Yamaha Outboard Oil Filters & Oil Filter Wrenches

Yamaha Marine Engine Oil Filters and Oil Filter Wrenches Resources and Information

PartsVu.com is happy to offer a wide selection of certified Yamaha marine engine oil filters and oil filter wrenches to match the exact specifications of your Yamaha outboard motor. If you have questions about performing maintenance on your outboard, chances are you’ll find the answers in our blog. 

We stock a complete range of Yamaha outboard parts, outboard engine filters and strainer, and related tools and products to help you service your Yamaha outboard motor, including: 

• Fuel/water separating filters and wrenches
• Yamaha marine primary fuel filters
• Yamaha VST fuel filters and gaskets
• Yamaha outboard filters and multipacks
• Yamaha outboard filters and strainers

We also regularly release new helpful resources like: 

• Yamaha Outboard Maintenance Parts Charts
• Yamaha Outboard Service Schedule
• Yamaha Outboard 100-hour Service Guides

Yamaha Outboard Oil Filters and Oil Filter Wrenches FAQs

How do I remove the old oil filter from my Yamaha 4-stroke outboard engine?

Prior to removing the old oil, check the dipstick level by lowering the engine to the running position and removing the cowling. Note if the cowling latches feel stiff or sticky. Latches are often overlooked during maintenance and are prone to salt accumulation for boaters who primarily boat in saltwater. If you discover salt accumulation of the latches, this residue should be removed – a salt remover may be required.

Spent engine oil can be removed from the engine by extraction or via the oil pan drain screw plug. The extraction method requires the use of a vacuum extractor which is inserted down the dipstick tube and uses suction to pull the spent oil from the pan. This method tends to be very clean and is probably the most widely used among marine technicians. Alternatively, the drain screw itself can be removed. On inline Yamaha four stroke models (F15 to F150), the Seawell drain kit can be used to minimize the mess. On larger Yamaha outboard V6 models, to access the drain screw, remove the plastic chaps that cover the midsection of the engine. Be sure to have plenty of drain pan capacity as some of these engines can hold up to seven quarts of oil. We also recommend a petroleum sorbent pad to catch and errant drips and keep your driveway or lawn clean. 

As the spent oil is draining, you can work on removing the engine oil filter. Depending on your specific Yamaha model, your filter may have a drain lip that will help keep the mess to a minimum when you unscrew the old filter, but most older engines don’t have this feature. We suggest being prepared with plenty of absorbent rags or place a small cup that is cut to be placed below the filter prior to removal. Using a properly sized filter wrench or socket is the best way to loosen the filter and Yamaha even produces a socket for their 5GH sized filters. Some technicians make a practice of puncturing the filter to allow trapped oil to drain back into the block prior to removal, but this will ruin your ability to take the filter apart later for further inspection should you wish.

How do I install a new oil filter in my Yamaha 4-stroke outboard engine?

Once you have inspected your spent oil and filter, set them aside for proper disposal. If you removed the drain screw to empty your oil, install a new crush gasket and reinstall the drain plug. The new oil filter should be removed from its package and the o-ring lubricated with a thin coat of fresh engine oil. Spin on the fresh oil filter and gently tighten with your filter wrench to seat the o-ring without over-torquing.

Loosen the yellow oil fill plug on the top of the engine and pour in fresh oil. It is recommended to add just less than stated capacity and check oil level on the dipstick after allowing a few minutes for the oil to properly drain down into the oil pan with the engine trimmed down. Filling the oil to the lower level on the dipstick will help you to measure if the oil level changes over time after the engine has been in operation. With your Yamaha 4-stroke oil change complete, you are now ready to move on to completing the rest of your 100-hour service.

Why are there so many Yamaha outboard filters?

It’s no secret that Yamaha fuel filters are necessary for outboard engines to perform properly in the harsh marine environments they regularly encounter. But the question remains, why are there so many Yamaha outboard fuel filter replacement options?

The answer is simple yet complex. All dirt is not created equally – dirt appears in various forms and sizes. Some dirt particles are larger pieces, and some are minute dust particles. Some material you can easily see, other material can be microscopic biological growth and may still be growing.

Dirt takes different forms. It may be shaped like a ball or more like an arrow. The ball type usually gets caught easily, but the arrow type may penetrate the first and second filter and get stuck in the third. Once the arrow lays across the filtering medium, it partially closes the passage holes and makes them smaller, capturing even smaller debris. The clogging will then continue. If the initial filter really becomes restricted, the vacuum on the filter may suck the debris through it and on to the next filter, and so on.

Poor fuel quality, water, ethanol, lack of fuel rotation, and biological growth all add up to clogged filters. This is why it’s essential to change all Yamaha fuel filters on a regular basis based on factory guideline recommendations. Always be sure to refer to the specific engine’s service manual for more information on recommended service intervals and the location of filters.

Some Yamaha four-stroke outboard engines require several of the fuel filters below or screens to help prevent water and debris from getting inside the engine.

How do I change my Yamaha 2-stroke outboard engine oil?

If your two-stroke Yamaha outboard has oil injection with a remote oil tank inside the boat, you will begin your service by accessing this tank. These remote tanks are not always situated in the easiest-to-reach places, so you may have to consider removing a livewell tub, cooler, or access panel to get to the tank. Loosen the tank from its bracket and locate the oil supply hose that comes from the pump on the tank and heads toward the engine. You should notice a small, white, inline filter that strains the two-stroke oil in route to the engine. This small filter is often overlooked, but without a steady supply of Yamalube two-stroke oil, your engine will quickly go into reduction mode, or worse. Cut the small zip ties that secure the oil line to the strainer and replace the strainer quickly before you drain oil all over the bilge. This process is a little messy, so a few petroleum sorbent pads can help avoid a mess. Having some good quality nitrile gloves on board the boat or around for your service is also a great idea.

With the tank loosened from its bracket, it is a great time to use a small service flashlight to illuminate the bottom corners of the tank. The clear plastic will allow you to spot any debris or water deposits accumulated inside the tank. If found, you will need to remove the tank, drain, and clean. Debris is most often introduced from fill caps being left open, damaged fill cap o-rings, or dirty containers used to purchase bulk oil.

When complete, reinstall the tank into the bracket and remove the cowling from your engine. Use the manual transfer switch on the side of the engine to verify oil is flowing through your new filter and the system is primed. Your Yamaha 2-stroke oil maintenance is now complete. You are ready to begin your engine service.