69 omc 120hp leg lube question

[OMCboater]

this has been a project for the past couple of years and I am nearing the start up stage. today I drained and refilled the lower gearcase as per my manual and a strange thing happened. I pumped the oil in from the bottom with the oil level plug out, expecting to see the oil eventually come out the top plug. It did, but only after taking in waaaay more oil that the lower unit is supposed to hold. When I checked the upper gearcase I found that it had been filled as well, and the intermediate housing. I thought all 3 were separate reservoirs but maybe not? can anyone shed some light on this?

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: 69 omc 120hp leg lube question

no connection between those 3 compartments

 

[wire2]

Re: 69 omc 120hp leg lube question

How much is "waaaay more oil than the lower unit is supposed to hold"?
I believe the lower will take close to 3/4 of a quart.

 

[OMCboater]

Re: 69 omc 120hp leg lube question

no connection between those 3 compartments

then this does not bode well

I'm in Canada, eh? so I'm not exactly sure what a quart but I finished off a 1 litre bottle (about 33oz I think) that was about half full, and then about 3/4 of another 1 litre bottle. My manual sez the lower unit holds about 18 oz (depending on model)

But I am sure it went all the way up to the intermediate drive because I had it all apart (motor out of the boat and all) and never did refill the intermidate drive which I think takes about 8 oz (I don't have my book handy). After filling the lower unit I undid the plug to fill the intermediate and gear oil comes out - nice clean new gear oil that I just pumped in from the bottom, right below the prop.

Anyway looks like I have to remove the drive and reseal anyway - see my next thread (no water pickup) with pics