DIY Oil & Filter Change

[Shakespeare]

I was scanning through my Suzuki DF115 owner's manual and noted that they "highly recommend" that an authorized Suzuki service shop change the oil filter. I know that some of you like the safety and security of allowing the boat dealer's service department perform this routine maintenance for you.. and that's fine. But for me, I've always performed my own routine maintenance on all my vehicles, tractor's, motorcycles, lawnmowers, and whatnot. I can't fathom in the far reaches of my mind why it would be necessary to employ the services of a "factory trained technician" to perform such a fundamental task. Someone please tell me that the world has not turned into a place where the average Joe can't change his own oil. 001 Am I way off base here? I don't generally subscribe to conspiricy theories but this one sure makes me think that the factory is scratching the service shop's back.

Mike C.

[Loki]

While I am not an average "joe", I am an average "mike", and I change my own oil.

Check out http://carolinaskiffowner.com/index.php?topic=162.0

[Familymanof5]

Most definetely do it yourself. When you do it do you foot oil as well. But use the pump for that. Cheap at about 11.00 aT BOAT US.

TOM

[dukescorner]

Foot Oil ????

[Shakespeare]

Most definetely do it yourself. When you do it do you foot oil as well. But use the pump for that. Cheap at about 11.00 aT BOAT US.

TOM

Tom, I'm glad that you brought this up as that was going to be my next post. I thought it to be a bit unusual to have to inject the gear oil into the housing via the drain port, but hey, if that's the way you do it then so be it. I was going to inquire about the correct pump/injector for the task. Is there a specific model for the Suzuki or is the pump generic?

As a side note, the dealer quoted $250 for the first service. I thought that to be a bit high for some oil changing. I know they gotta pay their people, but just because it's a boat motor don't mean it's a free-for-all with my check book. What am I missing here?

[Harry]

As a side note, the dealer quoted $250 for the first service. I thought that to be a bit high for some oil changing. I know they gotta pay their people, but just because it's a boat motor don't mean it's a free-for-all with my check book. What am I missing here?


I can change my own oil, and have done MANY times in the past. But since this is my FIRST brand new outboard, I chose to have the dealer do it. Also included in the first 20 service and oil change they check and adjust the valves, FYI.

I figured this way if anything got screwed up, I'd not get a run around from the motor manufacter saying, I didn't know what I was doing or something.

[Shakespeare]

Thanks Harry. I remember from my discussion with the service department on the day of sale that they change oil, tighten a cable, and spray some kind of water displacement lubricant. I don't recollect hearing about valves, but then again it was a whirlwind day, trying to keep up with everything going on around me. I'll give them a call and get a clarification on exactly what services they perform.

[Harry]

It should all be listed in the Suzuki owners manual. I know it is in my book.

[Raven X]

I own a 2180DLX with a 2006 F115 Yamaha engine. Also being a backyard automobile mechanic for over 30 years now, I get sticker shock whenever I buy a Yamaha maintenance part. Around $14 for an oil filter; about $4.50 for a quart of oil, over $7.00 for a spark plug. That's something like $65 for routine maintenance. Compare that to the cost of the same maintenance for my truck; $17 using OEM parts as well.

Does anyone know of a mail-order business or web-site that carries Yamaha OEM parts for less cost?

[Familymanof5]

I tried for about 10 minutes without the little pump on the foot (lower unit) oil. Went straight down and picked one up. Wala pumped it straight in and I have checked it since and perfect qty.

TOM

[Shakespeare]

Does anyone know of a mail-order business or web-site that carries Yamaha OEM parts for less cost?


Here's the Google search; http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Yamaha+marine+parts&btnG=Google+Search

You'll have to do the shopping. ;)

[Willie]

While I am not an average "joe", I am an average "mike", and I change my own oil.

Check out http://carolinaskiffowner.com/index.php?topic=162.0


widow maker, check this link out...................good friend Loki put it up.......

[Shakespeare]

Hit my 20 hours this past weekend and changed the oil and filter after work today. I ran out of daylight so I'll do the gear oil tomorrow and look at the steering cables and what not. I can say the experience was non-eventful except it sure makes a darn big mess when the oil starts trickling out of the drain hole and all over the lower gear housing. Fortunately I had a pretty good sized drip pan under there. I think I'm going to spring for a service manual. Any of you guys from Jersey do business with Brown's Point Marine Service? http://store.brownspoint.com/default.asp (http://store.brownspoint.com/default.asp)

[Harry]

Feels good to do it yourself, more gratifying. (sp)

As for Browns point, no there almost in NYC. I'm at the southern end near Atlantic city.

[Dave]

Mike, If I didn't mention it before, I like the way you think - 012

I made the mistake, base on someone’s strong recommendation, to take my boat to a dealer for the initial service, even though I already had bought and received the appropriate filters and maintenance manual from Brown’s. What I got for my 186 bucks was a crankcase oil and filter change and a lower unit gear oil change. I expected all the checks and adjustments (if needed) as indicated by the Suzuki Owner’s manual but that did not happen. I specified to the service manager that this was the “initial 20 hour service” and asked him what was included. I got the expected (did I mention I'm a bit skeptical from my 30+ years of visiting factory service centers) “an oil, filter and gear oil change”. When I “tactfully” stated to him that I thought the “initial” service included more than that, suggesting a valve adjustment, etc., he said “Oh, it must not be like the Yamaha’s”. Note: These guys were also listed as authorized Suzuki sales and service, and they do commonly work on Suzuki’s. He told me they would check it out and do the required work. With that, I left the boat for the work to be done. I noticed the sign hanging on the wall that read “Labor: 75.00 per hour, 85.00 for emergency service.”

When I returned later that morning, the boat was ready and the mechanic was there available in the front office and so he took me to the boat to help me get on my way. As we walked to the boat I asked him what work/checks had been done and he told me he changed the oil and filters, including the lower unit oil. He wasn’t able to check the idle speed because he didn’t have the key – damn, I knew I forgot something! No problem he said, since he had pulled the boat over by the water spigot, he could attach the motor flusher and crank her up to check the speed. He did, looked at the onboard tach and said everything looked good. I didn’t even bother to ask him about the valves since I knew he couldn’t have done that check – I had the keys.

Now, I know, from the manufacturer’s maintenance manual (purchased from Browns Point Marine) that the dealer service center should have a special hand held unit that they hook up to diagnose engine RPM’s so I was a bit (but not completely) dissatisfied that he merely looked at my tachometer to determine the engine was operating at proper idle speed. They were friendly enough but I drove away shaking my head at having parted with so much hard earned cash (by way of labor charges) that I was that much more resolved to never visit a dealership for service again, short of having to have warranty work done.

As I went back to review the service manual, I did notice that the valves are to be checked (whatever that means) and adjusted only if necessary. Should’ve just done the work myself – I enjoy it anyway.

Dave

[Loki]

Thank you 1stSGT Sir! Just like you, I enjoy working on my "own" stuff. If something goes wrong, I have nobody to blame but myself. The good news is, I have yet had to call SeaTow <knock on wood>.

[Dave]

Funny you should mention "Sea Tow". I was just down at EJW's in Morehead City and noticed the sea tow office is just down the street from them. As I drove past, the sign outside said they were having a holiday special - 20% off. I probably should sign on, especially since I am planning to take the 218 a few miles out, where there are few boats and of them, fewer still, willing to interrupt there day to tow me in pro bono. About 20 years ago, I was out only 3 miles, running 25K when a bolt came loose under the flywheel of my outboard, jamming the head of the bolt into the flywheel, effectively shutting down the motor. As I recall, the tab was 260.00 to tow me back to the dock - probably triple that now-days.

Dave

[Shakespeare]

1stSarge, before you spend any $$$ and assuming you have insurance coverage you might want to check to see if towing is covered under your insurance policy. I know my boat has $1,000 coverage for towing. I'm not exactly sure how it works though... if you just give SeaTow your policy number or you pay out of pocket and get reimbursed or whatever. I need to check into that. Just another one of my random stray thoughts.

Mike C.

[koolj]

I have been a sea tow member for 3 years now - fortunately I have not had to use them yet but it is nice to know I can call if need be - I have the trailer package as well in case I have a problem between the house and water - pop-in-law has used them a couple of times on engine failures - they came towed him in at no charge no problem - I think my package is 119.00 with the trailer included - I bought mine at Boaters World on my captain's card and that went towards my points to get a boaters world gift certificate as well

[ANTMAN]

Sukuki DF115 should have the valves "checked" at 100 hours. I was also told that the motor has hydraulic lifters thus there shouldn't be a need for adjustment.

Tony

[Dave]

I can say the experience was non-eventful except it sure makes a darn big mess when the oil starts trickling out of the drain hole and all over the lower gear housing.

Try this Shake. Be careful when you jam the foil in the grove under the drain hole, not to punch a hole in the foil and the oil will flow off the end of the makeshift spout.

Dave

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc188/djerhart/FoilOilFunnel001.jpg


http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc188/djerhart/FoilOilFunnel002.jpg

[218Elite08]

I have 2 Etecs (2 stokes) so I don't need to change the oil in those. (The maintenance cost is one reason I did not go with a 150 HP 4 stroke). I do have a suggestion/idea. I have two motors for my Lowe. The Mercury 9.9 is a 4 stoke. It does not have an oil filter because of the HP. It has an oil screen. When I get ready to change the oil out I am going to try a piece of rubber hose as a funnel. It looks like I can slide it over the drain to keep it from being to messy. 006

Brian

[bobreeves]

That oil you're draining looks as clean as the stuff I just put in mine and my wife's car yesterday. Would you mind saving it and mailing it to me ROTFLMAO

[Dave]

Let us know if it works for 'ya. 012

Dave

[Shakespeare]

Thanks for the tip 1stSarge! I was thinking the other day what the world would be like without tin foil. ;D

Mike C.

[lakebiker]

Just a tip for you local Piedmont guys. D&E Marine on #8 close to High Rock is about as good as you can find for your boat works. I spend a LOT of time in 6-8" of water every year getting to and from my fav fishing holes so at the end of each year, I take the boat to David and have him do a new water pump, oil change, lower unit service, etc. He's cheaper than I can buy the stuff and do it myself and it's for sure done right when you get it back. And no, I've got nothing to do with his business, just a very happy customer for many years. thumbsup

[shaggy3131]

I did submit to the "strong suggestion" that the 20 hour service be performed at a certified Suzuki dealer. Other than an oil and filter change and a lower gear case oil change, the dealer did connect the motor to his computer. The computer's program analyzed many indicators in the engine, all of which he stated were within normal parameters. The computer was able to detect the time on the engine and the time at different rpm's. The best thing for me though was I got to watch all he did and did learn a few things about servicing the Suzuki. By the way he did not have Suzuki oil in stock and installed Valvoline. A few running hours later I drained the Valvoline and installed Suzuki Oil. The dealer did recommend that synthetic motor oil NOT be installed until after 50 or 60 hours of run time. But he did install synthetic in the gear case. Like most of you, I will be doing it myself from here on out.