Oil level on Universal 35B

[Bob Stephens]

I have a 1999 Catalina 36 and just recently changed the oil on my Universal M35B engine. Before I changed the oil I checked the level and it was just at the full mark on the dipstick. The engine manaul says that approximately. 5qts. of oil are needed to refill the engine.After changing the oil and filter, I refilled the engine with 4 qts. of oil. I then checked the dipstick and found the oil level was about 1/2 inch above the full mark.At this point I started the engine to check for leaks and to fill the filter so as to get a better idea of how much more oil to add. After about 10 minutes I shut down the engine and waited a short while for the oil to settle. After checking the dipstick I still found the level to be about 1/2 inch above the full mark!The engine is mounted on an incline and I know that it will effect the readings on the dipstick. I also know all about overfilling an engine with oil.I should be able to fill the engine with about 1 qt. more of oil ( - any oil remaining from before oil change).Does anyone have any comments, ideas, or suggestions? I don't want to run the engine low on oil as it seems it was before. I also don't want to over fill it either.I have not owened this boat for very long and this is the first oil change that I have done myself. Any help from other oweners of similar engines would be appreciated. Thanks for the help!

 

[Walt]

Oil change

Did you change your oil by pumping it out through the dip stick hole or did you use the drain hose from the bottom of the oil pan?In any case you probably did not get all of the old oil out of the engine. That would explain why it is overfilling when you add the new oil.

 

[Jim Rose]

Oil Level on Universal M35B

I have a 2000 34 MKII with the same engine. I was concerned with the same problem. On my last oil change I used 4-quarts. This will place the level on the dipstick about 1/2 inch above the full mark. My friend also has a 34 MKII. He called the Universal/Westerbeke dealer in Avon, MA and they said to use 4-quarts. I thought I was overserviced when new so I sucked out about 1/2 pint to bring the level to the full mark. Now I use the 4-quarts. I use a 1/4 HP pump that is connected to the oil drain line, all I get out is 4-quarts.