Re: engine oil filter. Is this hard to change?

I just took my boat in for the 20 hour service and I got a letter from the dealer that the oil filter they used is now recalled. They also told me not to drive the boat until this has been changed because it could cause engine failure. I got the letter after I took my boat to the lake, I did not have any engine problems. Is it hard to change an oil filter? I dont want to waste gas driving my boat to the dealer if I can just pick one up from them and install it myself. Also, do you think driving my boat with the bad filter could have caused some harm to the engine? I own moomba lsv 06, if that helps. Thanks!

Go to an auto parts store and buy an oil filter wrench of the appropriate size and configuration. If there is plenty of room around your filter then just buy a straight handle one. If room is limited buy one that allows the handle to articulate or bend out of the way. Dont forget something under the filter to catch the oil when it is removed.

You may not even need an oil filter wrench. Changing and oil filter can be messy. use plenty of rags underneath it. Only hand tighten the new one on. Then plan on adding almost a quart of oil to make up for the lost one. Oil filters are a hazerdous waste and should not be thrown into the garbage.

No harm should have been done to your motor it sounds more like a precaution.

No wonder I stick to factory oil filters IE Ford gets a Ford and GM gets an A/C Delco.

cut the bottom off a 1-gal plastic milk jug (drink the milk first); use it to catch the filter as it comes off, and the spills that follow.

Also, make sure the gasket comes off with the old filter. Sometimes the gasket will stick to the engine and when you add the new filter there will be two gaskets and it will leak. In many cases you will be working blind so you may not notice.

Since this is a filter recall, I would have the dealer do it and put in new oil. You might see if they will make a house call since its a brand new boat.

Here is a good tip.
I put a large zip lock underneath my Filter and As soon as I can turn it by hand I pull the zip lock all the way up so when it is ready to come off you can just let it drop into the bag and no oil will fall into the bilge.

I use a large plastic garbage bag under my filter when I remove it to catch excess oil...works great and easy clean up.

Also wipe some oil on the new filter gasket. To do this just put the 2 filters together with gaskets touching and turn back and forth.