Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 05-25-2023, 08:46 PM   #1
Ensign
 
Zathrus's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2023
Location: Vancouver BC Canada
Posts: 9
Default 4.3 L V6 Oil Change Warning

Don't be lazy with your oil changes!

Don't think that your boat doesn't need an oil change based on what see on your dipstick!

During my pre-season prep on my newly acquired 2005 Maxum 1800 SR3, I noticed something disturbing and wanted to pass it along to you guys. The prior owner must have thought this even though he told me he changed the oil every season. When I looked at the dipstick it looked really clean but when I drained it (the proper way) the colour shocked me. It was "dark black" (very dirty) and couldn't have been changed in years. It was so sad to see as the engine was recently rebuilt and only had 105 hours on it. I realized why.

The dipstick on this particular year engine (2005 4.3L) and possibly many more models, doesn't feed through the engine block and dip into the oil from above. Instead the tube runs down the side of the engine to a "T" fitting attached to the drain on the oil pan. That's fine for checking the oil level, but because of this, oil in the oil pan never really mixes with the oil in the tube and doesn't change color or represent the actual condition of the oil. It also won't show signs of water in the oil. How ridiculous is that? Especially on a boat engine!
Attached Thumbnails
20230502_155017.jpg   20230428_144741.jpg   20230428_144742.jpg  
__________________

Zathrus is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-29-2023, 02:46 PM   #2
Lieutenant
 
The Pirate's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 74
Default

Not unlike the situation I had with my 4.3. Bought on-line, sight unseen. Could best be described as, "little use, even less maintenance". Oil was 1.5 qrts low and very dirty.
I've used Marvel Mystery oil since prior to oil change and fresh filter.
Probably 4 changes since. Has gotten better and better in terms of it flowing out, even if a bit cool.
Excellent point about the dipstick not reaching all the way into the pan and not reflecting whats actually in the engine!
__________________

__________________
2006 Maxum 1800 SR3
2002 Stingray 180LX (sold)
1996 Bayliner Capri (sold)
1959 Cruisers, Inc. Seafarer (sold)
The Pirate is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-09-2023, 02:57 PM   #3
Moderator

 
shrew's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,588
Default

Yes, the dipstick tube creates a vacuum, like holding your thumb over a drink straw. As a result, the oil doesn't circulate through the dipstick tube.

This is why you shouldn't use the dipstick to determine if there is water in your oil. It is better to drain, or pull a valve cover.
shrew is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
oil change, pre-season, winterization

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3

All times are GMT. The time now is 06:42 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.