New AR 210 Higgins Lake Michigan, first oil change

[John Baumer]

As a first time boat owner, this site has been an excellent wealth of information. I bought the AR 210 last fall and put it in the water on May 5. I am very pleased so far, especially considering my wife was insisting on a pontoon. That would have been brutal! It's time for the post break in oil change on the hoist. The owners manual shows just changing oil and not the filter. What do you folks think? I bought the oil extractor suggested by a thread on this site. Do you people recommend marking the tank, to show how much oil was removed? Is a typical boat lift going to give me proper dip stick readings as far as being level? Any suggestions regarding oil? Any and all suggestions or tips are appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Scottintexas]

check out our FAQ tab at the top of the page for great oil change instructions,

I would change the filter just because it's only an extra $20. and it will give you piece of mind,

don't worry about the dip stick level when refilling, put in only what you take out, I always make sure I leave it a little low and check the oil the next time I go out after the engine is warmed up on the water and top it off correctly.

 

[Dave Baran]

I will second on measuring the oil you take out and only put exactly that much back in. Never had a problem myself, but have heard of others who over filled it and had many issues with the motors afterwards. With an extractor you can pour it into a measured pitcher and get an accurate reading. Then mark the side of the extractor for the next time. It should stay pretty much the same for future oil changes. But whatever happens, don't pour a whole gallon of oil in there. It will be overfilled for sure.