1st time doing oil change

[lchirichigno]

Well, now that we have successfully replaced the fuel pump and thermostat, we are attempting our first oil change. I have read all the various posts about the A4 not having an oil filter, that we should pump out from either the dipstick or the valve on the side of the engine, but what I don't see is anywhere because (because its probably common sense to everyone else but... this is my FIRST boat/engine ever)

1)what type and how much of oil do I use,
2)where do I put it in at
3)and there seems to be a lot of debate about whether or not the oil needs to be warm or cold...

Any help you can give is greatly appreciated

LC
Dolce Vita
'77 C&C30
Snead Island, FL

[jpian0923]

Straight 30 weight is what is recommended.

Put in enough to fill it to the top notch on the dipstick. Usually 3 to 4 quarts.

Put it in the oil breather cap. On some engines, it's in front, on others, it's on the transmission cover in the back of the engine.

It's easier to hand pump out oil that is warm. If you have a mechanical pump, it should not matter the temp.

[rigspelt]

The way I get the oil out:

• Bought MMI's sump attachment and permanently mounted it in the "oil drain" location shown in jpian's photo.
• Attached a short piece of approved fuel hose and mounted a brass fitting on the end that fits a cap when not in use.
• Bought a brass hand pump and mounted two pieces of fuel hose on it, one to attach the pump's inlet to the sump hose, and the other to the pump's outlet.
• Have paper towels ready.
• Connect the pump to the sump drain.
• Put the pump outlet hose into a used large plastic bottle.
• Have a large flat plastic bowl ready to put the drippy pump in afterward.
• Pump out the warm oil.
• Put the outlet hose in the bowl and immediately cap the used oil bottle.
• Disconnect the pump and put it in the bowl.
• Cap the sump hose and secure it.
• Clean up the pump.
• Put cleanup paper towels in plastic bag for disposal. First time will be messier, next time only couple of drips.
• Store the pump in the bowl until next use.

Sounds complicated, but after getting all the parts together and doing it once, it's a piece of cake. Others will have other methods.

1. Photo showing most of MMI's oil change kit screwed into the oil extraction port, with the fuel hose and brass cap. This was dry-fitting during the engine refit (and before painting the engine!). In the final installation I used a longer hose, and of course used hose clamps. Their kit is here: http://www.moyermarine.com/cgi-bin/s...key=KTAS_05_90
2. Photo showing the nice brass hand pump I bought, and the bowl. I bought the brass fitting at a local hardware store (screws the pump inlet hose to the sump outlet hose). I use the blue funnel to add oil to the engine. Still an awkward storage setup, but works. Will find something more elegant.

[Marian Claire]

#3. From what I've read another benefit of running the engine before an oil change is to get the crud suspended in the oil so it is pumped out. Otherwise the crud tends to settle in the low areas and contaminates the new oil. Dan S/V Marian Claire