Now where the heck did I put those oil filters?

[MikeP]

Decided to change the oil in the mains today, I went to the auto parts store and bought 5 gal pails of Rotella CF2 40 wt - 87 bucks each. WTF? Last time I bought it it was around 60. Checked the good old boys at WM - 122 bucks each for the exact same bucket of oil. LOL.

Anyway, got back to the boat, warmed up the engines, pumped the oil out into some empty containers, unscrewed the old filters, went to get the new filters and...uh...haven't found them yet!

I KNOW I have some Baldwin B95s. A few years back I made up an "Item location" list so I pulled that out but where it said there should be oil filters, there are now cans of paint. NOTE TO SELF: if you change the location of items, change the item location document to reflect that!

I have given up trying to find them and will go buy some new ones in the morning. That should ensure that I will find the old ones shortly afterward.

OK..I can't let the WM thing go. I asked them if they would price match the auto parts store and the mgr there said that if I could prove the parts store was selling it for 87 IN STOCK, they would price match. I asked what was "proof." I suggest you sit down for this:

He advised that I should buy a pail of the oil from the auto parts store, then return it the next day unopened for a refund. THEN bring WM the receipt from the parts store showing the price and WM would then sell me the oil at the same price. I don't think I have ever had enough alcohol and/or drugs in my system where that would make any sense.

 

[rwappleton]

My first thought is how would he like it if you did that to him?

 

[Boatsb]

That's exactly why I avoid them any way possible. They are abusive and will do anything to take out the competetion. After they have an area all to themselves their prices magically go up.

 

[jim rosenthal]

Another empty price-match offer from West Marine, the queens of anti-competitive monopoly behavior. Revolting.

 

[Finalee]

That's one the reasons I am going to a smaller boat. Less to remember, and less to park.

 

[Angela]

I know how you feel, Mike. I bought the phosphoric acid a couple of weeks ago to start flushing the air conditioning units, and I cannot for the life of me find my pump set up. I do have the empty bucket. There's no pump in it. That can only mean I have to start cleaning out the storage truck and see where it got buried. Got my oil filters sitting on the PH dash, though.

By the way, employee price on that Rotella at WM is $76. Just giving a mark-up perspective.

 

[GJH]

Is there a Napa near by? Good source for quality, low ash oil (75118, rebranded Valvoline) and good filters (Wix) too. Those prices are high!

 

[Boatsb]

Is there a Napa near by? Good source for quality, low ash oil (75118, rebranded Valvoline) and good filters (Wix) too. Those prices are high!

Napa runs about $70 or so for 5 gal. Filters just don't do well being stored. A little damp and they get some rust on them.but them when you need them or vacuum bag them .

 

[MikeP]

I don't think there's a Napa close by but I'll check. The fuel/oil/tranny Baldwin spin-ons that I have purchased have always come sealed in clear plastic which is a good thing!

This added a few minutes later: Well, turns out there IS a Napa, just down the road, actually closer than the parts store where I bought the oil so I'll know better next time. They show a Gal of the oil at $82 so I don't feel TOO bad about paying 5 bucks more/gal but I'll definitely be buying there next time.

 

[big papa]

$14.99/gallon @ tractor supply. i use the gallon jugs because i don't have an oil changer. one gallon is much easier to lift up and pour.