best time to change gear oil?

[imported_rusty]

ready to get my boat ready for the summer and just wanted to know ,should i fire up the motor first and let it run for a few minutes then change it or uncover the boat and change the oil then fire it up for the first time this season? thanks russ.

 

[eurolarva]

Re: best time to change gear oil?

The best time to change the oil in the gear housing is in the fall when you put it to sleep before winter. The reason for this is if it gets below freezing and the lower unit had a leak and filled up with water when it expands it will crack the lower unit housing. If it was not changed last year do it now and do it again at the end of this season.<br /><br />As for before or after starting it this season I would say before.