grease in lower leg

[diaric]

couple times lately i've seen reference to putting grease in the lower leg instead of oil for some of the older motors like mine that have seal issues as it will keep the water out longer than the gear lube will. what do we have for recommendations for grease type? should be light and not expand much on running. any ideas from people that have tried it?

 

[ricksrster]

Re: grease in lower leg

I believe you would be much better off replacing the seals and using the recommended gear lube.

 

[diaric]

Re: grease in lower leg

i understand that. but were talking about a 1966 here. seals are hard to find and shafts are probably rusty. were talking about recomondation to make it through the summer till it can be ripped down and remachined.

 

[Windykid]

Re: grease in lower leg

Why dont you post the serial number so someone can help you find the seals?

 

[diaric]

Re: grease in lower leg

this is more of a question of what is the best grease to use since the topic has popped up in a couple old motor posts in the last week. going on a big fishing trip in the next week so tearing down isn't an option. yes, i could use some help finding all the proper seals. lower waterpump and prop seals. i know i'm probably gonna have to sleive both the driveshaft and prop shaft.
1966 merc 500 #1995857. i would probably prefer to redo the bearings as well, since its apart.

 

[ricksrster]

Re: grease in lower leg

http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...desc=GEAR+HOUSING+ASSEMBLY,+COMPLETE+(PAGE+2)
http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...desc=GEAR+HOUSING+ASSEMBLY,+COMPLETE+(PAGE+1)

 

[diaric]

Re: grease in lower leg

thanks, see a few parts there i haven't found before. lot of bearings unavailable, but i guess they could cross referenced when out. noticed the filler screws are labeled as grease filler and vent screws, which brings us back to the title of this post. lol

 

[billybones]

Re: grease in lower leg

little known fact is that gear lube can be purchased at 600w. called super cylinder lube it was invented for steam engines back in the 1800's or so. not sure where you could buy it on an individual basis. might call a local oil provider. for comercial purposes.. another possibility is a ball and screw grease. it is light and will get more liquid as it breaks down... HTH. I don't recomend any of these though. just answering the Q.

 

[diaric]

Re: grease in lower leg

did some searching. lubriplate 105 is whats recommended. white grease used for engine assembly and pump packing. here's an article on it, about half way down the page. http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/06/columns/max/index5.htm

 

[ricksrster]

Re: grease in lower leg

Proceed at your own risk! The article also says Lubriplate doesn't recommend in units that have forward and reverse and you will still get water in the gear case.

 

[Harker]

Re: grease in lower leg

I think I saw some grease for lower units of old mercs at www.oldmercs.com . But I think it was for mercs older than 66.