Why change the oil in autumn?
Change it in the autumn, while you're winterising anyway. Used oil contains acids, moisture and combustion residue, and if it sits in the engine all winter it attacks bearings and metal surfaces.
How often, which oil and how much are given in the owner's manual for your engine.
What you need
- The right engine oil and a new oil filter. Bring the engine's model and serial number when you buy the filter.
- Oil extraction pump. On many marine engines you cannot reach a drain plug.
- Filter wrench, rags and absorbent.
- A sealed container for the waste oil and a bag for the old filter.
Inboards, diesel and petrol
- Run the engine for a few minutes to warm it up. Warm oil flows more easily and carries more dirt out with it.
- Shut it off and pump the oil out through the dipstick tube, or drain it if the engine has a drain plug.
- Loosen the oil filter with the filter wrench. Hold a bag around the filter so nothing drips into the bilge.
- Wipe a little fresh oil on the new filter's gasket and tighten by hand as shown on the filter.
- Fill with new oil, wait a moment and check the level on the dipstick.
- Start the engine. The oil pressure light should go out and the filter should stay dry. Check the level once more.
Outboard, four-stroke
- Set the engine upright in the running position.
- Run it warm with flushing muffs or in a flushing tank. Never dry.
- Drain or pump out the oil and change the filter if the engine has one.
- Fill with the amount specified in the owner's manual.
- Change the gearcase oil too. If the old oil is milky, water has got in, and the seals need checking.
Where to drop off used oil
Waste oil must not end up in water, soil or drains. That is set out in the waste oil ordinance. Pour it into a sealed container and hand it in as hazardous waste, together with the filter and oily rags. Marinas must be able to accept hazardous waste from boats. Otherwise the municipal recycling centre will take it.
Let the boatyard do it
Is the engine compartment cramped, or do you want the autumn service done at the same time? Ask for a quote on an oil change and autumn service, and include the engine make, model and serial number.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you change the oil in a boat engine?
As often as the owner's manual says, in hours, time or both. Most owners change it at least once a season, usually before winter storage.
Should the oil be changed in autumn or spring?
In the autumn. That gets the dirty oil out of the engine before it can sit and act on the metal surfaces all winter.
Where do I dispose of used oil from my boat?
As hazardous waste at the harbour's reception facility or the municipal recycling centre. Waste oil must not be released into water or soil.
Do I need to change the gear oil on my outboard?
Yes, most manufacturers specify regular changes. Look at the old oil when you drain it. If it is milky, water has got into the gear housing.
Sources
- Vinterkonservering av din båtmotor, Biltema biltema.se
- Motorvård för båtmotorer, Biltema biltema.se
- Förordning (1993:1268) om spillolja, Sveriges riksdag riksdagen.se
- Avfall från fritidsbåtar, Transportstyrelsen transportstyrelsen.se