Time for an oil change?

[Blindside_137]

well, we put just over 50 hours on our 08 VLX last summer and had the first oil change at about 22 hours.

It wasn't until recently that my dad took a second glance at the indmar engine manual and found what seems to say the oil must be changed again at 50 hours. However, we had been under the impression since reading it last summer that it was to be changed every 50 hours after the initial change... i.e. at 70, 120, 170 and so on.

So right now we're at about 58 hours and wanted to know if we could put 2-10 more hours on before we have the oil changed again?

Thanks

[MalibuNation]

well, we put just over 50 hours on our 08 VLX last summer and had the first oil change at about 22 hours.

It wasn't until recently that my dad took a second glance at the indmar engine manual and found what seems to say the oil must be changed again at 50 hours. However, we had been under the impression since reading it last summer that it was to be changed every 50 hours after the initial change... i.e. at 70, 120, 170 and so on.

So right now we're at about 58 hours and wanted to know if we could put 2-10 more hours on before we have the oil changed again?

Thanks

2 hours ain't going to kill you or the boat ... but get it changed soon, now go out and have some fun!

Edited May 31, 2009 by MalibuNation

[srab]

So right now we're at about 58 hours and wanted to know if we could put 2-10 more hours on before we have the oil changed again?

Thanks

A few more hours on the current oil isn't going to hurt your engine. It's a good idea, though, to get into a routine

of changing the oil at the end of each season (at the same time as winterization) unless you're putting in over a

hundred hours per season (in which case, changing oil every 50 hours is the way to go).

BTW, it's a pretty simple DIY. Pick up an oil extractor at West Marine, or order one from Overton's (I have the

Moeller Fluid Extractor, which, for a one time cost of $69.99, will be all you'll need.). Pick up the oil and filter at

any Wallmart or auto parts store. Once the engine is warmed up, it'll take maybe 30 minutes to get 'er done.

The only messy part is the oil filter exchange (I haven't yet perfected this part of the operation without needing

several rags and a tub of GoJo.).

It's absurd what the dealership or other "boat mechanic" will charge for an oil change! $250 at my marina!

[Engine Nut]

well, we put just over 50 hours on our 08 VLX last summer and had the first oil change at about 22 hours.

It wasn't until recently that my dad took a second glance at the indmar engine manual and found what seems to say the oil must be changed again at 50 hours. However, we had been under the impression since reading it last summer that it was to be changed every 50 hours after the initial change... i.e. at 70, 120, 170 and so on.

So right now we're at about 58 hours and wanted to know if we could put 2-10 more hours on before we have the oil changed again?

Thanks

The oil change interval is every 50 hours after the initial 20 hour change so if you changed it at 20, the next change should be when the hour meter is at 70, 120 etc.

Larry Engelbert

Indmar Marine Engines

[Chia]

So right now we're at about 58 hours and wanted to know if we could put 2-10 more hours on before we have the oil changed again?

Thanks

A few more hours on the current oil isn't going to hurt your engine. It's a good idea, though, to get into a routine

of changing the oil at the end of each season (at the same time as winterization) unless you're putting in over a

hundred hours per season (in which case, changing oil every 50 hours is the way to go).

BTW, it's a pretty simple DIY. Pick up an oil extractor at West Marine, or order one from Overton's (I have the

Moeller Fluid Extractor, which, for a one time cost of $69.99, will be all you'll need.). Pick up the oil and filter at

any Wallmart or auto parts store. Once the engine is warmed up, it'll take maybe 30 minutes to get 'er done.

The only messy part is the oil filter exchange (I haven't yet perfected this part of the operation without needing

several rags and a tub of GoJo.).

It's absurd what the dealership or other "boat mechanic" will charge for an oil change! $250 at my marina!

loosen the filter then put a large zip loc bag over the filter as you spin it off.

[srab]

The only messy part is the oil filter exchange (I haven't yet perfected this part of the operation without needing

several rags and a tub of GoJo.).

loosen the filter then put a large zip loc bag over the filter as you spin it off.

Yep, thanks, I actually have used the large zip lock bag, as well as a cut-off milk jug.

I've also tried puncturing the filter, once on the bottom and another "vent" towards the top,

to try and drain as much oil out before beginning the spin off process.

As I start to unscrew the filter, once oil starts seeping around the gasket and bleeding into the

bag, I've had a little difficulty spinning the filter off while keeping the mouth of the bag flush

with the mounting assembly. Invariably, some oil trickles down on the outside of the bag,

making it even more slippery, while continuing to try to unscrew the filter completely.

It certainly works doing it this way, but I still end up with oil drops in the bilge. I've been using

those oil-absorbing sheets, available at West Marine, and that keeps things relatively clean,

but at the end of the procedure, my hands are always coated with engine oil (hence, the GoJo).

And, since I'm doing this while my boat is on a hoist at a marina, I've got to then walk all the way

out to the parking lot to the public restrooms to wash my hands thoroughly before finishing the

oil and filter change. Not a huge deal, admittedly, but it just adds extra time and effort to the

process. YMMV.

[Chia]

The only messy part is the oil filter exchange (I haven't yet perfected this part of the operation without needing

several rags and a tub of GoJo.).

loosen the filter then put a large zip loc bag over the filter as you spin it off.

Yep, thanks, I actually have used the large zip lock bag, as well as a cut-off milk jug.

I've also tried puncturing the filter, once on the bottom and another "vent" towards the top,

to try and drain as much oil out before beginning the spin off process.

As I start to unscrew the filter, once oil starts seeping around the gasket and bleeding into the

bag, I've had a little difficulty spinning the filter off while keeping the mouth of the bag flush

with the mounting assembly. Invariably, some oil trickles down on the outside of the bag,

making it even more slippery, while continuing to try to unscrew the filter completely.

It certainly works doing it this way, but I still end up with oil drops in the bilge. I've been using

those oil-absorbing sheets, available at West Marine, and that keeps things relatively clean,

but at the end of the procedure, my hands are always coated with engine oil (hence, the GoJo).

And, since I'm doing this while my boat is on a hoist at a marina, I've got to then walk all the way

out to the parking lot to the public restrooms to wash my hands thoroughly before finishing the

oil and filter change. Not a huge deal, admittedly, but it just adds extra time and effort to the

process. YMMV.

it can be tricky, i usually roll the zip loc down so that it has a little more depth than the filter. This keeps the opening more firmly open (instead of clinging to the filter) while i spin the filter from the bottom. i can usually get the filter off without any mess at all. but you are right, YMMV.

[srab]

it can be tricky, i usually roll the zip loc down so that it has a little more depth than the filter. This keeps the opening more firmly open (instead of clinging to the filter) while i spin the filter from the bottom. i can usually get the filter off without any mess at all. but you are right, YMMV.

Good idea! Thanks for the tip. I'll try that next time.

[Blindside_137]

thanks for all the help guys! had a blast putting on 2 hours today

[droptine]

What do you use for oil ? Could one switch to synthetic ? I've never changed my own oil on my 06 VLX, but plan on changing it on my 09 VLX.. Wondered what everyone used for oil.

Cheers

[Malibudude]

What do you use for oil ? Could one switch to synthetic ? I've never changed my own oil on my 06 VLX, but plan on changing it on my 09 VLX.. Wondered what everyone used for oil.

Cheers

I use Chevron Delo 15w-40.