Changing all of the oil

[Snboard976]

Does anyone change the oil using the bolt in the bottom of the pan?  I can feel it, but I can't see it.  I just used a fluid extractor, but I feel like I need to open up the bottom of the tray to get all of the old oil out because of the angle of the pan.  I am not sure I can get the bolt out and if I can I don't know what to do with the oil.  After that is dealt with I don't know if I will ever be able to get the bolt back in.

What is your trick?

[EdHouston]

I use a Moeller extractor and after filling the engine with salt water once have had great results getting the oil out and filling with fresh. Of course the oil floated on top of the water but I showed no foaming or indication of water and she has now ran for over 50hrs from filling her with water.

My oil cooler developed a leak and vacuumed raw water into the engine (this happened right after bringing the boat home from FL to TX) I did flush the system four or five times with new filters each time but the Moeller does a great job.

Unless you want to fill the bilge with oil I would stay with the extractor just my two cents worth.

Ed
S/V Moonlight Mile Hull #110

[Henri Hali]

I struggled for years looking for a solution to this and the unfurtunate inverted oil filter mounting.
I followed Dale's advise and bought and installed an oil filter relocation kit. I now wear a suit when I change the filter.

As to removing the oil, I  never felt good about draining the oil through the dip stick tube.
First its a pain to get to. Second its on the high end of the engine which says to me you can't get all the oil out.
Finally I bit the bullet and bought an electric oil change pump and connected it to the drain plug on the oil pan. 

It did require me to remove the Paragon transmission, loosen the forward motor mounts, and use small screw jacks to raise the engine just a tad. Aside from the usual assortment of tools, I needed a larger assortment of four letter words to accomplish the task.
What during the process seemed like a major effort, it was not that bad once I knew where the "rocks" were.
If this solution appeals to you I'd be happy to share my experience.
Now when I change the oil, I wear a Tux!



Henri Hali
s/v Windrider

[Scott]

I have the Moeller extractor too.  The first time I used it I didn't push it far enough into the dipstick hole (it can go at least four inches past first resistance).  While I find it pretty easy to use, I still don't feel like I get all of the oil out.  In fact, when I check the oil after a change, it is still black.  Anyone have any additional tips?

[EdHouston]

I have had great success like I said with the Moeller I would try and rotate the hose a couple of times 90 deg and do another suck! My hoses seem to have a set to them that I tried to get to the lower corners of the sump. Like I said I had at least a gallon of salt water in the sump and with four or five oil changes I have no foaming and the engine is running great with 60psi oil pressure so I feel good about my Moeller. The salt water intrusion occurred almost a year ago and I have probably 25 or 30 hrs running on the engine since then.

I will be heading offshore on labor day and will be changing the oil again before that trip and plan to use the Moeller to do the change out.

Good luck and fair winds.

Ed

S/V Moonlight Mile #110.