Do I really not have an oil drain plug/hose? 1998 Merc 4.3 Vortec

[jdklein001]

I might be crazy but I cannot find the drain for my oil pan. I've had my hand all under there and cannot feel a plug or hose from any place that makes sense. I've checked the Merc parts catalog which says I should have a hose but I'll be dammed if I can find it. Anyone have any idea? I think I'm losing it!!!
Engine serial number 0L020381

 

[alldodge]

I would suggest suck it out, but your motor does list that the dipstick goes down to the bottom port side corner. The fitting would also have a plug in it or a hose attached. See link

https://www.mercruiserparts.com/bam/subassembly/31480/2694/220

 

[Scott Danforth]

not all engines have a remote drain hose.

however all marine engines are set up to pump oil out thru the dipstick

get a proper oil change pump and suck it up the dipstick

 

[jdklein001]

Can anyone suggest a decent extractor pump? Im hoping to do the oil change without running the engine (it’s not really set up to run, electrical system taken apart and some other projects underway waiting for parts)

 

[alldodge]

Most are using the vacuum ones

https://www.ebay.com/i/283465511727...9VmC1BBse6UkQGHQ2-4zwZLnhkIbwIAhoCU14QAvD_BwE

I have a 12V model but would use the above type if mine ever gives out

 

[jdklein001]

Thanks. It looks like it plugs the top of the dip stick tube and sucks up. Do you need to vent that system anywhere?

 

[Bondo]

Nope,..... It's still vented where it always is,......

 

[JASinIL2006]

Easiest, cheapest (and most durable) pump I have found is a small, $23 wet vac from Wally World. I cut an old section of garden hose off the end and attached that to the vac hose (with duct tape, of course! Don't laugh, it works!). I screw the garden hose onto the dipstick fitting, fire up the vacuum, and have a beer while the oil is extracted.

It works surprisingly well, much better than my $90 Moeller hand pump oil extractor did, and the little shop vac already has lasted longer than the oil extractor did. Considering I use it once a year, it's perfect for my needs.

 

[Scott Danforth]

I used a rotary gear pump for years.

However have also used shop vacs as fluid pumps.

 

[QBhoy]

Hi
I wouldn’t lose much sleep over not having this. Mine does. Tried it once and I’ll never do it again. The lake my boat is in actually eroded the rocky shores quicker than it took to get the oil out that hose.
When I did try it. It took almost to the centilitre, the same amount of oil out, that I can get out using the vacuum pump.
The best of which, in my opinion, is the Pela oil extractor. After taking as much as possible out (after engine has ran up to temp obviously)...I usually pour some fresh oil in, then wait a while and suck it out too. Just a little to help get any old oil left over out too.