Boat engine oil filters perform a critical function: they remove impurities, metal residues, and contaminants from the lubricating oil, thus ensuring engine protection and longevity . Here's a comprehensive guide to this type of filter for marine use:

🔧 Types of oil filters for marine engines

Cartridge oil filter (immersion)

• The filter is a cartridge of paper or synthetic material inside a housing.
• Most common in modern engines and some inboard diesels.

Spin-on oil filter

• Entire metal body that screws directly onto the motor.
• Simple to replace, very common on petrol and diesel engines.

⏱️ When to replace the oil filter

1. Every 100 hours of sailing/once a year , if you sail little.
2. Always together with engine oil, to avoid residual contamination.

⚠️ Symptoms of a dirty or malfunctioning oil filter

• Increased engine temperature.
• Loss of oil pressure (warning light or alarm).
• Mechanical noise or premature wear.

✅ How to choose the right oil filter

• Follow the engine manufacturer's specifications (model, make, filter code).
• Alternatively, you can use equivalent filters (OEM compatible), always checking the exact code.

🧰 Installation Tips

• Lubricate the gasket of the new filter with a finger of oil before installing it.
• Tighten it by hand (not with wrenches), until you feel resistance, then tighten 1/2 turn more .
• After starting the engine, check and verify the oil pressure.