How to Change the Oil on an Outboard Motor
Outboard motors, such as those used with boats, are lubricated by an oil and gas mixture, or by adding oil separately to the engine. Older outboards that use an oil-and-gas mixture are called two-stroke motors, while newer outboards that require oil added separately are called four-stroke engines. A four-stroke engine is the only type of outboard motor that requires oil changes.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Pull the boat out of the water and put it on a trailer in order to access the outboard engine. Move the boat to a location where work can be done on the engine.
-
2
Remove the engine cover, which is secured by one or two latches. Pull down on the latch and remove the cover by lifting it straight up.
-
-
3
Examine the oil dipstick in the crankcase. Pull out the dipstick and wipe off the oil. Reinsert the dipstick and pull it back out to to examine the oil. If the oil has a dark color, it needs to be changed.
-
4
Trim the motor all of the way up so that the oil can easily drain out from the crankcase. Push the trim button on the throttle or instrument panel to trim the motor.
-
5
Drain the oil form the crankcase. Place an oil pan or some other container under the motor to collect the oil. Remove the drain plug from the bottom of the oil tank to allow the old oil to flow out.
-
6
Wipe off any access oil and replace the drain plug. Make sure that the drain plug has been tightened securely.
-
7
Add new oil to the engine. Remove the cap to the oil tank and place a small funnel in the opening. Slowly pour the oil down the funnel. Pull out the dipstick to check the level of the oil. Add oil until it reaches the "Full" level on the dipstick.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
The dipstick usually has a yellow handle. You may need a socket wrench to remove the drain plug. Refer to your motor manual for the recommended motor oil weight.
Add only the recommended amount of oil, and never overfill the reservoir. Get rid of old oil at a disposal or recycling facility.
