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Intentional Drifter · 03-03-2012, 19:20

Having two 3GM30's, I can do this in my sleep. The West Marine vacuum changer is a great piece of gear and takes most of the hassle out of it. Just have your engine warmed up well before. I don't understand why they mounted the filters horizontally, since you just can't get them off neatly. I use puppy training pads underneath and that does "pretty" well, but every now and then I make a mess.

Yanmar recommends 15-40 for these engines, diesel formula, of course. Personally, I use Delo.

They're good little engines.

ID

triton274 · 03-03-2012, 19:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Intentional Drifter

I don't understand why they mounted the filters horizontally, since you just can't get them off neatly. I use puppy training pads underneath and that does "pretty" well, but every now and then I make a mess.

I have found that you can use a 1 galon ziplock bag and hold it around and under the filter while removing it and it. In my experiences this has avoided any oil getting into the bilge.

Lancerbye · 03-03-2012, 19:26

Again I have to praise the PO. He installed a reversing Jabsco oil pump and valve arrangement that allows me to drain each engine, and refill by taking the line used for discharge and inserting into the fresh oil container, then reversing the motor. Quick and painless.

**David M** · 03-03-2012, 20:15

You wonder if the people who design engines have a warped sense of humor when they mount oil filters sideways or with the gasket side down.

Why does nobody make a larger tube separate from the dipstick tube specifically for oil changes?

These are kinda no-brainer things aren't they?

WrenchBender · 04-03-2012, 05:56

I've seen where someone added a drain fitting and hose to the base of their oil pan when they had the motor out for rebuild/repair. Apparently builders don't want boat owners doing their own maintenance. I'm sure they have some vague EPA containment regulation for not offering this option on these limited clearance setups IMHO.

JD.M · 04-03-2012, 06:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by bstreep

I use this:

Marpac Portable Fluid Xtractor

The good thing about it is that it also works great for cleaning out fuel tanks - you can actually see the water in the fuel. This one's tubing is 3 different sizes that will connect together AND it tolerates heat VERY well. I use mine to change oil in all 4 of our cars too - and I've had it for about 10 years or so. Only complaint is that the handle broke a couple of years ago.

BTW, when a friend put water in his fuel tank a couple of weeks ago, this thing was just the trick (yes, it was a friend - much more fun to work on this mess on someone else's boat).

+1

I use this pump as well, and have for four or five years. It works great, but you need to ensure the oil is at least somewhat warm. To keep oil from flinging about as I remove the hard plastic tube, I wrap a paper towel around the tube next to the engine, then withdraw the tube, wiping off the outside at the same time. When the end of the tube hits the paper towel, I just slowly and carefully lift the tube end until it's vertical and let the oil inside the tube run down.

Regards:

Jim

Bill_E · 04-03-2012, 18:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by endoftheroad

Okay, so I changed the oil.
My manual pump with a makeshift plastic tube duct taped was alot of work but well worth it.
I will be getting a 12 volt pump very soon.

There is some very good info in this thread and it's much appreciated.

Btw, what weight oils are we using in the tropics?
40 wt?

I'm still waiting for my Yanmar dealer to get me a service manual or pdf.
I'm starting to think it may never happen.

Thanks

I think that the 3GM Manuals are available at this site. Cascade Engine Center | Diesel Engines | Home

I thought that I had submitted them to the Cruising Wiki (Installation and Service Manuals - a Cruising Guide on the World Cruising and Sailing Wiki) But I don't see it there. If you are still having trouble finding the manual, PM me and I can probably email the ones I have. They are big files so may have to be split to get through the email servers.
Bill