MERCRUISER OIL CHANGE

[ray987]

HOW DO I CHANGE THE OIL IN A MERCRUISER 135HP ALPHA ONE STERN DRIVE ENGINE?

 

[bowriderbob]

Re: MERCRUISER OIL CHANGE

The engine oil must be must be pumped out through the dipstick, unless you have one of the new style 2001 or newer engines with the drain hose routed to the bilge drain.<br />You can pick up a manual pump @ Walmart for around $20, or buy one of the fancy battery operated pumps. I find the cheapo one I have works out fine. You should start your engine and let it warm up to operating temp before beginning. The oil will be easier to pump out when warm, and also more of the impurities and sludge will come out.<br />You should also plan on changing out your oil filter.<br /><br />BowriderBob<br />99 VIP 184<br />3.0L Mercruiser

 

[oldboat1]

Re: MERCRUISER OIL CHANGE

I highly recommend the Topsider vacuum pump available at Boat U.S. and other outlets -- works well. Cost is about $40. (As indicated, oil is pumped from the dipstick tube or similar oil removal tube, if so equipped.) Don't get the oil so hot that it burns the plastic tube. On the other hand, it has to be warm enough to flow through the small tubing. I find that the Topsider pump works on oil that is warm to the touch, but not so hot that it burns you (whatever that temp. might be). I like the idea of not handling scalding hot oil.

 

[trevorcday]

Re: MERCRUISER OIL CHANGE

The new style drain that allows you to drain the oil through the boat drain plug in the transom is available as a kit to fit older motors from Mercury. For do-it-yourselfers this is a really slick way to change the oil without a lot of potential for mess.