Changing the oil

[Ben Lambert]

I going to be changing the oil in my '71 Catalina 27 (Volvo inboard Diesel engine) pretty soon. Can anyone describe what the procedure is? I need a little pump, right...?Thanks!

 

[Tim Dranttel]

Get a pump

The easiest thing to do is to get a pump. West Marine and BoatUS sell several different types. I have a small hand pump. You insert the input hose into the dipstick hole and pump the oil out. I pump the oil into a milk jug. Still pretty messy. I might go with one of the self contained models. With those you create a vacume with the pump, instert the hose into the dipstick hole, open the valve and the vacume sucks the oil into the container. Sounds like it might be neater than what I've got.Tim

 

[Bob Camarena]

Vacuum Pump

I vote for the vacuum pump. West Marine sells a great one. I can't remember the name but it's a tall, plastic cylinder with a T pump handle. I bought one to replace a less wellmade type and am very satisfied.

 

[Gene]

Warm it up

Don't forget to warm the engine up before you change the oil. The main advantage is this lowers the oil viscosity making it easier to pump, but it also aid in removing any sludge, etc. with the oil.

 

[Randy]

Here it goes

Warm up your engine for 10-20 minutes to warm the oil.Use oil change pump to remove oil through dipstick hole. Pump oil into sealable container.When crankcase is empty, remove oil filter. Hold a rag or towel under filter to catch drips.Install new filter, after lubricating rubber seal with fresh oil. Don't over tighten filter.Add proper amount and grade of oil. Check level on dipstick.Run engine a few minutes, watch for leaks.Check level again on dipstick.Dispose of old oil properly.I'm sure others may be able to add some tips, or check your owners manual for further advice.Randy

 

[Gerry]

Copper tube helps

I use a piece of copper tube to stick down the dipstick instead of the flexible plastic tubing that comes with the pump. It makes knowing how far to insert the tubing alot easier. You can feel the bottom of the oilpan. The clamps on my pump also seem to grip the copper better with less leaks.