T&T: Things to make oil changes easier

[Frank Burrows]

I have owned my present boat for 20 years, so over time I have tried to 
figure out how to make oil changes easier because the first one took all 
day. The last one took only two hours and I was a lot more nimble 20 years 
ago. My engines take 6 gallons each and I do the generator at the same 
time. These are some of the things that make things a lot easier:

1 Installed an oil change pump:
         I have a Groco but I have heard good things about Reverso

2 Converted old style canister filters to spin on cartridges. Kits are 
widely available and not expensive.

3 Use an oil filter wrench not a strap. Here is an example of what I am 
talking about:
         http://www.channellock.com/acb/stores/1/category.cfm?SID=1&Category_ID=5
         or
         http://tinyurl.com/yw6k7z
         I use the largest one and it also works for the little generator 
filter

4 I had a clearance problem with the AC-Delco Detroit 671 filter and 
replaced it with a Wix that is 1/2 " shorter and this makes things a lot 
easier.

5 I installed remote starter buttons in the engine room. Just a HD push 
button switch wired to the solenoid. Easy to do and saves a lot of steps or 
yelling and is a great back up. Engine oil need to be checked with the 
engines off and transmissions with the engine running. You can determine 
the correct level and then after everything drains back mark the stick, but 
you are always sure with the engines running.

6 Found some heavy duty plastic bags that go over the oil filters and catch 
the excess oil as well as the filter.

7 I find it easier to pump the old oil out after heating it up by running 
the engines. I buy the new oil in gallons and pour it in. The problem with 
pumping in the new oil is that it really needs to be warm to easily pump 
and I usually do this in the very early spring when it is colder on the 
Chesapeake.

8 By using oil change analysis I learned that once a year was sufficient 
for both the engines and the generator.

Hope this helps

Frank Burrows     Destiny   1979  43'  Viking MY
      Piney Narrows     Chesapeake Bay