Quick question about oil level)

[SColby7]

after being on the lake this afternoon I decided to pop the engine hatch just to take a look. Noticed oil in the bottom. Thought at first that it may have just been from the oil change the shop did for me when it was winterized. Looked and felt around. it appears that it was coming from one of the oil filters. I grabbed the filter and was able to turn it tighter by hand. Checked the level and it still registers on the stick but obviously a little low. Not exactly sure how much I'm low but low. Hoping that I can find some tomorrow to put in it. Thinking to start with around half a quart. I will be making a call Monday to the shop and discuss this with them.

So what this all comes down to is this is the second weekend we have been able to be out on the boat. (Yes you read that correctly, second. Our daughter has had travel soccer all summer.)With four kids wanting to tube and what not will things be fine to run? With oil still on the stick I'm thinking so but wanted to ask. We didn't get any warnings or anything. I would have not known had I not looked. Thanks in advance for responding and giving your opinion on this.

 

[tdonoughue]

No reason to panic here. Probably you fixed the issue by tightening the filter. I would mention it to the shop, but just go get a quart of oil at the local Auto Zone (or gas station, if you want to pay $10 for the quart) and put half of it in. Clean up the bilge so there is not oil there. Check it a couple of times next time you are out just to see that oil does not reappear and that the level is good. Store the rest of the oil in your boat--mine always carries at least 1 quart in case I discover an engine low while on the water or filling up on the water.

All of that said, the amount low that you describe is not much, probably didn't hurt anything, and you could probably run all day like that (truth be told) without damaging anything. Probably. But, for the low cost of a quart of oil, why risk it?

Go have fun on the water.

 

[SColby7]

Great thanks. Planning on heading to get a quart in the morning. Gonna clean things up and keep an eye on it during the day.

 

[Bruce]

Was the oil level still between the low and high marks on the stick?

I would add a little of any same weight oil you can find and enjoy boating tomorrow.

 

[swatski]

Just keep in mind that less is more with these engines, when it comes to oil! You can do damage by putting much, even just a bit too much.

 

[Bruce]

As @swatski mentioned, add too much oil to an MR1 and it will blow out and clog the air filter leaving you to buy a new $200 air filter or a pair! If it is between the high and low lines just enjoy it.

 

[SColby7]

It was below the low level. Sounds like things would prob b ok but for peace of mind I'm going to head out this morning and grab a quart.
I'm just glad I caught it. We ran most quite a bit July 4 th weekend and just a few hours yesterday. Another full weekend and who knows.

 

[SColby7]

One more question, can the oil be any 10w-40?

 

[Bruce]

I assume the dealer used Yamalube. If you Can easily get Yamalube then I would but with the amount you are going to add any quality oil should be fine.

 

[tdonoughue]

For half a quart, don't over think it. But if they have 5w-30, I would do that. Your manual tells you he exact type they want. You probably have dino oil in it tho, so go for a blend or dino, not full synthetic.

 

[SColby7]

Same here as they sell Yamaha. Unfortunately they and the boat dealer near by are closed today.

Perfect thanks.all my oil changed have been done by the shop so wanted to make sure before just grabbing anything off the shelf.

 

[SColby7]

Thanks to everyone for the quick reply this morning. Got the oil, gonna clean up what's in the bottom of the hull, and off to the water today.

 

[Bruce]

I would take some pictures of what is in the hull to maintain a record.

 

[SColby7]

Well problem was not fixed. Filled it up, took it out, popped the hatch to take a look. Oil pouring out of the oil filter.MF'r
limped it back to the dock. Putting it on the trailer and will call and take it in this week.

 

[Julian]

Well problem was not fixed. Filled it up, took it out, popped the hatch to take a look. Oil pouring out of the oil filter.MF'r
limped it back to the dock. Putting it on the trailer and will call and take it in this week.

I wonder if they twisted the gasket or nicked it somehow. I'd just run to Advance Auto and get a new one....you shouldn't have to tighten it too much, but a little more than hand tight. Just get a filter wrench ($11 at Advance auto) and try tightening it first!

 

[SColby7]

Once things are cooled off I'll go and take a look. I'll cross my fingers and hope it's something that simple.

 

[buckbuck]

Sometimes the gasket will unknowingly come off the old filter and stick to the engine. Then when you put the new filter on, you end up with 2 gaskets which won't seal correctly. I suggest you check that first.

 

[Bruce]

I once changed rusty oil filters without changing the oil. You need a pan under the filter and a bed liners or adult diapers spread around. It can be done but you want to be fast then you will need to top off the oil.

 

[tdonoughue]

'Pouring'? That is not good.

All of what everyone said above is correct. I would let the engine sit (so everything cools and drains as much as it will), then put those puppy pads (or oil absorbent pads) below the engine. I take a large ziploc bag and put it over the filter when I do mine. Slide that over while still attached to the engine, then grab the filter and take that puppy off. Let it fall into the bag to minimize the oil getting everywhere. Have a new filter handy (from local auto parts store). If oil is pouring, it should be pretty evident that either a) the filter was cross-threaded or b) the dual gasket thing or c) a nick in the gasket or d) some foreign matter in the gasket (like a twig or leaf or something). If it is other than a or c, you can clean it up and reinstall the same filter. If it is c, replace the filter with the new one. If it is a, it should be the threads on the filter that are messed up, not the ones on the engine (the engine has harder metal), but check that. If the engine threads are fine but the filter's are not, replace the filter. If the engines are messed up, take it back to your service department with a hard scowl on your face.

 

[SColby7]

Yup a nice steady steam running down the side from under the filter.

Took the filter off and checked things out a bit. Everything appears to be fine. Nothing noticeable. So off to the shop.