Where in Carmen Sandiego is the oil filter?

[jaschrumpf]

I'm embarassed to ask such a basic question, but I've just bought a '75 Newport 28 with an A4 gas engine (rebuilt in '93 at Moyer, according to a plate on the engine), and while looking around in the engine compartment I can't spot the oil filter. I know it's gotta be in there somewhere! Can someone take pity on a noob and tell me where to look. Also, I'm figuring 30-wt oil for the change, yes?

Thanks very much.

[ChicagoNewport27]

Hello! I have a '78 Newport 27 with an A4.

Atomic 4 engines don't have a replaceable oil filter. That is why an oil change is recommended early and often to keep it fresh.

From the Atomic 4 manual: "If operation is primarily for short periods of time, change the oil more frequently. As a general rule, under normal use the oil should be changed every two months and before winter lay-up."

The oil check dipstick is in the rear on the starboard side.

Oil of weight 10W30 or SAE30 is recommended.

[ChicagoNewport27]

Oh, and the oil drain plug is on the port side just below the fuel pump.

[jaschrumpf]

There's actually a drain plug? You don't suck the oil out the dipstick tube?

Can you get an oil pan in there to collect the old stuff, or is there a better method?

[ChicagoNewport27]

No, it's too cramped to get a pan in there. Plus, the drain plug of which I speak faces UP. It's not under the engine like on a car.

You can buy an easy to use kit that has a pump (either manual, like a bike pump, or electric), hose and bucket to collect the old oil.

Moyermarine is really the best place to go to find out more info about maintaining your Atomic4.

Here are some good links:

Moyer Marine Atomic 4 Engine Rebuilding and Parts

First Oil Change - Moyer Marine Atomic 4 Community

Oil change issues - Moyer Marine Atomic 4 Community

Moyer Marine Inc. - include

[ChicagoNewport27]

Moyer Marine also sells an oil change kit that mounts permanently to that drain plug I spoke of. Then, when its oil change time, you just hook your pump and bucket up to the oil change hose and you're ready to pump out the oil.

I'm thinking of getting one for my A4.

Moyer Marine Online Store

You can always just pump the oil out thru the dipstick, but you run the risk of not getting all the oil out. From the oil drain plug, you can almost get every last drop out.

[themcnasty]

Haha, I did my first oil change with a pan on a nice heel.

I got a bulb pump for $4 for the next one

[SEMIJim]

That oil change kit for the A1 is definitely worth it! I've got ours hooked up so the hose ends-up just behind the companionway steps. Makes hooking up the extraction pump a breeze. Btw: This Moeller Fluid Extractor Kit works great, too.

Jim

[Gene Smith]

You can get a steel vacuum oil change can to change the oil through the dip tube. I have a vee drive so the engine only holds 2.5 qts because of the angle. I change the oil every 30 hours. 30 hours comes when I need to fill my 30 gallon gas tank. I don't think not having a filter is a problem since these motors are humming away 40 years without one! I'd skip any additives in the oil although I always add Marvel Mystery Oil to the gas. Get it cheap at the auto or farm supply store. I use an old Sta-Bil fuel stabilizer bottle and fill it with Marvel Mystery oil. The Sta Bil bottle has the neat "squeeze the bottle" measuring reservoir that makes measuring the oil to fuel easy. 1 or 2 oz/ six gallons will do the trick. More just fouls up the combustion chambers. I recommend you get an adjustable carburetor main jet from Moyer and adjust the carb when warmed up and running at cruise speed. It really helps fuel economy and keeps carbon from clogging the cylinder heads causing an unwanted increase in compression ratio that causes rough running and oil consumption. The longer you own the A4 the more you will love it! Silent, and no "bus depot" smell when motorsailing downwind. Would I rather have diesel power? No Way! Dangerous gasoline on board? Less dangerous than propane stove fuel or an outboard dinghy motor in a lazzarette. More boats blow up from propane than gasoline!

A4 Forever???!!!!