Mercruiser Remote Oil Filter Project

I am presently working on a project to upgrade a 5.7L Mercruiser to a remote oil filter system. With my extensive background in engines I have researched the various remote oil systems that are offered both from the manufacture and aftermarket companies.  In short I do like the idea of the remote oil filters, for many reasons, however I am not an advocate of the extensive cost of the adaptors for older units. Mercruiser has refined the remote oil filter system to a simple set up that has been proven to work. Mercruiser does not take anything lightly and the systems they put into place are always of the best engineering and materials that money can buy. For the most part, they build things to last and perform. 

 

This being said, we are adapting a 1983 unit to a 2000 year adaptation (See parts below). Although Mercruiser does not specify this unit on this year, with our engineering experience see no issue in doing so.  Keep in mind that Mercruiser does not approve any applications that they have not specified for any given year. The units they approve have been tested tried and true for each specific model. As a large manufacture for them to back-up and test each unit with updated or so to speak new designs for adaptation to older units is impracticable.  Therefore if you manage to ask Mercruiser about any adaptations, and they respond with we have not tested such, don’t think that they are not responsive to your question, it’s just a matter of policy and cost to do so. In the automotive market for us to go back and test a new device that would certainly enhance an older engine or such would cost millions and in the case of fuel or emissions systems would take years and lots of governmental red tape to do so.  Thus the aftermarket guys who are in tune with the needs and for the most part have the devices and products to support your dreams.

 

In this case the parts are 100% Mercruiser and will require a new Alternator/Power Steering bracket to be fabricated to accommodate a simple inverted filter set-up. As a note, never install the cheaper aftermarket systems that are designed for automotive usage. They are not robust enough to handle Marine applications and will without a doubt lead to disaster.  Most responsible companies manufacturing such set-ups do have a note stating "NOT FOR MARINE APPLICATIONS". It’s important when researching aftermarket components that you visit or contact the manufacture for information, do not rely on distributors or resellers for specific information. It’s not intentional, sometimes they just don’t have all the information. Always ask is this approved for marine usage?  Nevertheless there are set-ups in the aftermarket world that are designed for marine use, and they can range from $ 100.00 to well over several hundred dollars, some racing rigs reach into the thousands for a twin engine set-up. Quality in such units are important especially in the hoses. They should be rated far above the operating system, and well-constructed with crimped on fittings.

 

As a note: It’s always a good idea to hook-up audible low-oil pressure alarm when adapting to such systems. (If your boat is not already equipped with such a device). Some also have time out circuits that will shut-down an engine if the pressure is too low over a short period of time. Keep in mind that your pressure will not rise as fast when you complete an oil/filter change. This obviously is due to having to fill the extended lines and remote filter. In any event a lot of owners add an engine oil additive that helps prevent dry starts. This is one of my practices since my unit might sit for a long period of time between usages.

 

In design, we are adapting to an inverted filter system that works well with specific filters that contain Anti-Drain back valves. Again Mercruiser applications specifically are designed for each of their set-ups, they have researched and engendered the right filter for the right job. Never to fail if you follow there specifications.