Gear oil Question

[altnt]

Yesterday I was doing preservice on my 3.0 Mercruiser. I dropped the leg oil and went up town to pick up some new oil. I checked every place in town but there was not any around. The last place I went to he handed me liter of automotive gear oil and said everyone is using it. I told him I wasn't taking a chance with a $2500 leg. My question - is there any difference between auto gear oil and marine gear oil - if so what ? Or am paying $ 11.00 / liter for the same product in a different package. Just wondering.

Al

 

[buggiedad_67]

Re: Gear oil Question

i use pens 90w i but at walmart, so far so good,

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Gear oil Question

Do a search here on oil. I for one won't get into a discussion on oil again.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Gear oil Question

Ayuh,....

I run Mobil 1, in 75W-90 in mine.....

 

[wca_tim]

Re: Gear oil Question

based on the different factors that boat outdrives involve (water, corrosion, etc...) compared with automotive applications, the formulations designed for marine applications offer significant advantages with the merc products leading the popularity contest (for good reasons, they are a quality product, especially the synthetic version). that being said, you can easily get away with the others if you watch things. Order some of the merc stuff online, then go buy good quality 80-90 wt synthetic gear lube at the local auto parts store (probably $5 per quart, so you're looking at $10 total) and go boating. Change it out again once you get the merc stuff in the mail.... that's what I would do in your situation...

 

[altnt]

Re: Gear oil Question

Thanks for the input guys, as always good advice. I am going to wait and put the recomended oil in and not have to worry about it. Also I would like to thank whoever runs this forum. It's great to have a place to read and ask questions about all aspects of boating.

Thanks Again

Al

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Gear oil Question

Here's what Mercury says at http://www.mercurymarine.com/serviceandwarranty/mercruiserfaqs/maintenance.php#1159

Premium is similar or the same as "regular" gear oil (GL4/5 etc)

HP is not "the same" don't mix them.

Should I use Premium Blend or High Performance gear lube in my sterndrive?

High Performance gear lube is required in all Bravo and Alpha I Generation II sterndrives. It is recommended for use in all older sterndrives as well. Premium Blend and High Performance gear lube should never be mixed. Be sure to drain the unit completely if switching from one type of lube to the other.

This ain't an oil thread right? we're not talking about motor oil!