OIL DRAIN PLUG?

larglo · Post by **larglo** » Sun Feb 20, 2011 3:55 pm

Hi all,

I think I have mentioned before about methods of changing the oil in the Chrysler 318. But something new came up this morning and need some advise about it.

I was removing the battery from under the stairs leading down into the cabin. I had already removed the stairs, but saw what looked like a panel, and when I removed it, there was a large opening into the engine area. When I looked in I was what looked to me a drain plug right in front and on the bottom of the pan.

And what I'm thinking is,,,if I can install an "L" shaped flitting with a pipe going up from it to the top of the engine and use it to put a suction hose down it to remove the oil from the pan for an oil change?

I can place a cap on the tube when not using it. I can provide a photo if you need it.

So,,,what do you all think? Need your thoughts on this.

Thanks,

Larry

alexander38 · Post by **alexander38** » Sun Feb 20, 2011 4:12 pm

Use the dip stick tube it works fine. Why make more work and a headache for yourself ? How much pipe and how many elbows are you going to use ? How are you going to mount pipe hangers so the thing won't move or vibrate . And do you really want to mess with a 30 plug ? I wouldn't.

larglo · Post by **larglo** » Sun Feb 20, 2011 4:33 pm

Actually I was thinking the engine tilts to the rear, so an inner tube may have to be attached to it to run down the pan on the inside, so as to get the maximum oil out. From the "L" fitting it would run up no more that 12" to 14" with one clasp hooked to the engine block to secure.
I haven't given much thought yet in how this will be accomplished, but sure it could be done, and the trouble could well be worth it to simplify an oil change. I don't see how a better way to change the oil wasn't provided at the time by Trojan? Are other more modern boats the same?

Larry

Torcan · Post by **Torcan** » Sun Feb 20, 2011 4:43 pm

alexander38 wrote:Use the dip stick tube it works fine.

I would never have thought of that method.
Things like this is what makes this forum great.
Thanks

Larry: Didn't mean to hi-jack your thread, just wanted to say thanks

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Sun Feb 20, 2011 5:37 pm

Largo, the modification is a good idea IMO, and you'll get more of the sediment which is probably lying in the bottom of the pan. You can rig one up yourself or buy an after market one sold by a few manufacturers; Sierra is one but I'm sure there's more out there. If you do it yourself, don't skimp on material quality or it could result in a real mess if something goes wrong.

Going through the dip stick is OK for most engines, in fact they're designed to have the oil drawn through the tube but the older Chrysler tubes don't go to the bottom of the pan like most engines. As such, you need to use very small diameter tubbing to fit into the dipstick tube and ensure it gets to the bottom of the pan. This makes for a long oil change.

mr elevman · Post by **mr elevman** » Sun Feb 20, 2011 5:41 pm

i think someone had all done this and posted pics

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Sun Feb 20, 2011 6:19 pm

Test re "forbidden" post

larglo · Post by **larglo** » Sun Feb 20, 2011 6:27 pm

Anyone know what the inside of a 318 oil pan looks like? Is there any obstruction from the front to the rear of the pan. I tried to post a reply, but got a forbidden message each time I hit the Submit button, but I'll try this.

If the inside of the pan is clear from front to back, I'll need to come up with a way to run a 1/4 to 3/8" tube to the rear of the pan in order to get the majority of the oil extracted. From there, I'll just run a tube up 12 to 14" and secure with a clamp to the engine block.
Or, I may come up with a way to attach a flexible tube to the front of a fitting and simple let it drain into a sealed bucket inside the small closet next to the stairs.

Anyone got pic's of the inside of the oil pan? This would be most helpful.

Larry

Torcan · Post by **Torcan** » Sun Feb 20, 2011 6:31 pm

Larry
Wouldn't that mess up the Oil pressure? What will you do to ensure your modifications don't mess with the pressure?
Sometimes when it isn't broke, it shouldn't be tinkered with.

Just my 1 1/2 cents worth

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Sun Feb 20, 2011 6:36 pm

I wouldn't worry too much about getting every little drop of oil, nobody ever gets it all, and if you change it on a regular basis, what little you leave won't do any harm. If your dipstick tube does not go all the way to the bottom of your pan, then I would just buy a kit or rig a hose to the drain, cap top of hose (use a fitting and plug) and fasten to the engine away from moving parts and exhaust manifold.

larglo · Post by **larglo** » Sun Feb 20, 2011 6:38 pm

Oil pressure as far as I know comes from the pump, and unless there are worn bearings and such which will cause low oil pressure, there should be no effect on the pressure. I will however, cap it, in case oil would splatter up the tube somehow.

Larry

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Sun Feb 20, 2011 6:43 pm

The mod will not affect oil pressure. If I'm reading you right, you want to run a tube inside the pan? No No No, I would not do that. Keep it simple. Use a hose that is fuel/oil rated and brass fittings.

larglo · Post by **larglo** » Sun Feb 20, 2011 6:55 pm

It was Ron (rbcool) who had the picture. What I can't figure about the picture is the black hose coming off the side,,,,and it's purpose. The blue metal tube going up, must be the drain tube?

Big D, if there are no obstructions and it could be done, seems like it would be a benefit in getting most of the oil out. I just don't like leaving used oil in the pan unless it's absolutely necessary. Plus the fact,,,,I just love to tinker.

Larry

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Sun Feb 20, 2011 7:10 pm

Unless you remove the pan and mechanically fasten the tube on the inside, I wouldn't be shuving anything in there. What ever you put in there that is loose will move around in rough seas.

alexander38 · Post by **alexander38** » Sun Feb 20, 2011 7:23 pm

Tinkering can cost money Larry, most older boats get the oil sucked out the tube and its worked fine all this time. And what is along oil change ? My hand vac pump takes about 5 mins to suck out 5qts from the tube. Imo I'd skin another fish.