Oil changing simplified
 

So since I try and "Do it yourself" repairs I thought about making oil changes easier but need to make sure or quantify my idea.
Is it logical to run a 3/4 hose with 2 gate valves (1 at the engine and 1 at the transom) with a plug style connection in the transom (plug always in unless changing oil) and gates always closed as well in case of failure (No water entering engine) this way it's a matter of warming the engine opening the gates and pulling the plug to drain the oil in lieu of siphoning through the dipstick.
If I am out in left field then by all means please let me know.

Thanks
Bryan

I have hoses with connectors on pans. Plug on hose end connects to drain plugs via stainless wire (when you remove your drain plugs you can "fish" out the hose through the opening and disconnect the plug with two wrenches). You can let gravity do your oil change or connect vacuum pump to speed up the process. This was the way my Fountain came from the factory. Your ideas, while sound, seem more complex than might be needed. I'm guessing that pumping the oil out of the dipstick tube leaves a 1/2 quart or so of old oil behind. Others on here are professionals and will be able to give sound advice.

Thank you... always looking for more and better advice

You don't need the valves. Merc makes an oil drain hose kit for pretty much every engine. You have to check with them to be sure which drain plug assembly to use, but that's what I would do. The hose is small enough to fit through the drain plug flange and its attached to a wire tether. You remove the drain plug, pull the wire tether through the drain plug flange, warm the engine, and open the plug (or attach a pump). The other end of the hose has a 1/4" NPT fitting and plug.

I have these drain hoses on all of my engines. I have a 1/4" male adaptor on the other end of the oil drain pump hose and I just attach that to hose on the engine and pump out all of the oil. Very easy.

If you're still set on your idea, do not use anything larger than 1/2" hose for the drain.

I would (and do) just use the oil drain hose kits.

What I did was throw some 90 degree barb fittings in the drain plugs with a hose attached. Ran the hose to the front of the engine. Heat up engine, put drill pump on end of hose, suck oil out, out away for winter.....

I installed one of these, and it worked great - very easy.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]522410[/ATTACH]

I'm going to install one of these. Push the tubing on for change then remove once empty. Just run the hose out the drain plug like mentioned.
http://www.qwikvalve.com/F101N-1-2-20-UNF-w-nipple.html

I replumbed the oil pre luber to do oil changes.. it pumps oil like a garden hose!

http://33outlaw.zenfolio.com/img/s5/...18476235-4.jpg

Which prelube kit is this. This is something I have considered doing!