Dipstick oil draining

[ndutton]

On a Tartan 30 the engine sits at a good angle leaning back, not sure how typical this might be for other boat types. Will that oil plug allow the draining from the back portion of the pan?

The maximum installation angle for the Atomic 4 is 15° and not coincidentally the angle of the oil pan bottom from the oil pump to the output coupling is level at the maximum 15° mounting angle so yes, you should still be able to draw out the oil efficiently.

[JOHN COOKSON]

RC
Rat guards are shield like devices that go around lines. Search the internet by "rat guards". There are many kinds of them out there. They will keep the critters from climbing up the dock lines onto the boat.
You can use a product called tangle foot to keep the ants from climbing up the dock lines.

TRUE GRIT

[Ajax]

Do none of you have access to the oil plug below the carburetor? It's 3/4" NPT and a 3/4" 12 point socket fits the square head perfectly. Through it you have a straight shot to the bottom of the oil pan and can fit a decent size pickup tube.

That's how I've been doing it. With a little fiddling, I can draw 4 solid quarts out of the engine.

[ndutton]

As long as we are talking about the port intended for oil extraction, Thatch has a clever enhancement for the threaded plug, a rare earth magnet extended to the bottom of the crankcase.

[BadaBing]

As long as we are talking about the port intended for oil extraction, Thatch has a clever enhancement for the threaded plug, a rare earth magnet extended to the bottom of the crankcase.

Great Idea
We should nominate Thach for some sort of an award.
Where did he purchase the magnet?

[sastanley]

I waited for it to go on sale and bought the West Marine oil extractor (and there are lots of others available). It builds up a vacuum with a few pumps, then you crack a beer and just babysit the tube in the hole with your free hand.

I got this on one of their Friday e-mail sales for about $40. http://www.westmarine.com/buy/west-m...6-5l--11047123

One of my best boat investments, ever.

[ndutton]

Great Idea
We should nominate Thatch for some sort of an award.
Where did he purchase the magnet?

Thatch has quite a few very cool innovations/improvements. It's part of why he is so highly regarded around here. As for his magnet source, it's best if he provides that info himself. My guess is probably All Electronics, one of his favorite candy stores.