Changing upper gear lube on '80 omc stringer 400

[sikz3]

How do I change the upper gear lube on 1980 omc stringer 400? And can I use lower gear lube in the upper gear case. Thanks, Ron

 

[KaGee]

Re: Changing upper gear lube on '80 omc stringer 400

Yes, the gear lube is the same.

There is a fill screw on top that has your dipstick.
There is a vent/drain screw in the starboard bottom side.

I prefer to fill from the topside, allowing the drive to sit in the down position overnight for air bubbles to work their way out. Then checking the level again, adding as required to hit the "full" mark on the dip stick. Is a good idea to check the level again after the first use.

I fill the lower unit from the bottom drain screw untill it overflows at the top.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Changing upper gear lube on '80 omc stringer 400

Keith is correct both use the same gear lube.
Only thing I do different is I fill both upper and lower units from the bottom hole.

For the upper gearcase I put the top plug in the hole but do not screw it down. Fill from bottom drain until I see the upper plug/dipstick pop up a little, Then screw the top plug down to create a air lock. Install the bottom plug then remove the top plug / dipstick and check the level. Always a good Idea to check after it had time for any air to work it way out. Another thing I always do is when the weather and drive is cold I remove the top plug check level then reinstall. My thought is I boat a lot in water that is 54 degrees. In summer in my area can be 110 degrees in the shade so I do not seal the unit up or check level when it that hot. I figure to do so would mean when I back into that cold water I have created a big suction inside the drive trying to suck in saltwater. May make no difference but still I seal it first thing in the morning when the drive temp is closer to the water temp I will be running in.

 

[sikz3]

Re: Changing upper gear lube on '80 omc stringer 400

I see the fill screw on top of movable (steerable) section of upper drive and what appears to be the drain on the stationary section of the drive. Is this correct?

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Changing upper gear lube on '80 omc stringer 400

I see the fill screw on top of movable (steerable) section of upper drive and what appears to be the drain on the stationary section of the drive. Is this correct?

That is correct. See the drain plug at the base of the diagonal plate on the stationary part of the upper.

 

[sikz3]

Re: Changing upper gear lube on '80 omc stringer 400

Thanks Boomyal! I just went out and that fluid level is fine. I was wondering if you can damage the gasket around the filler screw by tightening too much cause I just tightened it hard?

 

[sikz3]

Re: Changing upper gear lube on '80 omc stringer 400

Also noticed a vaccuum sound when I opened it. GOOD?

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Changing upper gear lube on '80 omc stringer 400

Don't know about a vacuum sound, never heard it. I assume if you had a rapid cooling on a warm drive you could get that.

If the oil level is ever high on the dipstick, i would pull the lower plug and see if water dribbles out. If it is low, I would look for any sign of leakage but would also check for water in the bottom of the case.