On a 4-stroke outboard engines, except checking the oil level at regular intervals, changing the oil is the next most important task. Regular oil changes will extend the life of outboards. You can do it yourself, the task without too much trouble. Just remember that in a methodical manner and have everything at hand before starting. Here are the steps to be taken to change their outboard motor oil.
1. Always follow the outboard manufacturers recommended maintenance schedule. For example, for a small outboard oil is usually changed every 50 hours. For high horsepower outboard engines to be every 100 hours. If you do not use outboard very much and do not keep records on the number of hours in use, then always change the oil every year.
2. Gather around you a number of useful screwdriver, adjustable wrench, socket set with a pipe wrench, oil filter wrench, funnel, bucket or some sort of container to hold the old oil, new oil, maybe the oil filter to replace an oil, WD40 or similar, fat tin, plastic bags, and some old clothes.
3. Did outboard manual of your hand. Check to see how much oil the engine takes the obvious form of oil. When a new outboard engine manufacturers such as using a certain brand of oil, but it is not so important with older engines. As long as it is the same grade and good quality, it will do the job equally well.
4. Before changing the oil, start the engine while warm. Why? So hot oil will flow easier than cold oil! You'll need to put the engine in a little water before you start or you can use motor muffs designed to allow fresh water to flow through the engine as it works. Sometimes, these muffs are called flushing device. If you connect the system to your garden hose just check valve is not fully on, adjust the flow accordingly.
5. Once the engine is warm. Remove the oil dipstick or oil cap and put them on one side. This will help drain the oil. Unscrew the drain plug or with a wrench or screwdriver, depending on the engine. Put to one side (in a safe place). Remember to catch all the old oil into a bucket or container.
6. Some outboard engines have the oil filter, if so, then download this and so to a plastic bag to keep it and put to one side. Next screw the new filter a few turns, then use a rag to clean the database (the filter seat), and by some grease smear some around where the filter is going to relax in. Continue to screw the new filter in hand until tight, then tighten an additional half turn. If your engine has no oil filter, it may be connected to the drain plug, then clean it with some gasoline to remove all traces of old oil.
7. With the drain plug is firmly back in place you are ready to fill with new oil. Use a funnel for filling holes in order to avoid spillage. Fill with oil until it reaches the maximum level on the dipstick. Then replace the oil cap or dipstick.
8. Start outboard engine and idle for 3 minutes. It was long enough to allow all the new oil to reach every part of the engine should be. Check the oil pressure warning light goes out and there is no leakage around the filter or drain plug.
9. Stop the outboard motor. Leave it for 3 minutes to allow all oil to return to the sump. Then, remove the dipstick to check level. Top up with oil if necessary.
10. Finally, dispose of your old oil in accordance with local laws. Some areas of the local dump, which you can take your old oil and they will take care of it for you.
This process can be messy, but necessary. It is entirely within a maximum of boaters able to do so without sending the motor dealer or mechanic.
