Drive Showers

[bhammer]

Anyone here use them? Any comments one way or the other. I am always interested in something that will increase the life of components. During drive oil changes, I haven't noticed that the oil is breaking down.

I have a 2006 4.3L Merc 220HP with and Alpha 1 drive. we do a lot of tubbing and skiing.

 

[bomar76]

Re: Drive Showers

Do a search, this topic usually turns into a pissing match like the oil and thru hull exhaust threads.

BTW...I run a drive shower and wouldn't think of not running one. Proven to lower drive temps.

Now, let the arguments begin....

 

[rndn]

Re: Drive Showers

I had a Baja for 10 years with a 5.7 Mercruiser and Alpha 1 outdrive. In all honestly I had never even heard of a drive shower and never had any problems. However, if the drive shower lowers oil temps for the outdrive and an outdrive can cost up to a couple thousand to replace, put one on. Had I known about the drive showers, I would have installed one on my Baja in a heartbeat. They only cost around $140 at one place I looked so it sounds like a no brainer. People install transmission coolers and oil coolers on tow vehicles to keep the oil temps down all of the time so why not here.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Drive Showers

They only cost around $140 at one place I looked so it sounds like a no brainer.

Ayuh,.......
I Agree with the Arguement that they do in fact Lower the temp of the drive,+ it's Oil.....
But,.....
I run Mobil 1,+ I'm not all that Hard on my drive,..... Some of the Greatest Walleye trolling is about a mile from My dock,....
And,....
My oil change intervals are so that the oil barely Darkens,... Muchless gets Burnt....

I have given Thought,+ Plan to build my own,..... Someday......
But I won't drop a Buck,+ a Half,... Or More,.... Unless my needs change..........

 

[Coors]

Re: Drive Showers

Any Grease is Better,..... Than No Grease at All.......

so,Bondo's other adage is; Any oil changed before scheduled,..... Is better than waiting until the hourmeter says it is time......

That works for me.

 

[bhammer]

Re: Drive Showers

Quick, close it before it starts off down the debate path...

Thanks for the feedback.

I kind of agree that it wont hurt to have one on but the buck and half are the surprise. I could darn near change my outdrive oil a couple times of a season before I got close catching up to the price.

I have the skill and tools to make one and may do that first and see if I can get a drop in gearcase temps. I guess the hardest part will be getting the inlet right so that it picks up enough water to make a difference.

I made a quick drawing of the pickup I'd probably make. Just haven't figured out how to handle the shower portion or how many. Any thoughts on this?

 

[tombstone]

Re: Drive Showers

I kind of agree that it wont hurt to have one on but the buck and half are the surprise. I could darn near change my outdrive oil a couple times of a season before I got close catching up to the price.



If a buck and a half is too expensive, you are in the wrong hobby.
After blowing up my last Alpha and replaced, OD got chalked on top cap after a 40 mile run. Evidently th OD got overheated some. Now have a shower and no more discoloration. Here is mine.

 

[wvit1001]

Re: Drive Showers

I've got some nice stainless steel glovebox knobs that not only look good but will add at least 5 mph to your topspeed. They are only $25 each. A must have for every boat.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Drive Showers

I love these almost as much as oil/filter threads.

Do drive showers lower temperature - absolutely

Do you need one - Depends

I don't run one, but like bondo my drive oil is changed LONG before it is needed. I also rarely run for longer than 20-30 minutes on plane(no reason, just seems to work out that way).

Mineral buildup on the drive means that it was warmer than 212* and when you came off plane it boiled the water that came in contact with it. It does not mean that the drive was overheated, and the longer you run between "dunks" the more buildup you will get. If I was frequently running hard 40 miles at a time, I probably would invest in a shower just for the peace of mind.

Recap:

Do they lower temps? yup
Do you need one - probably not, but it depends on how you use your boat, and it certainly won't hurt.