MacGregorSailors.com

Jan 7th Saturday Ill be down at the boat to change the oil and filter on my
50 suz. I was going to start this around 7-8 in the morning and go for a sail in the afternoon. Any one want to change the oil and filter Ill be glad to help. Or if you just want to go sail, I want to put it in the water around
10:30. If you want help from me on the oil change just get some oil and a filter, I have what ever tools we need.

Weather so far looks good sooooo? Lets go

In about 4 months Ill be doing the water pump and we can do the same then.

Scott you dont need an oil change but your lower unit probably should be changed Im doing that too. so come on down Labor is freeeeee.

at least 2 pint plastic squeeze tubes for the lower units

3 or more quarts of oil for the engine one filter

right size plugs

some T-bone steaks to BBQ after the sail

I use Castrol oil in my engine, Its not a marine engine oil but I like it and I change it often so I dont worry about the marine oils. If someone knows this is a bad practice please let me know.

Mike

ohh by the way there is an oil recycle area just as you enter the ramp.
within walking distance.

I'll be damn...talk about saving $.

In December I paid $160 to have my "certified" Honda mechanic do my first years service. I guess that I have maybe 50-60 hrs on the motor in its first year. I then took the boat out and the motor promptly died resulting in a $80 dockside mechanic visit. He took one look at my spark plugs and said..."good god man...look at these what were you thinking going out with dirty fouled plugs like these"! Well three plugs and 5 minutes later (again $80) I was back in business. I'm still a bit concerned that the plugs could get so bad in only one year...and again that the "certified" mechanic missed it! I now carry spare plugs in the tool box!

Where were you a month ago?

While we are on the topicthe dockside mechanic also said that I was crazy for not having an external fuel filter, thus relying entirely on the internal filter. He recommended that I get one ASAP. Any thoughts here?

Hmmm, that is a good offer. Let's see how the weather goes this week. If it clears up, count us in!!

If you guys are changing lower unit oil, get the $10 pump from West Marine or NAPA - it really makes this job a snap compared to sclooging gear oil all over everything.

Fuel filter? I do have a filter in the other boat but not this one, all the outboards should have a fuel filter from the factory inside but its not a bad idea to put another one outside in line. But if you go that far you can get a water filter too.

I have the pump your talking about and we can drain the tubes of oil into the quart jug that I have.

I have a year and a half on my boat so its due for its 3rd oil change. I havent used the engine much but I like to change the oil when its still clear.


Changing the lower unit isnt needed as much but this will be the second change for me. I do it more often then it needs because its the best way to tell if the lower unit is still water tight. you get this grey goopy mess
if you leak. Anyone that hasnt changed the lower unit oil and the engine is a year old should now, because the gears have broken in by now and there is some metal flakes floating around in there, even though the caps to fill and vent are magnetic I would change it.

but like I said Ill be more than happy to help anyone that wants to do this.
water pumps are easy too, but Ill change mine after the 18 months go by.

update I use the quick silver lower unit stuff, if you want to use another brand get the quart jug so my pump will do all the work.
and get the gap numbers for the spark plugs if you have something to gap some dont...

I have an external filter, in line, on the fuel line. Its glass so I can see whats flowing thru. Like 6 bucks at Walmart. double at WM. I change the cartridge every 6 months or so. This filter is the exact same one I used to use on my VW. Probably 3 bucks thru JC Whitney.

AYA16 What is the address and zip code of the boat storage facility so I can run a Map. We might be in the area and would like to check out the storage facility/ramp and meet the Group. We are new owners and unfamilier of the area.
Thanks in advance.

Location: Public boat launch ramp is located at 13477 Fiji Way, (Basin H). Enter lot from Fiji Way.

Fees: $7.00 (Pay Machine accepts dollar bills, coins; credit, ATM/debit cards), which includes launching, recovery, and 24-hour parking for auto and trailer. If staying over 24 hours and up to 48 hours, you will need to pay the entry fee twice and place the receipts on your dashboard. When staying over 48 hours, vehicle must be registered with the L.A. Department of Beaches & Harbors, Parking Division at 310-305-9534 Mon-Thur, 7:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.

And a parking ticket is $50 ....don't ask how I know!

Roger come on down, dont know if the group will be there but Ill be there from Sat around 5am. the mast up storage is 89 a month and Jetta gave you the rest of the story. If you come down give me a call when you get there. 310-994-4212 Ill be more then happy to show you whats up there.



Blue hull or white?


[url] http://watchthewater.co.la.ca.us/beach.cfm?bid=42

We will be there too. Earlier then last time!

Mark & Diane

I just found out I wont be going to work fri, sat, sun, mon. Seems they
dont want me, so im glad you guys are coming down. Any way when we finish with the maintance and go out to play I may, if its a drop dead super day, keep going to Catalina so ill be towing my dingy even if we day sail just in case. Anyone want to keep on going with us Ill share the dingy.
or byo just in case. Jetta didnt you say you wanted to try yours out?

my plans are Fri. honey do list, Sat. be at the boat at 5am, then whatever from there.
Mike