Drive oil ?

[Adam76]

I have a 94 Mercruiser 350 5.7. I'm planning on changing the drive when I winterize but I need to top it off so can I add drive oil to the tank in the top compartment of the engine or do do I need to add it from the bottom like when you when you change it out. Thanks

 

[Don S]

Re: Drive oil ?

Top it off at the reservoir on the engine.
If the level is dropping in the reservoir, then you need to be finding out why. It shouldn't be dropping at all.

 

[Adam76]

Re: Drive oil ?

Thanks, I have to find out if the level is dropping, I'm new to boating so the boat engine is new to me. If it is dropping could it be that the seal at the gear end yoke needs to be replaced.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Drive oil ?

Could be leaking from any number of places. Best thing to do is to empty it and pressure test it. See the sticky for "DIY' at the top of the page. You will see a post on how to do it.

What drive is it by the way?

 

[Adam76]

Re: Drive oil ?

The drive is an alpha one

 

[Adam76]

Re: Drive oil ?

One of the reasons I thought it might be the gear end was I saw a little oil in the bilge and the drive oil reservior was alittle low.

 

[Don S]

Re: Drive oil ?

Could be, pull the drive and have a look in the bellows. Then you will know for sure.

 

[Adam76]

Re: Drive oil ?

Sorry for the stupid question but what am I looing for in the bellows, oil I'm assuming right.

 

[Don S]

Re: Drive oil ?

Yes, it should be dry inside the bellows, no oil and especially no water.

 

[Adam76]

Re: Drive oil ?

Thanks again, will I have to align the engine before putting the drive back?

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Drive oil ?

You will not necessarily have to align the engine, but it is always a good idea to CHECK the alignment every time you pull the drive. It is quick and easy to check - so you may as well go ahead and buy the alignment tool. You can get a good, inexpensive one from various vendors on ebay. If the alignment is off, it may even be an indication of other things going on as well. (Rotten stringers, etc). But it all starts with a check of the alignment.

 

[Fordiesel69]

Re: Drive oil ?

If resivoir is empty, do not top off there....... Top off the drive first, then the resivoir.

A friends alpha 1 gen II will pass a pressure test for days, yet whenever he tubes with a bunch of people, it will use some oil in the resivoir tank usually 2-4 oz. Have never figured that one out.