leaking valve guides and piston blow-by which will contaminate the oil very quickly. With a storage time of around 7 months you don't want the engine internals to be coated in contaminated oil.
Check the oil color - if it looks black, then change it.

 

[achris]

Re: Winterization - oil change after little use

Quick question to achris.... I have yet to change motor oil in my boat (not yet had it long enough), but been changing motor oil in car engines for 40+ plus years. I have never seen BLUE oil. Golden Brown when new and mucky Black when changing it, but never Blue. Is that an Aussie thing???

Nope, not an 'Aussie thing'... Drive oil is blue (or should be if it's High Performance Gear Lube)....

 

[Rick Stephens]

Re: Winterization - oil change after little use

I have changed the oil after the submersion... just trying to get opinion on getting it changed AGAIN after having already changed it this season with minimal use after.

Change it again. Problem with only a little water in the oil is the acid build up as the water reacts with the oil and carbon. Doesn't take much. Safer on a marine engine to assume you should park it clean for the winter.

Rick

 

[achris]

Re: Winterization - oil change after little use

I guess the bottom line here is....

What's worth more, the oil or the engine?

Chris.....

 

[ricohman]

Re: Winterization - oil change after little use

Better get on it. Winter is coming as it was -4 this morning.