Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Lubricants...

..........If We Couldn't "Ahem", We Would All Go Insane."*

Note  The author is a product of Idaho's Silver Valley and is, therefore, at his worst moments, an accomplished profaner.  However, in this blog entry, the expression "Ahem" has been inserted in the place of various and well-deserved expletives.

Clean lubricating oil is critical to the health of diesel engines.   And it's not like we can run the boat into JiffiLube for the lunch hour special when its time for a change.   Each engine holds just over 5 gallons of oil and has two oil filters (primary and bypass).  And there are the inevitable challenges in accessing engine components in a boat.  Yards typically charge $300+, plus oil and filters to do this and most are scheduled out for weeks.   Ahem

But, it's fun to try new things, right?  During our recent visit to Annapolis, we encountered the perfect storm for a DIY oil change.  We had access to a courtesy car to go buy oil and filters.  The marina had a tank for dumping old oil for recycling and a disposal process for filters, rags, etc.  And we had the time.  So, we invested about $200 in oil and filters, warmed up the Volvos, and went for it. Ahem.

Draining the old oil is easy.  The boat is equipped with a Reverso oil exchange system that is pre-plumbed to the drain plugs at the bottom of each oil pan.  One simply sticks a hose in a used oil container (a 2.5-gallon oil jug left by the prior owner), opens the Reverso valve for the correct engine, and flips the switch to "Drain".  When the jug is full, you stop the pump and send your beautiful, intelligent, helpful, tolerant, and supportive spouse off to empty the jug.  Repeat the process for a 2nd jug full and "Ta Da!" you have an empty oil pan.  As long as you're careful handling the jugs of oil in the cramped engine room, it's quick and easy.  Refilling the engine with fresh oil just the Reverse-o (so to speak), using the "Fill" switch..

But in between come the filters.  Ahem.   The first issue we encountered (after we had drained the first engine, of course) was that our NAPA Auto Parts oil filter wrench was much too small for massive primary filters and much too large for the smaller bypass filters. Ahem, Ahem   We were fortunate to borrow a Craftsman strap wrench (Christmas hint 😀) from the marina.  

Now, those of you who do oil changes understand that the new filter is always marked "1/4 turn            past hand tight only."  And,  you're terrified of oil leaks.  So you always put the wrench on the new filter and snug it just a "tad" past "1/4 turn past hand tight only".  Right?  And then regret it at the next oil change, huh.  Ahem. Ahem.  Read on.

The filters on the port engine are inboard and fairly easy to reach.  But breaking them loose to unscrew took all my strength and a 1-foot cheater pipe  (which we dubbed  "Belichick") on the wrench.  Ahem, Ahem.  And why the heck don't Ahem engine manufactures design Ahem oil filter mounts that are Ahem self-draining?  In a fit of  Scandinavian wisdom, Volvo even laid these filters on their side.  So no matter how diligent you are, there will be Ahem oil drips (or worse) into the bilge to clean up.  Ahem. Ahem.

Then there were the starboard filters. Ahem. Ahem. Ahem.  Outboard and sandwiched between the engine and a 250-gallon fuel tank, just past the start batteries and dual fuel filters, in the dark.  Ahem, Ahem. Ahem.  After removing both batteries and unbolting part of the V-belt cover, we were able to actually get the wrench on the primary filter.  Ahem  With maybe three inches of turning clearance.  Ahem. Ahem.  After about an hour of work, an ample supply of Ahems,  and the application of Belichick, we were able to begin turning the filter.  When it came time to remove the filter, it was a one-handed affair. With the expected drips and drizzles into the bilge.  Ahem.  Ahem.  Ahem.

Installing the new filter one-handed presented a new challenge.  The goal to simultaneously support its weight at arm's length and thread it onto the mount while lying on one's side while sandwiched up against the fuel tank proved, to put it mildly, elusive. Ahem. Ahem. Ahem.   Using a webbing tie-down dangled across the engine from above with one hand to support the weight of the filter and the other hand to spin the filter on proved to be the ticket.  Ahem, Ahem, Ahem Ahem

 And 5 hours after it Ahem began, it was Ahem Ahem finished.  and we were still married. Barely.

Next time, we will pay the Ahem Ahem Ahem boatyard.

Ahem

Wade and Kathleen

*With thanks to Jimmy Buffet and Parrot Heads everywhere.