TWL: Oil Change for DD 4-53
Well, list, I'm sure I've just seen the first of many price shocks on owning
a decent size boat. I've received quotes from a couple of different yards on
the cost of oil and filter changes on my twin DD 4-53. I was quoted $300 and
$337 respectively to do both engines.
I know that these engines take quite a bit of oil, the DD have been
retrofitted with spin off oil filters. I had originally figured to have it
done in order to observe a pro do it the first time but now I'm reconsidering
doing it myself. I have one of the "Top Side" vacuum type oil change kits
that I used on my old gas power boat. Other than I might have to do each
engine with emptying the can half way through (only 2 1/2 gallon capacity) is
there anything I need to be wary of?
Thanks in advance.
John Jessop
Dutch Treat.
From: John Jessop
. I've received quotes from a couple of different yards on
the cost of oil and filter changes on my twin DD 4-53. I was quoted $300
and
$337 respectively to do both engines.
It should be about the same drill as your gas engines were, just a lot more
of it. You might consider spending the $300 to $400 that you save by doing
this yourself & buy one of the permanent mount oil change systems. They sure
take the (most) pain out of changing your oil. The easier it is, the more
likely you are to stay on a change schedule. The one I have is called "
Oil-Change-R" or something like that, but Jabsco, Reverso, & a couple of
others make them. They range from about $250 up to around $500. They plumb
right into the oil drain plugs, so you get more of the old oil & sludge out
than with the vacuum type systems that go through the dipstick or such. They
are much quicker & cleaner also. Just set a 5 gal bucket down & fill it up.
I have the info on the system I have at home if you need it.
Brent Hodges
M/V Friendship
43 Albin
Seabrook, Tx
Snip>The cost of oil and filter changes on my twin DD 4-53. I was quoted
$300 and
$337 respectively to do both engines.<snip
Just like changing the oil in the gas engines only more oil and bigger oil
filters. Each one should take just shy of 5 gallons of single weight 40 low
ash motor oil. GM two cycle oils are amoung others Chevron Delo 100, Mobil
Delvac 1200D, Shell Rotella DD40.
Most of these motors have large spin on filters and you will absolutely
have to fill the filter to the top before installing them. The Fleetline
filters and Frams I use hold almost a gallon of oil all by themselves.
Run the motors so the oil is hot before trying to remove it, which will
help get it all pumped out and place as much dirt into suspesion as
possible. Using a top vac pump you may take awhile to get it all out. You
should pull out 4.0 gallons and almost another gallon from the filter.
Have fun and save. Filters $50 + oil $120 + 2 hours and a couple of oil
absorb rags = less than $200 so you can take the admiral to dinner, priceless.
Skooch - Hatteras LRC 42
Worton Creek, MD
David Stahl
Beacon Technologies Inc.
Serving The Delaware Valley
Business and Residential Internet Services
Well, list, I'm sure I've just seen the first of many price shocks on
owning
a decent size boat. I've received quotes from a couple of different yards
on
the cost of oil and filter changes on my twin DD 4-53. I was quoted $300
and
$337 respectively to do both engines.
I agree emphatically with Brent about installing an oil change system for
this procedure. Having employed the Topsider Vacuum system to change the
oil in my former boat (sail with a 4 cyl Lehman)I know how long it takes to
suck out just 2 gallons using this method (seemed like forever!) The cost
of the installation of a good oil change system is almost offset by just one
yard job, as evidenced by the quote above. Even if you have to pay someone
else to install the system, you will be untold dollars ahead in the long run
and the job of an oil change will be reduced to almost a pleasure instead of
one of those jobs you put off due to the drudgery.
Jim Alexander