So how often to change boat engine oil? The majority of boat manufacturers advise changing the oil once a year or every 100 hours, whichever comes first.
For a more detailed time between oil changes, you should always consult the owner’s manual for your engine.
When trying to decide how soon you should get your next oil change, there are other factors to consider. In this article, we’ll explain each of them.
How Important Is Changing The Oil On Your Boat’s Engine?
Your boat engine’s oil is an essential component because it keeps all the moving parts in the engine operating smoothly. Over time, oil breaks down and gets contaminated with
The oil and filter of a boat engine should be regularly changed to keep the engine operating at peak efficiency and to avoid more costly long-term repairs. An oil change for a single engine typically costs $75.00 to perform yourself and $300.00 to have it professionally done. Now contrast that price with the potential repair costs (which could run into the thousands) associated with an engine that has not been properly maintained. The engine of your boat needs to have its oil changed for this reason. If that is not enough, Hera are other good reasons to consider
- Promote fuel economy- Your engine will stay clean and properly lubricated with regular oil changes. This means less pointless friction, which improves gas mileage. Engines that are not properly maintained must work harder, which increases fuel consumption.
- Maintains a clean engine- Your engine’s oil will become contaminated with metal flakes, dust, and dirt over time. All of that undesirable material will be removed if the oil and filter are changed according to the recommended schedule before they can harm the engine. Additionally, it will stop broken-down oil from condensing into slush.
- Keep engine components cool- Regular oil changes will guarantee that the engine of your boat’s moving parts is properly lubricated. Less friction results in less heat when proper lubrication is used. The health of the engine depends on keeping the parts cool and lubricated.
- Will make your engine last longer- Your engine will operate more smoothly if it is properly lubricated, and an engine that has to work harder due to inadequate lubrication will break down much earlier than one that is adequately lubricated.
- Better engine performance- Slush will begin to accumulate as a result of oil breaking down, which also causes it to lose its viscosity. Similar to an engine with high cholesterol, it will become more difficult for the oil to travel where it needs to go. In order to move the oil and keep its components lubricated, the engine will have to work harder, which will impact both performance and gas mileage.
- Protect the engine- Compared to automobile 4 stroke engines, marine 4 stroke engines operate more efficiently. The oil will become acidic as a result of the buildup of moisture and contamination. This oil is acidic, so you don’t want it at the bottom of the engine. This oil’s acidity can cause the engine’s internal components to rust, which can lead to serious issues and expensive repairs.
How Frequently Should The Engine Oil Level Be Checked In Your Boat?
Ensure the oil and fluid levels are correct before each trip. Change the oil according to the owner’s manual’s instructions. As the engine ages, increase the frequency of oil changes.
How frequently should you check the oil in your boat’s engine? In order to do this, wait five to ten minutes after turning off the engine before starting the boat. When you check the level, make certain that the oil is all in the pan. Your measurements will be accurate thanks to this. If the boat has a trailer, make sure to check the oil level on it as well. You should seek the advice of an expert who has the right equipment because this can be tricky.
Regularly
Regularly checking the engine oil level should be one of your first priorities if you’re thinking about purchasing a boat. To accomplish this, an oil sample can be taken and examined. Like blood, oil can be sampled to provide a snapshot of the health of the engine at any given moment. Oil samples can give you important information about the health of the engine in your boat, even though you might not think that your engine needs to be checked frequently.
Using a dipstick is the ideal method for doing this. To further help prevent spills, you can use a funnel. Keep the cross-hatch pattern of the oil level in mind when filling the oil and add a little at a time. An additional quart may be added after that. To prevent damage to your engine, keep the oil level between the full and addition marks.
If your boat has an electrical system, you must unplug it from shore power and take out the drive unit. Check for any leaks of water or burned gear lube as well. Before winter, take care of any problems you find. Ensure that your boat is completely dry and that the hoses are disconnected. Rainwater that has accumulated in the prop hubs and gear case over the winter may expand when the temperature drops. Eventually, this water can enter the engine and corrode the gears, shafts, bearings, and other parts.
The majority of people can change the oil in a boat themselves because it is a straightforward and affordable maintenance task. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for oil changes if you wish, but a good rule of thumb is to increase the frequency as the engine gets older. By reading the manual or taking a sample from the engine while it’s running, you can determine your boat’s oil level most accurately. You’ll be able to determine the type of oil the boat’s engine needs in this manner.
Between 3 To 4 Times A Year
The risk of an engine seizure if there is not enough oil in the engine makes it crucial to check the oil level of your boat. Marine engines sit low in the bilge, which means the oil pan is frequently in contact with water. A pinhole in the pan can allow for a leak to occur. You must add oil to the engine if the level is below the required minimum. According to the manufacturer’s recommendations, which are detailed in the manual, you should always check the oil level in your engine.
The hull and the drain plugs should also be examined. If the anodes are damaged or partially dissolved, they should be replaced because they guard against corrosion of metal components submerged in water. When they get too old, they might corrode other metal parts. Check the oil level in your boat three to four times a year to prevent this. You can make sure that the engine of your boat runs smoothly for many years by paying attention to these suggestions.
Additionally, you ought to examine the reservoirs for the trim-pump and the power-trim fluid. Instead of chunks of metal, you should search for fine metal filings. This suggests water in the gearcase, which might cause shafts or bearings to rust. The cooling system and hose adapter should be checked as well, last. To check these components, it is advised to seek professional advice.
Although checking the oil level on a boat only takes a few minutes, it’s crucial to do so on a regular basis to guarantee the best engine performance. The amount of oil that an engine uses can be influenced by a variety of environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity. Therefore, checking your oil level before a trip can help you extend its life. Your boat’s lifespan may be extended by years if you take the extra minutes to check the engine oil level.
When Should You Change The Oil In Your Boat?
Engine oil should never be changed after a boat has been stored; instead, do it before. This is due to the harmful contaminants that accumulate in oil during engine operation and cause long-term engine damage when your engine is stored.
Before storing your boat, always add new (clean) oil to ensure that it isn’t soaking up these dangerous contaminants. By doing this, you can add 500 hours to the life of your motor.
Every 100 hours or at the conclusion of your boating season, you should also replace the fuel and gear lube filters. You can hire someone to do this for you or you can do it yourself fairly cheaply.
If I Don’t Get My Oil Changed, What Happens?
If you’re fortunate, skipping an oil change won’t cause any problems. In actuality, however, it won’t be possible to tell if skipping an oil change might have resulted in damage without first opening the engine.
Most likely, some wear and slush formation occur every time you skip an oil change. Regular oil changes are the best defense against this.
Consequently, skipping oil changes can be fatal for a boat’s engine even though it may not initially be apparent.
It is a good idea to take your boat to the shop and explain what is happening if you have neglected to get your oil changed. They ought to be able to conduct some tests to ascertain whether any damage has taken place, and they can also assist you in choosing the most effective course of action for resolving the issue.
How Much Does Changing The Oil In A Boat Cost?
A DIY boat engine oil change will cost between $50 and $100 for one engine, depending on how much oil you need, the kind of oil, and the kind of filter. To change the engine oil in your boat, a pro will demand between $150 and $300.
The vast majority of people perform their own oil changes. Eight of the ten individuals I questioned claimed to have changed their own oil, while two claimed to have hired a professional to do so.
What Sort Of Oil Is Ideal For A Boat Engine?
The type, make, and model of the engine you have determines the best type of oil for it. Both online and in the owner’s manual, each manufacturer specifies the recommended oil to use for each motor that is listed.
However, almost all oil types created for your motor type (for example,, 4-stroke outboard oil) will work fine, but to ensure you keep a healthy engine, always use the oil that your manufacturer recommends.
Should You Use Synthetic Or Regular Oil?
The manufacturer’s recommended engine oil should always be used, but you are not required to. In many cases, using a different oil may be advantageous because it might increase the longevity of your boat engine.
Conventional oil is thought to be inferior to synthetic oil, particularly in high horsepower marine engines. According to the oil company Cenex, using synthetic oil makes engines run more smoothly, quietly, and cleanly. (source)
The only real drawback of synthetic oil is its high cost. Synthetic oil is typically priced twice as high as regular oil by many businesses.
How Should The Oil Be Changed In Your Boat Engine?
As each boat is unique, it is important to read the owner’s manual in order to follow the precise instructions for changing the motor oil in your boat.
Many oil companies sell kits that include everything you need to change the oil yourself; if not, you’ll need to buy all the necessary products separately. This might include an oil pump, which costs more than $50. So, in many cases, taking your boat to a professional may be the best course of action.
Check out the videos below, though, if you want to perform your own oil changes. One thing that these videos don’t emphasize is the importance of running your engine for a few minutes before changing the oil. This will warm the oil and facilitate a smoother process.
Conclusion
It will last the expected amount of time if you change your engine fluids as needed. You can either hire a professional to handle all of these fluid changes for you or you can perform them yourself for a reasonable cost. There are many DIY videos online that can be helpful.
One of the many aspects of keeping your boat maintained is changing the marine oil. To see every step of maintenance, read this article.
