Fluid Level and type?? Mercruiser 4.3

[ib656]

Hi All,


Just picked up my boat from my storage guy.

The cap was missing from the reservoir that is at the front of my 1999 Mercruiser 4.3 right behind one of the belt pullys.

So I dig around the bilge and there is the cap waaaaaay in the back. I dig it out, clean it off, put it back in and of course the fluid is at a very low level.

Of course the storage guy is gone for the weekend and I want to go out tomorrow. My question is what type of fluid goes into this reservoir?


Thanks and here's to a great boating season,



Tony

 

[fuzzybob]

Re: Fluid Level and type?? Mercruiser 4.3

It sounds like your power steering pump. If you're not sure you should go to the "Adults Only" sticky at the top of this forum and download the OEM manual for your engine. You'll then have photos to compare with to identify parts of your engine. Plus a list of all the fluids recomended.

You can also get the OEM manual for your outdrive and they're free to download. Good luck

 

[achris]

Re: Fluid Level and type?? Mercruiser 4.3

If it's the clear, square plastic reservoir, then Quicksilver High Performance Gear Lube... NOTHING else!!!

If it's the round black metal reservoir, and the cap has a short dipstick on it, then power steering fluid.

Available from Merc dealers and, I'm told, Walmart or one of the other boating/fishing shops.

Chris.......

 

[180shabah]

Re: Fluid Level and type?? Mercruiser 4.3

Is the fluid blue ? If so it is the gear lube for the drive, and I will repeat what achris said

High Performance ONLY

NOT Premium, NOT off-brand, NOT anything else.

 

[ib656]

Re: Fluid Level and type?? Mercruiser 4.3

yes it is the power steering pump (stubby dip stick) - I was also told that I could use Automatic Transmission Fluid....(Dextron?) in place of power steering fluid - are they the same?

Do I have to use Mercruiser / Dextron brand or is any type of ATF ok?

Thanks all for the very quick replys.

 

[fuzzybob]

Re: Fluid Level and type?? Mercruiser 4.3

I'd just try to top it off with whats in there. If it's red oil someone has used dextron ATF.... if it's light in color it's probably PS fluid.

Did you download the service manuals from the Adults Only sticky???

 

[tractoman]

Re: Fluid Level and type?? Mercruiser 4.3

Don't forget that dip stick has hot and cold marks on it. Napa Auto parts will have PS fluid you can use.

 

[Slip Away]

Re: Fluid Level and type?? Mercruiser 4.3

If it was gear lube, an alarm would have sounded indicating it was low. The alarm goes off before it gets very low at all. Since you have now determined it is the PS fluid, use the dipstick to fill it to recomennded hot/cold level. That is what it is for.