Quick advie please - changing oil as I type.

OK, read many threads on changing oil last night and started in on it a few min ago. Turns out, I have a hose running off the bottom of the oil pan that I found out by reading here is for oil change out the drain hole! THANKS!!!! Had no idea what that hose was for (yeah, a novice).

OK, so I'm in good shape getting the oil out, I'll look for and tackle the filter later. I read here about using a zip-lock bag for the filter mess - thanks again.

My questions:

1. About how much oil in a 1985 Mercruiser GM 305 small block? I did NOT run the engine prior to draining because my muffs are lost, if the effects how much comes out. I think I'll under-fill it a bit until i get it on the water tomorrow then top it off. Is that the way to go?

2. Do I fill the filter with oil prior to putting it on or does it fill when i fill the oil?

Thanks.

Re: Quick advie please - changing oil as I type.

1) They hold 5.5 Quarts with the filter if you get her all the way drained . . . and yes, put in about 4.5 Quarts, start it, make sure you have oil pressure, run for a few minutes, shut down, wait 5 minutes. Check level, top off.

2) No on filling the filter. That is the clean side and pouring oil in can get contaminants knocked into the filter. Also, I always bang the filter opening against the palm of my hand to knock anything out of that side before I install it. Check for left over shavings from the thread cutting process . . .

Since you did not start it before draining, let it drain for a few hours. The hose is slow, with cold oil.

Re: Quick advie please - changing oil as I type.

Thanks, QC. Yeah, it drained for an hour I'd say, finally stopped. I have my 6 qts oil - I'll check how much came out approx. to give me an idea how complete the drain was. I'll do as you say and short it a qt. or so then top it off.

For boats, do I check the oil level hot or cold? I've always checked cars dipstick cold...I assume it's the same but just checking.

Re: Quick advie please - changing oil as I type.

tmh said:

For boats, do I check the oil level hot or cold? I've always checked cars dipstick cold...I assume it's the same but just checking.

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You dont have to check it cold.. The point of doing it cold was to be sure that all the oil drained out of the heads from under rocker covers... You can check it warm, just let it sit a couple of minutes after you shut it off to let the top end oil drain back to the pan...

Re: Quick advie please - changing oil as I type.

OK, thanks.

Job complete. Removing the filter was a HUGE pain, but it's done. I'll top off the oil when it take it out tomorrow.

Thanks again for the help.

Re: Quick advie please - changing oil as I type.

tmh said:

OK, thanks.

Job complete.Removing the filter was a HUGE pain, but it's done.

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So glad I installed a remote kit!