where do u put the old oil, the bins in great Haywood say your not allowed to bring in old oil

David...Superb! A splendid vlog among many splendid vlogs. You manage to turn a dry an d boring subject into an entertainingf and informative and enjoyable 14 minuites. What a lovely dry sense of humour... Do you know how naturally comical you are? Don't ever stop man, and I hope that someday our paths will cross on the cut. Thank you, Steve.

How can 28 people put there thumb down to this informative, charming and very funny blog...there are some very odd sorts on this planet. As usual I loved this...great style, great humour and a very self effacing way with words.

So you managed not only to change your motor oil and filter in 25 minutes, but also to film it as well> Jolly good Sir!

And now I've learned a new word: shambolic. Cruising the Cut, both entertaining and educational.

"Don't go overboard." Generally good advice whenever you are on a boat.

One tip to help to avoid mixing up the old and new filters, as well as documenting when the oil was last changed, is to mark the date of the oil change on the side or end of the new filter with a permanent marker. Give it time to dry before installing it.

You did well to get all that done in 25 minutes

Job well done,David! If you find yourself in need of grubby old towels give me a yelp! " Shoving small children in tight spaces." You may well laugh. My parents owned a marina and during the winter season my father restored antique boats. I was one of the small children shoved in tight spaces ! Cheers!

As a retired auto/truck tech I use a shop towel or paper towel to grip the oil filter and I am generally able to loosen the oil filter by hand. I know this vlog is 2 yrs old, but you are never too old to learn from others. Enjoy your vlogs and notavlogs as well! Even your odd sense of humor! LOL!

If there is a You Tube emmy or Oscar for the most entertaining oil change you are a shoe in. Great VLOG as always.

You've come a long way from those early days of knowing very little David :) Love the fact you're getting really confident about doing stuff on the boat and sharing it with us :)

David, although you look like you should be giving tutorials on computer repair, I am so impressed with your mechanical ability. You are amazing!

Even though you play down your skills,you do have a good DIY talent that will only improve.

A bit off subject but.... I was noticing how very nice your wood looks in the background of the opening of this video. Absolutely stunning :)

I’ve changed oil hundreds of times in many kinds of engines, but listening to you describe it in your English was very interesting.

Thumbs up! Thank you. Loved the vlog, enjoyable, as always. Closing out with a teaser of your trip along the Avon was excellent, if shameless bate. ~Maggie & Dave, Vermont, US

Hi David, this video has been of particular interest for me! I looked at a boat yesterday as a potential liveaboard for myself and although it didn't have a vintage engine, it was midship in its own little room. I can now see the advantages - not only an excellent drying room but easy access for maintenance! My house sale is agreed - just waiting to exchange contracts before buying my dream!! Keep up the good work - like everyone else I love your videos. Cindy

I just watched and enjoyed a 13 minute tutorial of how to perform an oil change on a narrow boat. I don't even live in england.

You had done a wonderful job. You knock yourself too much. I love your comments. If i was english i expect i would have the same jokes. I am only a quarter english. Bit of a mutt. The camera work was fine. I forgot you mentioned it. I grew up and live in Ely MN. Usa. No canals. Many many lakes.

Methods for getting oil filters off: 1) Screwdriver through it- If all goes wrong then you can rip the filter in two and only leave a little stump left 2) Duct tape ( Wrap once in duct tape sticky side in, then turn and wrap once sticky side out) -Mullers your hands 3) Water pump pliers- Usually work, or take all your knuckles off Also smearing the rubber sealing ring on the filter before putting it on is a good idea

Many thanks David , love your simple no nonsense approach in language that us newbies can understand. As we might say no " snot en trane ! "

Even though I already know how to change oil in a similar engine, mines a gas engine & I don't have an oil pump on the side of mine Your vlogs are still very interesting & I just love them. I just watched Robbie put new heat tube or something like that on his exhaust. He was having some issues getting it started, but he got them sorted out & got the job done right. He told us that he's not that good with engine work. I'm made to do it myself, bc I don't have the money to pay someone to do it for me. We do what we can & I have a very trust worthy place I can take mine to if need be. He always does me right. I glad you gave your home new food until it's time to do it again. Have a wonderful week cruising around. Cheers, Chris

Those insert shots of your engine sitting on gravel constitute spoilers for a future vlog! (Which I’ve already seen in passing in a title somewhere) can’t wait to get to that one.

Dave you have me in stitches, your facial expressions are great, you should be a comedian and change your name to chuckling the cut. great vlog as per norm

Another thing you can use to get the oil filter off is a leather belt, just make sure that your trousers don't fall down in the meantime!

If you use latex gloves while doing an oil change, you'll be amazed at the difference - you'll be able to grab the old filter and turn it off without a tool, properly tighten the new one, keep your hands clean and avoid burns as well.

"Shambolic" my new favorite word! Thanks for the info!

David, another great vlog, even with the disclaimers! I don't know why, but I always enjoy it when you're mucking about with your engine. I'm looking forward to the one you mention where the engine has been pulled out to work on the rust in the bilge. As always, enjoying your adventures on the cut!

Hi David I have followed your vlogs from day one and thoroughly enjoyed them, it was nice to see how confident you come across regarding maintenance when you consider your initial honest declarations in the early days. Also enjoyed your podcast with the indie projects and your acknowledgement to sort of interesting as an early pioneer as it where. Thank you for the continued vlogs it's much appreciated. Kind regards Paul

Special inexpensive oil absorbent pads and sheets are available here in the US at every marine supply store. They do a fantastic job and do not become waterlogged. Consider placing one under the engine at all times to contain leaks and spills, you will be glad you did so. Cruise on!

Thank you David. Not as badly shot as you made it out to be! Happy engine, happy cruiser. Happy cruiser, more vlogs for us wannabes!

the oil on the filter seal , is more to help you get it off again , screw it on dry ,,and there will be very bad language when its time for your next filter change,,,,excellent vlog too;0 thanks

Very few can make something as mundane as an oil change entertaining, well done. Did you know that some in the marine maintenance business refer to paper towels as "white gold", haha. Fair winds.

Another interesting episode, David. Thank you. I really enjoy your adventures and I look forward to seeing "behind the scenes" episodes like this one. It shows that real life is more than just chugging up and down calm canals in fair weather through chocolate box top scenery and that you do occasionally have to get your hands dirty. Nice one!

Wanted to say Your show is top notch and Bristol. Also really liked your indie projects interview. Great stuff!

Use a leather belt to remove the filter. Put it on such that when you tighten the belt around the filter, it is pulling counterclockwise on the filter. THEN put your right hand on the belt with your palm against the buckle junction and twist both the belt and the filter while also pulling on the loose end of the belt in the same direction with your left hand. As soon as it breaks loose, remove the belt quickly before you get oil on it and it stains the leather. Works like a charm. Ensure that the old filter has its O-ring still attached because sometimes the O-ring will remain stuck to the engine .. and that will cause a double O-ring at the base of the new filter. You don't want that because it will leak between the two O-rings very badly. Wet the rubber O-ring on the new filter lightly with the used engine oil before installing it. Tighten ONLY HAND-TIGHT.

A few recommendations. 1. Commentor Stuart White is correct, always check the the new oil filter gasket is in place on the new filter (they are occasionally missing or misaligned) make sure there isn't another gasket stuck on the filter adapter on the engine. 2. "Prefill" the new filter with fresh oil and allow a few minutes for the element to absorb the oil, then recheck. It's prevents any "dry" moments on engine start up. 3. While lubrication of the new filter gasket with oil is acceptable, you would b better served to use a finger full of grease for lubrication. It's non-stick properties are a bit better. 4. Switch to a 100% synthetic, diesel grade lubricant. The sulphur in diesel engine oil (added for anti-wear and anti-scuffing,) tends to aggressively combine with the water vapor always found in the bilge, to form sulphuric acid in the oil which ultimately attacks the engine bearings. 100% synthetic lubricants also have a longer service life. (Credentials upon request)

I cannot lie...I nearly didn't watch this video to it's conclusion. I thought, "when will I ever change the oil on a narrowboat engine?" Well, it may never happen but, I have to tell you that this is one of your most entertaining videos I have seen. It really made me laugh. Not at all boring and a very real approach to mechanics. No filter wrench? Let's improvise...loved it. And yes, the head cam did make me a little woozy....Thanks for the great video..

Thank you for the videos! I'm a recent subscriber in America binge watching the old vlogs. I envy your lifestyle and hope to follow that path someday soon. Keep up the good work and we will enjoy your adventures vicariously for now!

I once blindly reached down as you did, took off the old filter, put on the new filter, and motored away very happy.. until the alarm went off and all the new oil was in the bilge. When the old filter came off, it left its rubber gasket behind and i piled another one on top with the new filter. All the oil shot out between them. Yes, I should have checked... and you can bet I do now. Hopefully at least one person avoids this mess for having read this.

Thanks, David. Very instructive. Didn't feel sick. Top tip we were given is to lubricate the new filter seal by kissing it against the old one, which still has oil on it.

Who needs college when we have you :) priceless information.

Quite enjoyable. I used to change oil and filter on cars some 40+ years ago. At least, I could put the car on a lift and do it from underneath. And I used that filter removing wrench with a strap. Learned a lot back then. Learning more now. Keep on cruising.

Nothing wrong at all with how you change your oil and filter - it’s spot on. I’ve lost count of how many generators I’ve serviced in my life - dozens a week for over a decade and the process is the same from something small like your engine right through to the largest of engines (that’s a 60 litre, V16, 2500HP for me). Good work. 👍

When you mention the head cam I was worried however you actually kept it remarkably still. Informative video and again you even admit to any mistakes like a very hot engine.

Any old plastic pop/milk bottle cut in half makes a splendid funnel and can be tailored to your needs

"Don't go overboard" is very good advice, especially when you're on a narrowboat. Well, any boat for that matter ;)

Hi....always clean the surface that the filter screws on to as contamination here can cause the filter not to seal flat.also you can use sand paper to unscrew the filter as the grit acts as a key.nice vids!carry on up the canal sidney. Best wishes.simon.

All the stuff the Haynes manuals don't tell you and you have to learn the hard way. Holding the oil container on its side, is a tip well worth knowing, to avoid spillage.

Good to see something that can be used in both your "stash container" and on your oil filter.

Great video. Only thing i could even add is to always check the old filter to see if the gasket is stuck to it, sometimes it gets stuck on the engine.

That was great. Very informative and I didn't feel seasick at all. Given how hot the engine was you did well to keep your head so still. You make jobs about the boat very absorbing.

I'm watching the oil glug in and thought " Well, that looks just like a nice olive oil, I wonder..." 😁 Yes, just fling in a bit of balsamic vinegar and some snipped herbs and you're ready for lunch!

That was fine, I can't wait to change mine! I only have one problem, I now need to find a shop that sells G&T. Or maybe that reward is for the person changing the oil not the one watching the video! Thanks. I hope the engine went back in the boat without any problems.

If you buy 2 liter sodas, save one and cut 2 inches to 6 inches below the cap. That will probably work good as a funnel.

I like vlogs like this please make more on the basic up keep and how you get on in your boat as well outside :)

As potentially shaky head-cams go, you don't need to apologize, it wasn't bad at all I would say.

One comment. The Cummins people recommend change your oil, fuel and Air Filter with every oil change. My techs all say they have never seen an engine as tight or the condition so good when they look at the Milage they are amazed. All I do is follow the Manufacturers Guild lines. And it runs the same after 1,000,000 plus as it did the first day we bought it. Diesel engines are really very well designed and if you look after them they will reward you with extremely faithful service. As I used to operate as an On Demand operator this meant being called out at all hours of the day or night to go anywhere nominal with in 2000 Mile Radius. It was interest work and I drove to good and bad conditions all weather. Certainly not as nice as your "Driving" on the canals but I did enjoy it for 15 years. Please Stay Safe and please get your Vaccination as soon as you can. It is Very Important.

Good job. I always put on an old pair of washing up gloves when changing the engine oil on my motorcycle. Saves getting oil all over your hands, which is apparently carcinogenic once all black and used.

Hi david. Just want to say. You do some great video. They much helpful when your looking into living on a boat. Keep up the good work and keep them videos coming lol

So glad I watched this Many moons back I was a time served diesel technician working on Gardner,Lister,Petter and paxman to name some with a pet hate for BMC and Perkins but only once for a mate took the top off a boat BMC (😩) And never touched another inboard marine engine since. I did wonder about getting the oil out to change it A pump yay question answered But just a thought when removing the filter I would try to put a plastic container ( margarine tube ) under to stop any mess Love the vlogs and we hope to be on the water pretty soon Please come back asap because some of the other boat vlogs are awful 😀👍

That was a very quick oil & filter change, you done good as they say. Last time I did an oil change on my car I ran over the oil drain pan containing 4L of old oil. It took a lot of kitty litter to clean that up.

Another great video David and yep, I was one of those surprised at the cost to join the river lol

A crude awakening,double sided tape and a pair of rubber gardening gloves works well on the old filter...

Very interesting and helpful. Thanks David. Look forward to your next Vlog on The Avon.

Thanks for reviving the old memories of having to change the oil on my vehicles. I used the screwdriver through the filter once then I went out a brought the proper filter wrench. It never failed that I had to buy to buy an extra quart of oil as it was an odd amount of oil to fill to the proper level. That was many years ago when oil only came in quart bottles. Before that oil came on a paper can with metal top and bottom. One either used a church key or a screwdriver to puncture the lid. Anyway thanks for the video...Cheerio😊

I have to change those kind of filters on the sump systems on the precision match grinding machinery I work with. Believe me when I say that this really was professionally done!

i was watching a cruising/holiday channel on tv and on came a show about narrowboats, then you were on it talking about canalboat life, I turned into a child then, kept on telling my wife "I know him, I know him, that's cruising the cut, I know him" , looking forward to seeing the avon, I have only been on one trip and the avon was part of it, keep up the good times and enjoy a deservedly g&t7

Some will fill the oil filter with new oil before putting it on, but I see yours is mounted sideways. You could pour in just a bit. Yes, always put oil on the gasket to prevent it from tearing when screwing it on. This is a helpful video. Some knowledge is needed to know how to do this even if you hire someone else to do maintenance. You'll never know where you will be when something needs doing. Thanks David for sharing with us. Do you have any idea how scary it was hearing your engine running at the start of the video and seeing you pouring oil in ? :O

After running the motor, always wait 5-10 minutes before checking the level. Otherwise there's a risk of overfilling. Also fill to the high mark before starting after a change. You know the level will drop.

LIKED THE WAY YOU DID THE OIL CHANGE WELL DONE

I always wondered how you changed the oil... The pump makes perfect sense.

Davy, you should have been a lecturer! Your attention to detail was great.

You know my friend, I think you were born to do this! Please keep up the amazing work!

I've been doing oil and filter changes on my engines for over 50 years. I simply waited until Saturday to to it with engine ice cold. No burns but don't be in a hurry as the cold oil flows slowly. Still and all never had a problem other then time, took roughly one hour to do. Including refilling with oil. Never had a burn doing this way. Roughly 30 minutes to drain the oil pan , replace the drain plug (aka turn the valve closed on a narrow boat ) then refill with fresh oil and a new oil filter, refill the oil to the approximate level and replace the oil fill cap. Done.

Well done with this. I do admire your dedication and tenacity -I do know I would not attempt this maintenance knowing I only had about half an hour to do it. 👍

Good show old Bean!

You are reeling me in to put the canal life on my bucket list!! Very informative, done this on my van, but your filter seems small for size of the engine....difficult space to get at!!! Luv all your vids!

i tell a lot of people this---if you keep your eyes and ears open and your mouth shut, you might learn something. and i did---i have tons of foam tape like you are using on your weed hatch. it has given me some ideas on hard to remove items--and not necessarily oil filters. thanks for the tip!!!

one thing to be careful of when removing the old filter, is sometimes the o ring sticks to the block, this will cause a leak if you spin on the new filter with the old o ring in place

Hi David great vlog as always the camera was not that bad looks like you got these engine oil changes down to a fine art plus saving you some money as well don't need to call someone else to do it for you. looking forward to seeing you going up the Avon happy boating S C.

Catching up on some older vids. Love your easy to follow technical terms ie blindly flail about !

50 quid for a week works out to 2600 a year, which is a fair old amount for just one little river, compared to what the CRT charges for all of its canals. But that’s what you get when you’re paying for one week instead of 52.

Thanks for this, it is all extremely useful and very interesting, I’m really enjoying the vlogs! In fact I now take notes 😂 We have a plan and lots of research is the starting point. Very exciting to think we might be cruising the cut too before too long.

Good oil change David , but yes a funnel makes it easier . I was going to say you have to check oil level again after start up as the filter will fill up and more oil needed but no again that covered . Well the 50 quid for a week on the Avon , thats reasonable. Next Vlog looks really good :-)

Hi David very interesting for me as i have not seen an oil change before great vlog as usual

before you put in the new oil take the dippstick out. then you can fill the oil faster the air can escape via the dippstick hole.

Brilliant video so utterly hilarious yet very informative , I'm off to do my genny's oil change right now. Thank you 😊

Great breakdown of this whole messy process - thank you!

You did an excellent job on that video. Here are my tips, tricks, and comments. First off always make sure that the gasket is on the old filter. Some filter designs do not hold onto the gasket as well as they should and the filter comes off leaving the gasket stuck to the engine causing a huge mess and a minor disaster if you don't notice and stack the new filter onto the old gasket. I worked in a shop and this even happens to pro's. Write the date and engine hours of the last oil change on a piece of tape with the words last oil change and stick that tape someplace you look every time you start the boat, like by the dipstick. Others have mentioned similar ideas, find the one that works best for you and do that it will give you peace of mind. Also you should keep an engine log they are great for keeping up with maintenance and while they don't increase the value of the boat they will help to sell it faster. Big yellow dish gloves can help with grip and heat when removing the filter.

David you may or may not know of this little tip, I noticed your bilge was grubby with spilt/leaked oil and water, use disposible nappies they mop it up a treat, both water and the oil. I keep a couple in the bilge àll the time of course away from any heat source, I have never had any problems doing this. But after a suitable time in there you can remove them if you don't fancy leaving them in situ.

Could you have used a soda bottle opening to pour the new oil in. Use what is available today. Just like you used the water proofing tape. We would use a similar adage in sales. Sell what is available today! You are a very sensible person so just take a breath and think through things. I love your vlog.

261 comments on doing an oil change, that's talent. Cheers David.

You can also use some sand paper if the fuel or oil filter if its hard too get off

I find this vlog moor entertaing and experienced less stomach upset than when I watched Cloverfield.

Great step by step oil change episode! I do the exact same thing everytime I change the oil on my engine....think I've put in more than enough oil in and it doesn't even show on the dip stick! haha

Lovely video David, I did not mind the "Action" in the action shots one bit!

There I have reached the end. I enjoyed your journey. I think I would love that sort of life, except I do wonder about the long periods of being on your own. But still, I am looking at various hire places, just to have a holiday on the canals to see if I get a good feeling that I would like to do it for longer periods. Good place to start I thought. I don't think the canal hotels would work the same, because all you would really do is sit looking out of the window for long periods of time.

Just to save you a bit of stress, you can attach a piece of hose pipe with a jubilee clip to the end of the extraction pump. You'll not have to struggle locating the waste oil container under the spout.