Drain Plug on Merc 115 Four Stroke

[Hemlock]

Motor is a 2009. Was going to attempt to change oil myself for the first time and I can't find my manual. Is the drain plug on the left (port) side of the motor about half way down the shaft? Large hex nut? Once I find the drain plug, I think I'm good....unless there are any other words of wisdom out there.

[reinhard1]

i have a 2002 115 Merc 4 stroke. the drain plug on this one is on the left side about half way down as you guessed. cant miss it. there is a depression with the bolt inside. good luck.

[boatfixer]

Yup, that's the one!

[SpecialK]

The vent and drain plugs usually require a flat head screwdriver. It could be different on yours but I doubt it.

If you are looking from the back of the motor they should be on the left side of the motor. The drain will be down near the bottom center the vent is usually straight up from the drain.

[Hemlock]

SpecialK, I am referring to engine oil. Is that what you are describing or lower unit (gear) oil?

[SpecialK]

Yep my bad

[Hemlock]

What's the consensus on warming oil up first. And trimming/tilting while draining? And turning the wheel to the left....

[reinhard1]

i tilt my motor all the way down and warm the motor up first. i tried the tilting deal. maby someone has a better way. i have a large funnel attached with a bungi cord under the outlet. prior to taking the bolt off i take some foil and shove it under the bolt and have the foil overlap into the funnel. this way i dont put a drop of oil on the motor or ground. i have a catch pan under the funnel which has a flexable hose.

anybody got better ideas of taking off the oil filter without spilling some oil? at this point all i do is stuff a bunch of paper towels under the oil filter before loosening it up. good luck.

[boatfixer]

Turn motor and tilt it so the filter is at its highest point to drain the filter.

[Hemlock]

Thanks everyone! Will have my boat in (to stay) in March. That is a new record. Won't come out till ~November 15. Pretty good for north end of Lake of the Woods.