1971 Johnson 50. What oil for lower unit?

[Mad Adder]

Hello.
I have the motor running and tuned, but then found the lower unit was shot, as in broken gears. I bought another lower off Ebay and now need to know what oil to put in.
The book says OMC type C, but that is from 1971. I went to Walmart and Kmart and I picked up Quicksilver SAE 90 gear lube and Pennzoil Marine 80w-90 gear lube respectively. Which one should I use and how much can I expect to use? I picked up two quarts of each and a pump from Walmart to pump it in.

I am hoping to have it on the water this weekend.
Thanks, Tony

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: 1971 Johnson 50. What oil for lower unit?

Do you have a push button shifter (electric shift)? If so then OMC Type C

If you have a separate shift lever mechanism (or two shift type cables that run to the motor....... then you need gear oil either penziol or mercury and you will use less than a quart. Remember fill from the bottom hole to prevent air pockets.

 

[samo_ott]

Re: 1971 Johnson 50. What oil for lower unit?

DO NOT put the other oils in an electric shift lower unit. If it says Type C then you have an electric shift (and I believe all the '71's were - I have one) and you MUST use Type C. It's a thinner oil required for the electric shift. Your lower unit will not work with other oil. You can still get it at marine stores, OMC dealers etc.

 

[jimmbo]

Re: 1971 Johnson 50. What oil for lower unit?

A 1971 50HP has a hydro-electric shift gearcase and back in 1971 Type C was the oil speced for it. It was also the only gear oil OMC marketed at the time too. It is now marketed as 'Premium Blend' by BRP.

 

[F_R]

Re: 1971 Johnson 50. What oil for lower unit?

Still for sale as "Type C" right here at iboats
http://www.iboats.com/Type-C-Gear-Oil/dm/*******.992095071--session_id.628841551--view_id.45019

 

[Mad Adder]

Re: 1971 Johnson 50. What oil for lower unit?

I got all the local shop ha, 20 oz. I put it all in and intalled the lower unit last night. It lives!!!!! Going to put it on the water Sunday.

I will be ordering some more for stock.