2000 115 4 stroke Yammy-- oil question

[Scoot]

I've owned this motor for four years and because my dad always stores it in the winter at his place, I've never changed the oil on it (he always does it before I can get to it). However, I went to change the oil yesterday and got confused quickly (happens often). I drained the oil, and replaced the filter. Then, when I went to add new oil I discovered that it was WAY over full when I added four quarts (so full it was overflowing the fill hole). I was told that it should take almost exactly five quarts if I replace the filter. Obviously the filter isn't full at this point, but it only takes .2 quarts to fill the filter, so I'll still be way over full and only have four quarts in.

Any ideas what the scoop is? Did I likely not get it drained all the way somehow? Not sure how this could be the problem because I let it sit for over an hour and nothing was draining out when I put the plug back in. Can this be an indication of a bigger picture problem? Was I just told wrong and it holds less oil than I was told? Thoughts, comments, suggestions?

[Fishprobe]

I have a 2005 115 Yamaha. When I change my oil after it drains I tip the motor up for a little while then tip it back down vertical. You will get more oil out after it has been tipped up. Usually not as much as your indicating though. Maybe 1/4 qt. Did you have the motor plumb vertical when draining?

[gopherfisher_22]

Your never going to get that motor completely empty. That motor prolly takes 4.5 qts including the filter so add 3 1/2 qts and check it. Just dont overfill remeber that oil expands a little.

[Northlander]

Yup my 115 yamaha 4 stroke takes about 4.5 each time as well. Like said above make sure your motor is straight up and down and then tilt it up and down a few times and you will get more.

A bit off topic but I sure wish Yamaha would have put the oil plug some place but where it is. Every time I change oil out I get a huge mess all over the lower unit. Anyone find a way to rig a hose or something so you can drain oil right into a pan rather than have it running all over the lower unit/prop?

[Scoot]

Thanks guys.

Northlander, I agree. What a pain in the butt. Next time I change it I'm going to try devise a system that'll take care of the oil a lot cleaner. I'm thinking a metal funnel that's bent to fit right below the rubber piece below the plug hole. Maybe strap it on with a bungee cord? Not sure, but anythings gotta be better than just letting it run down the motor and dripping off in all directions.

[Northlander]

Im thinking a fitting with the same size threading hoseclamped to a 5' piece of garden hose? Anyone know where I can get such a fitting?

[Hookmaster]

Northlander,

If I understand what you want to do, you had better have quick hands. You're going to lose a lot of oil after the drain plug is removed and before the fitting and hose is attached. This is what I do that works preety well. I took a piece of PVC tubing that is about 2 to 2 1/2 inches in diameter and cut one end at about a 60 degree angle. That is the end that goes under the plastic tubing in which the drain bolt resides. Cut the other end to the length you need a put it in the drain pan. Loosen the bolt. Remove the ratchet and turn the drain bolt all the way out by hand using the extension. The oil flows through the PVC into the drain pain. It helps if someone else holds the pipe or else bungee it to the lower unit. I've been doing this for 4 years now and works great. You still might spill a little oil but not much. Another tip for draining oil is to cover anything it will drain on with aluminum foil. The oil will drain off the aluminum foil into the pan. When done remove the aluminum foil and everything is clean. This works great on cars/trucks especially for the oil filter. Now if anybody has any tips for removing the oil filters neatly on these motors, let's here them. Currently I stuff a rag underneath and use a sandwich bag around the filter.

[Fishprobe]

I made a fitting that screws in and have a hose attached. If you tip the motor up then remove the plug oil will not run out. Then attach the fitting and lower the motor. My problem is the oil that drains from the oil filter into the bottom of the cowling. I stuff a rag below the filter area and that helps but you still get oil that seeps down.

[Northlander]

Fish probe can ya send me a pic of this and a close up of the fitting? Thanks a lot.

[caseymcq]

Could one of you post the picture of what you have rigged up for changing the oil without all the mess.

[SUNNYD]

Getting back to you on the filter...I don't think there is a clean way! I take a flat head screwdriver and hammer it all the way through the filter sideways get in my quarter turn and do it again. After two or three quarter turns I can then take it off by turning it by hand. I have done this 5 times now and I never have a mess...I drain the oil first, but I do have one multilated oil filter!

Take care!

[Fishprobe]

I'll see if I can find it one of these nights and get some pic's to post.

[Northlander]

Thanks Man.

[MJCatfish]

I know it's good to warm the oil up to make it flow out a little quicker before changing, but I change my oil after it has been sitting for some time. That way, most of the oil is drained out of the filter. Try that, as I have very little mess. Thanks for the idea on the hose. I think that'll work!

MJ

[iffwalleyes]

Oh come on guys change oil is supposed to be messy isn't it? At least it always seems to be for me.