Oil change R21?

[cockney]

Anyone know of video or instructions for oil change on Ranger Tug 21 .... including getting all the sludge out of bottom, best tools to use, etc.? Hope to perform in water, but winter on the hard is an option.

 

[Todd]

Not easy to change the oil on the hard. You really want to run the engine and have the oil hot to get it out. The more you run it the better especially if it has sat for a while allowing the "sludge" to settle. I will add that if you chance the oil at the required intervals there should not be any real "sludge" to worry about as the oil filter should be doing it's job. Therefore just get it hot so it will be easier to remove and get out what you can. If a little oil remains, don't worry about it.

On most of the newer engines you will need to suck the oil out through the dipstick tube with a pimp designed for that purpose. In some cases you attach the pump to the dipstick tube and pull the oil out. I prefer to put a small tube down the dipstick hole so I am sure I can get to the very bottom. Make sure it does not suction it's self to the oil pan preventing the oil from being removed.

Some engines have a separate tube going to the lowest part of the sump especially for oil removal, Check the owners manual for the engine.

Keep track of how much oil you add and check the level often. You do not want to overfill the oil and it will let you know how much was left. Make sure you check it again after running it as the new filter will take some oil. Also be sure to check for leaks around the filter. If a little was left in the engine, don't worry about it, it will come out next time and if you are doing regular oil changes it will be just fine. I bet you will be a lot more fussy than any paid mechanic would be.

 

[SGIDAVE]

Ditto what Todd said. As for doing maintenance on the trailer or 'hard' it is easier with the boat OUT of the water. That way your work platform is stable. When your removing the small screws holding the raw water impeller, you sure don't want to fumble and drop some under the engine/down the bilge drain holes...YIKES!. I was glad the boat was not rocking whilst I performed the maintenance recently. IN the water it certainly can be done...I'm not saying that you can't, just that my pref is for doing it on the trailer as opposed to in water.

I recently performed service on my R21EC on the trailer. I ran the Yanmar on the "hose" for 10 or so minutes to warm the oil, then aspirated it out through a tube via the dipstick location. I was able to get out a little over 3 qts. Just after getting the oil aspiration process started I received an overseas call and walked away for 30 minutes or so. When I returned it was done removing the oil.

The primary/secondary fuel filters and raw water impeller are all easy to change as long as the fittings have not been OVER tightened. Mine were fine and I had no trouble getting anything loose to make the replacements. You will want to have proper tools assembled and ready for removal of the various filters in case you encounter difficulty.

I am not aware of a video demonstrating the procedure on the Yanmar but a search of YouTube may give some info if you look there. The procedures are described in the Yanmar Operation manual which should have come with your boat or is available as a free PDF download - search internet for "Yanmar YM series operation manual."

I have found the 21EC to be a PLEASURE to work on and maintain. Very simple and easy.

Good luck,