How long should gear lube last?

[Bliner175]

Hi All,

Please excuse me if this is a really, really dumb question, but I'm new to boating and want to make sure all is okay with the new boat.

I bought a brand new boat this year, and it has a Mercruiser 3.0 Alpha 1. We've been using in for around 6-8 hours each weekend since late May. After each usage, I notice that the blue gear lube in the plastic tank has gone down a bit. After this past weekend, it's at the 'ADD' line.

Is this normal for a new engine? Will it be like this forever?

Thanks, and sorry if it's a dumb question!

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: How long should gear lube last?

Howdy,


It's not uncommon for the lube level to drop after an oil change (or in a new drive)

The drive heats up and cools down and the small air bubbles slowly work their way to the top. When they finally get to the top, the oil level will drop slightly when the drive cools.

Ensure that you have a qt of Mercury HP drive lube on hand to keep the reservoir topped off. (I think ALL new Merc drives use HP Drive oil)

After several hours of operation the oil level will stabilize. (assuming you do not have a leak)

Make sure you have it serviced when the owners manual says to. (preferably at the end of the season prior to winterization)


Cheers,


Rick

 

[John_S]

Re: How long should gear lube last?

You are around 50hrs so would not expect to be still adding drive oil. Have a discussion with your dealer, since it is under warrantee. They might tell you to just keep adding over the rest of the season and they will address at end of season.

 

[Don S]

Re: How long should gear lube last?

First, you have an Alpha I Gen II. Big difference for anyone missing that it's a new boat.
It's normal after a gear lube changed for the drive to "Burp" the air bubble above the reservoir hookup in the drive. When this happens, you may see a drop in the oil level in the reservoir. This should only happen once. After that, it should raise a little when hot, and drop down to the previous level when cooled off again. If it keeps dropping, you have a leak. Get your dealer to find and fix it. That is what warranties are for.