I had the same dilemma when changing my oil on my 3.0L in a Rinker V-180.
I had a similar pump when I had a much older OMC 3.0L. It seemed to take
forever and I was only able to pump about 3.5 quarts out of the motor even
though the dipstick showed the motor to be 'full' (4 qts I believe). This
was somewhat disconcerting, but in a 25 year old engine, I'd bet this had
happened quite a few times and the motor seemed to run just fine, so I guess
getting only 90% of the oil out is OK. BTW, you can get this system from
OVERTONS for around $50 delivered (the least expensive of the three I saw).

Now, on my Merc 3.0, there was NOT those threads. SO I devised a little
method that has similarities to the newer Merc 'quick change' plug and hose
system with an used gallon milk bottle and purchasing some clear hose that
would fit through the drain plug hole in the hull and a fitting that I could
glue into the 'lid' of the milk jug and then cut enough out of the jug so it
would fit behind the drain plug in the bottom of the hull (required taking
the bilge pump lose). I then used the drain plug to drain the oil into the
milk jug and it flowed into the jug, then through the hole in the lid
through the hose into a pail outside the boat through the drain hole. It
took a two drains....had to drain about half of it and put the plug in while
the slower draining oil from the bottle drained, then drained the remaining.
It was somewhat of a pain...but well worth the savings of the cost of
winterizing at the dealer. Draining the water from the block and manifold,
filling it with antifreeze, fogging the engine, etc was much easier but I
still accomplished the job for about a quarter of what the dealer was
charging not counting a 60 mile round trip to the dealer.

HOWEVER, having a dealer do it does give you one thing....a GUARANTEE if
anything goes wrong (i.e. you don't get all the water out and something
freezes and cracks) they should take care of the repairs or replacement of
some of the expensive components on the motor.

Hope this helps...

Steve L.



"Murph_NH" wrote in message
...
Hi All!

After 5 years of having my dealer winterize my boat, I decided to do it
myself this year. Having the boat 100 miles away from the dealer sure
helped
my decision too. lol!

It's a '97 Glastron I/O with a 3.0LX Mercruiser. I got most of it done,
except for the oil change. Guess the oilpan drain is kinda tuff to get to

so I need a pump to pull the oil and crap out through the dipstick.
Wondered
why the dipstick had a threaded brass collar - guess I know why now.

So, what to buy. I'm not gonna but a commercial system, so forget the
$100+
systems - I only have one boat. I criused are the net and came up with 3
choices that made the most sense, but not sure which would be the best for
me. Advice IS needed!!! Here's my choices thus far unless I hear of any
others that make more sense...

- a small electric pump, roughly about $20 and lots of places sell them.
http://www.cabelas.com/information/M...-Oil-Pump.html

- a vacuum system from Airpower America. About $40 and could even use it
on
my bike.

http://www.cabelas.com/information/M...d-Changer.html

- a hand pump system like this one from Tempo, about $50.
http://www.cabelas.com/information/M...iter-Pump.html

Ya, I do like Cabela's. lol! But they have been good to me over the years.
But, those are the types I have found. I kinda like the vacuum one, but I
need to hear from you all to hear which really is the best way to go.

Thanks all!

Murph