Can gear oil change wait till Spring?

[sidechoke67]

Is changing the gear lube a winterizing need, or just a maintenance item? i.e. can I wait until the Spring to change it?

I started winterizing my boat last weekend, and got everything done on my list except changing the gear lube. Then, it got cold quickly around here - with lows down to 28 at night. So, I pulled the drain plugs and am planning to get back to it next weekend to fog the engine. I am wondering if I can wait until Spring to change the outdrive lube at this point, or if there is some reason to change it before putting it away for good for the winter?

I have a Volvo SX outdrive, and a Volvo Penta 3.0L engine.

Thanks for any thoughts.

 

[Knightgang]

Re: Can gear oil change wait till Spring?

If you were here in the south with me, I would say yes. But being in NY, I feel you need to change it now. If you have water in that unit for any reason, changing the oil will get the oil out and give you insurance against the unit cracking or rusting...

 

[nhtrax]

Re: Can gear oil change wait till Spring?

Nice to think all parts are resting in fresh new oil then sitting in old broke down hopefully non contaimanted oil put your kids to bed clean don't ya

 

[Thad]

Re: Can gear oil change wait till Spring?

There is a very, very important reason for changing the gear lube in the fall. The same reason for doing everyhting else. Water freezes!

If, by some cruel twist of fate, you got water in the drive, you're in trouble come next year.

Changing the fluid now ensures that you do not have any issues with the drive and that everything is fresh for next year.

If, you do have water in there, you know there is a problem. The drive can be removed and repaired over the winter and you do not lose boating time next year when everyone else is taking their boats into the shop to be fixed for the summer.

I change my fluids in the fall. In fact, I just did mine two weeks ago. And I DID have a little water in the drive. Made me mad too.
But, I knew then that I had an issue. Pulled the drive, took it in and had the prop shaft seal replaced. Put the drive back on and now I just sit back and wait for warm weather. Not bad though. My third boat in 17 yrs. and only my first lower unit problem.

 

[nhtrax]

Re: Can gear oil change wait till Spring?

Excellent point, early maintanace catches problems early

 

[ziggy]

Re: Can gear oil change wait till Spring?

last year i procrastinated too. only difference was, i took my drive off and put it inside prior to the cold weather.
this year, i've done the same, but instead of waiting till middle of the winter to get on to it. i'm gonna do it hear in a few weeks with luck. like others are saying. ya sure don't want it to freeze 'if' you (or me) have water in the lub. + if i do find any issue, i'll have all winter to address it... + i like my gears laying up in fresh gear lub too.
taking the drive inside did cure the possible freeze problem though and did delay my servicing of the drive w/o ramifications, last year...

 

[SSV177]

Re: Can gear oil change wait till Spring?

If my gear oil does not have to many hours on it,I will let it stay in the outdrive for another year to use but I ALWAYS will check the drive for any water contamination before storing the boat.Since water is heavier than gas and oil,any water will be at the lowest point of your outdrive which is the drain plug.Just open drain plug till you let some fluid out and it should be nice looking gear oil.If water comes out first then you have a leak somewhere and should have it preasure tested. Always check drive after it has set a few hours after running also. I then will "top" off my gear oil in the spring before using the boat for the first time to make sure it is full.

 

[sidechoke67]

Re: Can gear oil change wait till Spring?

Thanks everyone! I am going to change it...peace of mind if worth the time it will take.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Can gear oil change wait till Spring?

Water, although present, may not come out but rather a milky looking fluid. That is water emulsified oil and it will still freeze. If you live in an area where it NEVER freezes, then changing lower unit lube is not essential but should still be an annual event. If the temps get below below freezing for even a day, you are well advised to change the lube. A few bucks and 15 minutes is a lot cheaper than a new/rebult lower unit.