Oil Change

[kerryoneal]

I have an '05 Moomba Outback and changed my oil this weekend. I ran the engine for about 10 minutes and then drained the oil. 5 quarts surely did not come out. I was surprised. I let it drain overnight. The next day I checked the dipstick and no oil on it. So, i added the recommended 5 quarts. Now when I check the dipstick it's hard to tell what level the oil is at. I'm concerned I have too much oil.

Any thoughts on this? Again, i drained it and then only added 5 quarts. The dipstick is oily above the "full" line indicating to me that there is too much oil. Or could the dipstick just be getting oil on it from sliding down the hole when I put it in.

[moombadaze]

Did you let it run after adding oil? the oil filter will hold 1/2 quart maybe. clean oil can be hard to see on the dipstick also

[kerryoneal]

Thanks. I wasn't thinking of that.

[maxpower220]

Did you measure how much came out when you drained it? That would be a good indicator of how much came out. After I pour in the new stuff, I put the old oil in the new oil container. Then, I know about how much oil came out. Also, did you check the level before draining it? It may have been low to begin with.

[kerryoneal]

I didn't measure before I drained it. But I always run it with 5 quarts and check it periodically. Only 3.25 quarts came out, plus what was in the filter.

[zabooda]

You'll have some oil consumption and the engine is not level either. Put the five quarts in and call it good.

[lowdrag]

It's also never a bad idea to fill the oil filter before installing it. It will save the engine a little wear and tear by not have to fill it the first time you start it up after the oil change.

[kaneboats]

I think you are supposed to check the oil and trans fluid on the water with the boat floating. I think I read that they are designed to be checked there, not on the trailer (engine nut post from way back, I believe).

[mcdye]

I have read it to check fluids in the water not on the trailer.

My manual states..

Maintain fluid level as follows:
- Boat must be at rest.
- Engine should be at operating temperature but turned
off while checking level.

Not sure of the definition of 'rest' but I would assume they would not recommend running the boat out of the water with fake-lake or something of that nature just to get it up to operating temperature.

[chillyx]

I took my boat to the dealer to be winterized. They found a seal that was not properly set, so in changing the seal they had to change the oil. Should I change the oil again before starting up for the season. If so does anyone recommend synthetic?? Brand?

[mcdye]

I took my boat to the dealer to be winterized. They found a seal that was not properly set, so in changing the seal they had to change the oil. Should I change the oil again before starting up for the season. If so does anyone recommend synthetic?? Brand?

I have started me a cheat sheet for my ride. You can do a search and get alot of hits on oil. This is what I have noted so far for my '02 OB LSV.

Engine Oil = Pennzoil Marine 15W-40 Marine, Rotella 15w-40, Amsoil or as many others have stated Mobil One synthetic 15W40. I personally have not had to done a oil change yet...so still collecting info also.

Indmar Manual (Indmar uses and recommends Pennzoil Marine 15W-40 Marine Oil API Service SJ/CG4 or equivalent. If engine is to be used on conditions below 20° F (-7° C), use Pennzoil Marine SAE 10W-30 API Service SJ/CD or equivalent. Synthetic oil that meets our requirements of 15W40 and API SJ/CG4)

[kaneboats]

Chili- I'm not sure you have 100 hrs. yet. I believe the recommendation is to hold off on synthetic until you hit the 100 hour mark to make sure everything is seated. I read a post the other day I think that said the synthetic is a great lubricant but not as good early on when everything is getting broken in and seated properly. You can do your own search on this to confirm. Edit: Also, depending on what seal, you may need to start your 100 hrs. over. Better check with your service rep or engine nut. Good luck!