Gear oil selection

[Green Boater]

Hi All!
I want to change out the gear oil out of the stern drive on my Mercruiser. A fellow boater told me he just uses normal (non-marine grade) gear oil on his and has never had any problems, and it is a lot less expensive. Any advice?
Thanks!!

 

[Lyle29464]

Re: Gear oil selection

Use what the book calls for. Their is a reason.

 

[90stingray]

Re: Gear oil selection

Its been a month or so since we had an oil thread I use quicksilver high performance 90 wt. Use whatever you like... or can afford.

 

[Don S]

Re: Gear oil selection

There are only 2 kinds of Gear Lube really. The choice is up to you.

1. What Mercruiser recommends for their product.

2. The numerous types of gear lube that others personally like and use but not recommended by Mercruiser.

 

[fossill]

Re: Gear oil selection

There are only 2 kinds of Gear Lube really. The choice is up to you.

1. What Mercruiser recommends for their product.

2. The numerous types of gear lube that others personally like and use but not recommended by Mercruiser.

I like that. It pretty well sums it up and applies to all oil and lubes. Should be posted as a sticky.

 

[Green Boater]

Re: Gear oil selection

Thanks Gents! I appreciate your inputs.... I usually ALWAYS tend to stick to exactly what the manufacturer recommends, which leads to my second question - until my shop manual comes in, anyone have an idea what type/weight Mercruiser recommends? Sorry, I'm still too green at this to be able to tell you exactly which model drive I've got. The serial number has faded off the drive - no numbers visible, with the exception of a large #4. Other than that, no other info that I can see on it.
If it helps at all, the motor is a 1984 Mercruiser 140 HP, 3.0 (181 cid).

 

[Don S]

Re: Gear oil selection

Here is a link to Mercs site. Covers both gas and oil in this link.
http://www.mercurymarine.com/servic...nd-maintenance/faqs/mercruiser/?category=fuel