I have a 250 Yamaha SHO. I watched a video on youtube that shows the guy lowering a tube into the dip stick hole to pump out the old oil before putting the new oil in. Is that the only way to change the oil? Is there a drain plug somewhere that wasn't mentioned? I don't have a pump to get the old oil out, so was going to check before I bought a manual pump.

Try posting in boats and motors section.

You can take off the lower housing on the starboard side and there is a drain plug. That's how I did mine. Just get ready to catch the oil, cause it's blasts out of there

Yamaha recommends pump because there is less spill. Always drain the oil to get the shavings out of the pan. Remove the 5 (I think) allen head bolts. There are also 2 Philips/flat head screws under the cowling. Push the plastic forward to take off. Remove the drain plug and put a pan underneath. Some people take a piece of hose and put in the drain hole. I use a low grade brake cleaner to clean oil residue off after I finish. The engines hold more oil that what it calls for. I start checking after 7qts. If you have any questions pm me please. Make sure you have metric allen wrenches and sockets.

P.S. the oil filter has a catch lip underneath it. Slowly take of the filter. I usually stick a blue shop towel under it. Make sure you have the crush washer left on the drain plug.

Changing to oil is easy, I use a suction pump with the long tube. Changing the lower unit gear oil is easy too. Saves good money and time doing it yourself. I learned how to do all on Youtube.

Thanks all for the replies. This is exactly what I needed to know, especially Andrew's detailed response.

I just spent north of $300 for my first oil and filter change at FunnSun. That won't happen again. Anybody know of another source in the D/FW area for good boat and engine service that is priced fairly?

Yourself

The oil and filter are about 100$ maybe a tad bit more then the labor rate for an hour. You probably will not find a "company" with much better pricing. However your smaller shops/shade tree mechanics will have cheaper labor rates. I always suggest that if you can tackle a oil change in a vehicle you can change the oil in an outboard.

I know, I'm older now and just don't want to do it myself. Plus I figure they know more than me. But $330.00 to be exact is a little high for me.
I'l find someone else.
Thx

That an oil filter and oil is over $100 is a bit steep. I'd bet that the only really special attributes of them is the pricing.....

I guess as long as there is a someone who will pay it, those prices will remain.

How often do you change the oil in one of these?

If she can do it then you can do it
Yamaha Oil Change

Thanks for posting this! She is easy on the eyes, but the video was well done, and adds a nice confidence boost when I get around to it!

Last time I had a girl change my oil she wasn't ready when it spurted out either..