How to Change Your Boat’s Oil
As with automobiles, keeping your boat’s oil maintained and changed when needed is a necessary and important part of engine maintenance. Boat maintenance can be tricky, and changing your boat’s oil isn’t straightforward. We’ve provided a step-by-step list of things you’ll want to know in order to change your boat’s oil in the easiest way possible.
Understand Your Boat’s Oil Requirements
This doesn’t just concern knowing the correct type of oil. You’ll want to know what system you’ll need to remove it properly, which can vary based on how accessible or inaccessible your boat’s engine is.
Start Your Engine and Keep it Running
Running your engine before you change its oil is necessary for a successful oil service. The oil will warm up, making it less viscous and more able to drain. Running the engine will also rid the interior of your engine of any dirt and grime, and drain it with the oil (For the most part).
Install the Correct Filter
This is the final step you need to take before physically putting the oil in. The oil filter will correspond with the type of engine your boat has, as well as the type of oil your boat’s engine requires.
Add Oil
This is the final step. You can add the oil to your engine manually or with the help of an oil system that’s great for hard-to-reach engines.
Maintain
Check your oil regularly with your engine’s dipstick. Doing this will allow you to see when you need to change your oil or add more oil to your boat’s engine. It’s also important to take note of the color of your engine’s oil; the color is often indicative of whether or not water has slipped into your boat’s oil, a situation that you’ll want to avoid at all costs.
Boat maintenance doesn’t have to be complex, and neither does taking care of your engine. Follow the above guide for optimal engine maintenance, and ensure your boat’s engine has a lengthy lifetime.