Engine level bow to stern when Checking the oil

[RockShawn]

I did a search and didn’t necessarily find an answer to this, and it may sound like a really stupid question but the owners manual doesn’t really specify the position of the engine when checking the oil with the dipstick. I watched a quick YouTube video on changing the oil and that guy said it was important to use a level and make sure that the engine was sitting level when checking the oil. Is that the case? Or does it matter? I just did an oil change and lowered the Jack as far as it would go, but the engine is still not sitting level when I put a torpedo level on the engine cover.

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

As long as it’s close it’s good. My manual states that in addition to leveling it on the trailer you can check it on the water.

How far off was the torpedo level when you checked it?

 

[RockShawn]

As long as it’s close it’s good. My manual states that in addition to leveling it on the trailer you can check it on the water.

How far off was the torpedo level when you checked it?

High at bow almost 1/4” on a 7” torpedo. But the jack is all the way down. I’m right at the upper hole on the dipstick maybe a smidge under.

The extractor i used doesn't have markings to know how much i pulled out. I didn’t quite use the whole gallon of oil, and i figured the new filter would take up some.

I’ll check again on the water

 

[sunbyrned]

For what it’s worth, I keep it hitched to my SUV and have found a place to park where the engines are level.

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

High at bow almost 1/4” on a 7” torpedo. But the jack is all the way down. I’m right at the upper hole on the dipstick maybe a smidge under.

The extractor i used doesn't have markings to know how much i pulled out. I didn’t quite use the whole gallon of oil, and i figured the new filter would take up some.

I’ll check again on the water

That seems like a lot…since you are using a level I was looking for a reference to the bubble, 1/4 bubble high, half bubble high at the front of the engine end of the level.

Did you put the boat on the hose and run it after you changed the oil to check for leaks? Then let the motor sit for 5-10 minutes then check the oil?

I’d try @sunbyrned ’s suggestion and hook it up and move it to a place where it’s level.

As an fyi…you have the 1.8L engine and there is a post in that tread that shows the sump in the 1.8L.

Thread 'TR-1 Proper Oil Level to avoid RPM loss'

May 18, 2025

I’ve seen a lot of posts about the TR-1 oil level, and been part of a few of them. I’ve seen the claims that high oil levels reduce peak rpm’s in this engine. I’ve also seen at least one video that gave bad information about how to check the oil level which led me to believe that this could be the cause for rpm losses, but I never could figure out the mechanism for the rpm loss until yesterday when I was replying to a thread for @CarolinaJet and excessively high oil levels while out on the water. Then things became clear to me as I remembered another post where a guy had pulled...

• FSH 210 Sport
• Replies: 18
• Forum: General Discussion

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[RockShawn]

That seems like a lot…since you are using a level I was looking for a reference to the bubble, 1/4 bubble high, half bubble high at the front of the engine end of the level.

Did you put the boat on the hose and run it after you changed the oil to check for leaks? Then let the motor sit for 5-10 minutes then check the oil?

I’d try @sunbyrned ’s suggestion and hook it up and move it to a place where it’s level.

As an fyi…you have the 1.8L engine and there is a post in that tread that shows the sump in the 1.8L.

Thread 'TR-1 Proper Oil Level to avoid RPM loss'

May 18, 2025

I’ve seen a lot of posts about the TR-1 oil level, and been part of a few of them. I’ve seen the claims that high oil levels reduce peak rpm’s in this engine. I’ve also seen at least one video that gave bad information about how to check the oil level which led me to believe that this could be the cause for rpm losses, but I never could figure out the mechanism for the rpm loss until yesterday when I was replying to a thread for @CarolinaJet and excessively high oil levels while out on the water. Then things became clear to me as I remembered another post where a guy had pulled...

• FSH 210 Sport
• Replies: 18
• Forum: General Discussion

• 
• 
• 

Sorry, about 1/4 bubble high bow side. Lifted it 1/4” to get to level.

I just checked it on water and i think i’m good. My dipstick is tough to read. My manual, unlike yours, says to let the engine cool for 5 min before checking oil level. And i must have missed where it said “precisely level”

Best i can tell on the water, i’m just below “1”. For the future i’ll look for a way to get the engine level. Thinking of jacking up the axle and using jack stands on both sides then adjusting the jack till i hit level bow to stern.

I had just seen the posts about too much oil and wanted to make sure i had the right amount.

My engine is 5.3L total and manual says 3.7 for oil change and filter.

I was very patient with the extractor and got what i felt like was all of the oil out. The extractor was a little over half full, so being a 1.5gal extractor i did my best rule of thumb and added back around .9 of a gallon checking the level every 2-4 minutes as i filled.

On water it looks like i’m between “1” and “2” but what bugs me is the little bit of residual oil on the dipstick from the tube. I pulled it out every which way i could to keep the dipstick precise, but still got residual on it.

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

Sorry, about 1/4 bubble high bow side. Lifted it 1/4” to get to level.

I just checked it on water and i think i’m good. My dipstick is tough to read. My manual, unlike yours, says to let the engine cool for 5 min before checking oil level. And i must have missed where it said “precisely level”
View attachment 240345View attachment 240346
Best i can tell on the water, i’m just below “1”. For the future i’ll look for a way to get the engine level. Thinking of jacking up the axle and using jack stands on both sides then adjusting the jack till i hit level bow to stern.

I had just seen the posts about too much oil and wanted to make sure i had the right amount.

My engine is 5.3L total and manual says 3.7 for oil change and filter.
View attachment 240347
I was very patient with the extractor and got what i felt like was all of the oil out. The extractor was a little over half full, so being a 1.5gal extractor i did my best rule of thumb and added back around .9 of a gallon checking the level every 2-4 minutes as i filled.

On water it looks like i’m between “1” and “2” but what bugs me is the little bit of residual oil on the dipstick from the tube. I pulled it out every which way i could to keep the dipstick precise, but still got residual on it.

Going forward, it’s best to put in a bit less oil than you think and adjust the level up, much easier than having to pull oil out. I do the same thing with all my vehicles.

Do yourself a favor and get an extractor that is not only graduated but can hold more than what you need to pull out.

 

[CastawayRK]

I save a couple 5qt oil jugs and pour extracted oil in for disposal but also so I can tell within a couple ounces how much I took out.

 

[Babin Farms]

Does anyone put a level on their vehicle engine to make sure it’s level before checking the oil?? Doubt it, so why would you do it on your boat. Make sure it is somewhat level, check it and go about your day. Also, replacing the same amount of oil that you extracted works if you check your oil before you change it otherwise if you’ve “used” oil you won’t be putting enough in. Best practice is to put the recommended amount of oil in after changing, run it, check it and add if needed.

 

[zipper]

We have a different boat now, but still have two Yamahas, outboards, that take less than a quart per motor. I tilt the motors down, near plumb and extract the oil. I use this to measure the 8/10th of a quart of oil to put back in. LGFUN - Funnel, 32 ounce Measuring cup with lid and | FMI Racing, Canton GA
I always creep up to the full mark. I check the dipstick a few times to be sure of the oil level.