Winterizing.."ok" to change the oil/filter every other year, or best to chnge yearly?

[Jasoniboat]

Winterizing.."ok" to change the oil/filter every other year, or best to chnge yearly?

Winterizing....in addition to protecting the engine against freezing....is it "ok" to change the oil and oil filter, plus the fuel filter every other year, or is it best to change these components every year ?

I live in the Northwest, our boating season is somewhat short... we get a few days in May, a few days in June, then we try to use the boat most weekends in July and August. Typically we launch the boat and drive a few miles to the beach and anchor....so not a ton of hours are put on the boat.

My boat is garaged in the winter. In Portland, where I live, winters are generally mild, but we will get the occasional cold snap. I know there other people who garage their boats and take their chances and don't even winterize at all. I have chosen not to take that chance and to winterize. I have owned my boat for 3 seasons and have had good luck, mechanically, ( knock on wood), with investing in proper maintenance with my marine mechanic.

The last few years, I have chosen the more expensive winterizing package, which includes changing the oil/filter and installing a new fuel filter, in addition to the common basic winterizing procedures.

I could save a few bucks this year, with a bare-bones winterizing package, to protect the engine. The price is right and cheap. I looked at the oil today and it seems to me that it probably has another season left in it, before it "needs" to be changed.

But, I am thinking it makes sense to spend a little extra to change the oil, plus the oil and fuel filters, as part of the winterizing process, whether I do it, or have it done.

I guess my question is... do most folks, who try to take care of their boats, change the oil and filters each year ?

I don't want to try and save a few dollars at the expense of doing a good job at maintaining my engine.

Any thoughts ?

 

[dan02gt]

Re: Winterizing.."ok" to change the oil/filter every other year, or best to chnge yea

Re: Winterizing.."ok" to change the oil/filter every other year, or best to chnge yea

You should change the oil and filter every year regardless of the hours on the motor. Oil will pick up moisture and contaminants over the course of that year regardless of how much the motor is ran.

I would follow the manufacturer's recommendation on the plugs. My Mercruiser manual states to check them every 300 hours.

 

[h2odick]

Re: Winterizing.."ok" to change the oil/filter every other year, or best to chnge yea

Re: Winterizing.."ok" to change the oil/filter every other year, or best to chnge yea

Change the oil, oil filter every season/year, and at least yearly on the fuel filter as well. Cheap insurance. The oil in your engine should be changed prior to storage as well. My .02

 

[coolbri70]

Re: Winterizing.."ok" to change the oil/filter every other year, or best to chnge yea

Re: Winterizing.."ok" to change the oil/filter every other year, or best to chnge yea

+1 change your oil, it gets old picks up moisture, and loses viscosity

 

[frantically relaxing]

Re: Winterizing.."ok" to change the oil/filter every other year, or best to chnge yea

Re: Winterizing.."ok" to change the oil/filter every other year, or best to chnge yea

My opinion won't fly with very many people, but oil simply does not need to be changed just because it's a year old or has 50 hours on it. When an engine isn't running, the oil filter and oil pan are merely containers to hold the oil. And it isn't going to go bad just sitting in the pan.

It certainly won't HURT to change your oil every year. Me, I put maybe 30 hours on the Chap's engine this season, and maybe 8 hours on the houseboat engines. IMO, to change the oil in either boat is a waste of time and money, not to mention oil...

 

[coolbri70]

Re: Winterizing.."ok" to change the oil/filter every other year, or best to chnge yea

Re: Winterizing.."ok" to change the oil/filter every other year, or best to chnge yea

My opinion won't fly with very many people, but oil simply does not need to be changed just because it's a year old or has 50 hours on it. When an engine isn't running, the oil filter and oil pan are merely containers to hold the oil. And it isn't going to go bad just sitting in the pan.

It certainly won't HURT to change your oil every year. Me, I put maybe 30 hours on the Chap's engine this season, and maybe 8 hours on the houseboat engines. IMO, to change the oil in either boat is a waste of time and money, not to mention oil...

I made this same argument in school, we were studying motor oil, I cant remember exactly why but do remember losing the argument. I also lost one on proper tire inflation:facepalm:

 

[frantically relaxing]

Re: Winterizing.."ok" to change the oil/filter every other year, or best to chnge yea

Re: Winterizing.."ok" to change the oil/filter every other year, or best to chnge yea

you lost because oil changes are cheap.


As for oil 'picking up water'-- guess it partly depends on which "expert" you believe. After a short google search, I found 2 completely different "facts":

expert 1: When exposed to normal conditions in a plant, any oil will start to pick up moisture as soon as it comes in contact with the air. Oil is very hygroscopic ? meaning it picks up moisture easily. Moisture levels in oil will normally increase to a maximum of about 300ppm and then stabilize. These levels are normal, and will cause no damage.

expert 2: Stored oil will not pick up moisture; oil by nature of its composition is hydrophobic, meaning oil is not compatible or misible with water, and therefore incapable of absorbing it.

So, does oil pick up moisture, or not?

I have at least 6 cans of Yamaha 2-stroke oil, and maybe that many cans of Chevron motor oil out in my garage, un-opened in their original cardboard cans. The Chevron oil is likely from the 1960's, and the Yamaha oil is leftovers of my parents from their snowmobiling days, circa 1976 to 1980. And there's at least one can of Yamaha oil that's been open all these years, the opening is the size of a screwdriver. I should take a couple of ounces of it and put it in the freezer, any water whatsoever will show up as ice crystals...

 

[matt167]

Re: Winterizing.."ok" to change the oil/filter every other year, or best to chnge yea

Re: Winterizing.."ok" to change the oil/filter every other year, or best to chnge yea

Oil goes acidic from the combustion contaminates in the oil so sitting is not good. Can't prove the acidity is enough to harm anything but, what's an oil change? less than $40 with filter using OEM Merc oils

 

[moosehead]

Re: Winterizing.."ok" to change the oil/filter every other year, or best to chnge yea

Re: Winterizing.."ok" to change the oil/filter every other year, or best to chnge yea

I agree eith Franticaly Relaxing's premise that oil and filters have extended lives beyond what we've gravitated towards; howeverv a marine engine, conditions, and usage fluctuations are substantially different than say commuter vehicles. Not only is it cheap insurance to put her away with fresh fluids and filters annually, but the changeouts are valid barometers of your block's and outdrives integrity. Last thing I want to do is hibernate with a milky outdrive or water intrusion in the block that could have easily been identified before winter stowage.

Note to self: maybe don't buy a boat from OP or FR. Just sayin.

 

[3rdtimesthecharm]

Re: Winterizing.."ok" to change the oil/filter every other year, or best to chnge yea

Re: Winterizing.."ok" to change the oil/filter every other year, or best to chnge yea

I agree.It`s cheap insurance.

Change the oil, oil filter every season/year, and at least yearly on the fuel filter as well. Cheap insurance. The oil in your engine should be changed prior to storage as well. My .02

 

[etracer68]

Re: Winterizing.."ok" to change the oil/filter every other year, or best to chnge yea

Re: Winterizing.."ok" to change the oil/filter every other year, or best to chnge yea

Oil is what protects, all the rotating, and moving parts in the motor. Most times its protecting under extrem conditions, like on the power stroke. Oil has come a long way in the past 30 years, but it still has to do alot to keep parts from wearing out. Spend the money, and you going to feel alot better, and so will your rotating assembily.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Winterizing.."ok" to change the oil/filter every other year, or best to chnge yea

Re: Winterizing.."ok" to change the oil/filter every other year, or best to chnge yea

as for the fuel filter (water seperator), I change it about 100 hours, which is about once a year. that depends a lot, too, on the quality of gasoline, treatment, frequency of use, humidity and temp swings. in any case, carry a spare in a double zip lock plus a strap wrench so you can change it anywhere anytime.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Winterizing.."ok" to change the oil/filter every other year, or best to chnge yea

Re: Winterizing.."ok" to change the oil/filter every other year, or best to chnge yea

My opinion won't fly with very many people, but oil simply does not need to be changed just because it's a year old or has 50 hours on it. When an engine isn't running, the oil filter and oil pan are merely containers to hold the oil. And it isn't going to go bad just sitting in the pan.

It certainly won't HURT to change your oil every year. Me, I put maybe 30 hours on the Chap's engine this season, and maybe 8 hours on the houseboat engines. IMO, to change the oil in either boat is a waste of time and money, not to mention oil...

I"m with you on this one. I had a pontoon that had a newer merc 60hp 4 stroke on it. The engine got MAYBE 10-15 hours per year at cruise rpm. Very little idle, and no WOT. Engine oil and filter was changed every other year on that, and guess what, the engine didn't blow up! (didn't change lower unit oil either in 4 years of ownership. Checked it each fall and it looked like new each time.)

If you are putting on what would be considered more average hours, I'd say change it, but for the low end it certainly isn't required.

 

[ricohman]

Re: Winterizing.."ok" to change the oil/filter every other year, or best to chnge yea

Re: Winterizing.."ok" to change the oil/filter every other year, or best to chnge yea

If you can't afford oil and a filter then maybe a boat isn't for you.
I hear the same arguements from guys with bikes. I remember to many trashed roller cranks on early 80's bikes that had neglected oil changes before storage. These cranks looked like they were dipped in water.
I put 5 hours on my new boat and I think a few bucks for oil isn't even worth thinking about.

 

[theBrownskull]

Re: Winterizing.."ok" to change the oil/filter every other year, or best to chnge yea

Re: Winterizing.."ok" to change the oil/filter every other year, or best to chnge yea

I change the oil, oil filter, water/fuel separator filter, and the lower unit oil every year before winter.

 

[britisher]

Re: Winterizing.."ok" to change the oil/filter every other year, or best to chnge yea

Re: Winterizing.."ok" to change the oil/filter every other year, or best to chnge yea

Ask 1000 boaters the same question and you guessed it, you'll likely get 1000 different answers!
On the oil life issue perhaps someone should ask Evinrude why they have 300 hours between maintenance intervals on their OB motors and Mercury who have far less hours? Just posing that question.
Then we have the issue of what is oil? 20 so years ago, synthetic wasn't really around and can do things normal oils can't do. In the automotive world we now see extended oil/filter life cycles. When I came to the US in 2000, I thought I was back in the dark ages with car oil change intervals at 3000 miles. Europe even then was 6000 and in many cases 15000. Dang, BMW's even told their owners when the oil needed changing. Thankfully, the message has now got through and this side of the pond oil change intervals are increasing. By the same token, we all use Brake fluid which we were always told to keep it fresh, never store open bottles as it was hygroscopic and then along comes synthetic brake fluid which isn't.
I am certain there is a lot of 'custom & practice' around in doing certain things at certain times because that's how its always been, irrespective of technology improvements.
I am sure that traditional lubricating oil if left for several years may well break down, but over a winter? I doubt it. At the end of the day, no-one knows their boat and oily bits better then the owner and I guess if they feel happier blowing $40.00 on what might be a needless oil change, and sleep better at night, then go for it. Each to their own and all that.
Just as there are owners who wash down and wax their boats after every launch, there will be ones who don't. Who's right or wrong? It's all down to personal preference IMHO.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Winterizing.."ok" to change the oil/filter every other year, or best to chnge yea

Re: Winterizing.."ok" to change the oil/filter every other year, or best to chnge yea

There is another reason to change the oil filter every year...I always change the oil filter in th fall. I had two of them rust thru the folloowing Nov or Dec timeframe, and allow all the oil to drain into the bilge. Not the kind of surprize you want to start a fishing trip. I will presume the OP boats in saltwater. That could be an issue.

 

[Volphin]

Re: Winterizing.."ok" to change the oil/filter every other year, or best to chnge yea

Re: Winterizing.."ok" to change the oil/filter every other year, or best to chnge yea

My opinion won't fly with very many people, but oil simply does not need to be changed just because it's a year old or has 50 hours on it. When an engine isn't running, the oil filter and oil pan are merely containers to hold the oil. And it isn't going to go bad just sitting in the pan.

It certainly won't HURT to change your oil every year. Me, I put maybe 30 hours on the Chap's engine this season, and maybe 8 hours on the houseboat engines. IMO, to change the oil in either boat is a waste of time and money, not to mention oil...

I agree with Frantically Relaxing. Engine oil is NOT hydroscopic. Take a little and add it to a glass of water. Stir. Wait. It will separate. Remember the old saying, Oil & Water Don't Mix? LOL Plus, the crankcase will retain some condensation naturally that vaporizes as the oil reaches operation temp.

There is no difference between your boat engine and auto engines. Some argue that boat engines work harder because the RPM is higher and they are always loaded. Nonsense. The oil will do it's job regardless of application. Here's a tip... drain some at your next interval and send it to Blackstone Labs. You will get a mass spec. and element analysis of the oil condition, along with the expected service life. It can be eye opening. Also, if you do this once per year, you can gauge engine wear based on the elements in the report.

Consider this: If you drove 70MPH for 3000 miles you would have almost 43 hours on the oil. In 5000 mi, 71.5 hours.

So you want to change it with the 15 hours you put on it this season? Go for it. It's your $$.
Personally, I think it's a waste of materials for "peace of mind". Enjoy the new commercials you bought for them.

 

[britisher]

Re: Winterizing.."ok" to change the oil/filter every other year, or best to chnge yea

Re: Winterizing.."ok" to change the oil/filter every other year, or best to chnge yea

There is another reason to change the oil filter every year...I always change the oil filter in th fall. I had two of them rust thru the folloowing Nov or Dec timeframe, and allow all the oil to drain into the bilge. Not the kind of surprize you want to start a fishing trip. I will presume the OP boats in saltwater. That could be an issue.

I admit I am being devils advocate here, but if there was a hole in the filter, then it would only let out the oil in the filter, not all of the oil in the motor as the bulk is in the pan which is at a lower level than the filter. If we are to believe that oil is hygroscopic as has being stated by a prvious poster, then if you put a new filter on, the variables are still the same, ie oil which attracts water and a steel receptacle. Living in Florida, winterizing is a mystery to me (LOL), but if the boat is basically in storage, why can't you just remove the filter, then when the bit of oil has stopped dripping, wrap up the filter housing with a plastic bag to keep nasties out. That would avoid any filter rusting through in the winter. You then screw on a new filter when it's time to come out of hibernation. Or am I missing some technical issue here?

 

[lakegeorge]

Re: Winterizing.."ok" to change the oil/filter every other year, or best to chnge yea

Re: Winterizing.."ok" to change the oil/filter every other year, or best to chnge yea

I change after 100 hours and I only put on around 60 hrs a year. I use synthetic oil and yes, oil & water don't mix, chem lab 101. My cars are 2011 and 2012 and the oil life on them are usually good for 8,000 to 10,000 miles according to the built in gage on each.
I use synthetic in my cars also as that's what is called for.

Oil has come a long way and there are a lot of mis-conceptions on it out there.