Changing the Oil on a 1979 Mercedes OM636 Marine Diesel Engine
Sailing Sea Dream of Clyde
Join Trevor and Cat of Sailing Sea Dream of Clyde as they document their high-authority transition from BC coastal transits to mastering solo-managed Pacific crossings.
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Here is a quick video that is a bit niche, but might be helpful for some fellow sailors that also have a OM636 diesel. I could not find an oil change video for this engine, and there are a few unusual quarks involved when changing the oil on it, including a cleanable oil filter! The info that the shop manual provides is a bit simplistic, so I hope this video will make others new to this engine feel a little more comfortable when doing their first oil change!
I am not a mechanic, so follow my methods at your own discretion!
For parts, Westfield 4X4 in the UK are outstanding! I once ordered parts on a Friday afternoon, and they were at my door on the West Coast of Canada the following Tuesday! http://westfield4x4.com/
Steps:
1) Run the engine to warm up the oil. This makes it easier to extract the old oil.
2) Pump out the old oil into a jug. About 4 litres should come out.
3) Carefully remove the oil filter. The nuts should be 13 mm. Place a cloth and small can or bucket to catch the 100 – 200 ml of oil that will likely flow out.
4) Remove the old paper gasket from the filter housing cap.
5) Take apart the filter. (13 mm socket).
6) Clean the oil filter in a diesel bath.
7) Put the filter back together. Be careful not to over tighten the nut!
8) Apply the new paper gasket.
9) Reinstall the oil filter on the engine.
10) Add 4 litres of SAE 30 “straight grade” oil. No synthetics in these old beasts!
11) Check the dipstick, then run the engine.
12) Ensure the oil pressure comes up as usual.
13) Recheck the oil dipstick
14) Go sailing!
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