oil change for unused kicker?

T

Taran

New member
We would like to get advice regarding whether to have the oil changed on our kicker motor. It is very new, only ran a couple of hours last season on the break in schedule. The engine was fogged and winterized. We didn't use it at all this year. Should we have the oil changed anyway?
Thanks!
Warren and Tara
 
If the oil was changed when you fogged the engine--it should be good. Generally I change the oil when I put up an engine--especially if it is not gong to be used.

If only used a couple of hours, and not changed there is a quandary, because you should run the engine just before changing the oil. I probably would look at the oil, and if it looked good--yellowish, no carbon, no dark particles, let it go--but next year run and then change the oil before putting it away.
 
thataway":193bk14f said:
If the oil was changed when you fogged the engine--it should be good. Generally I change the oil when I put up an engine--especially if it is not gong to be used.

If only used a couple of hours, and not changed there is a quandary, because you should run the engine just before changing the oil. I probably would look at the oil, and if it looked good--yellowish, no carbon, no dark particles, let it go--but next year run and then change the oil before putting it away.
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YEP! :thup
 
I had a great aunt on my fathers side. She drove a very large caddy that did everything. One day My grand father asked if she had had the oil changed yet, She replied " No it has not been 3,0 00 miles yet" He asked when was the last one?" " well I have had the car for 8 years but I am not to 3,000 miles yet" :roll:

When you live in a town 1 mile by 1 mile and don't every leave or drive after dark it takes a while. Oil changes are a guide line not a Law. You do not need to change it every year if you are not using it, but you may not want to wait 8 years either.
 
Oil's cheap, outboards aren't. I've changed the oil on both motors at the start of the season, and the kicker's only had a few hours. How much: 2-3 qts?

And it's a new engine, might be some break in stuff in the oil.

Boris
 
I agree with Dr. Bob on leaving the kicker oil change until after next season and after some usage.

My thoughts on generally when to change oil and lower unit lube is to do it in the fall after using it all summer. Don't leave it set all winter with possible contaminates in the lube like water, acids or other "wooley buggers". Leave it with clean fluids and ready to go in the spring. JMHO for what it is worth.
 
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