How to change oil in LU Gale

[schylarb]

I need a little help with my '49 Gale Hiawatha that i just recently acquired. I would like to change the oil in the lower unit but cannot find the vent screw. If you're looking at the LU directly at the prop there is a drain screw on the left about centered with the prop shaft and a larger screw on the right that will not budge. I can not locate a vent screw higher up the unit. On the right side just above the screw that will not budge there are 4 open holes (see pics). I've looked at these open holes but do not see threads but is one of these holes the vent just missing its plug. Also i was considering not using oil but using Lubriplate 105. What are thoughts on this?
Thanks

 

[steelespike]

Re: How to change oil in LU Gale

The gearcase uses grease, lubriplate 105, in todays numbers. The bottom plug is to fill with grease. You'll need to open it up to clean and inspect,be sure the pump "rotor" (I call it a wobbler) hasn't swollen from over greasing.To avoid over greasing I would hand pack the grease.I should add I have never done this particular motor.

 

[Tom @ Buzzard Bluff]

Re: How to change oil in LU Gale

To steelespikes advice I'd add to be sure to replace the propshaft and driveshaft grease 'seals' while you're that deep in the project. Their design is marginal at best even when new and often leak a bit so the use of grease rather than 90 W hypoid is mandatory. IIRC I get them from Seaway Marine.

While the W/P rotors are often still viable on old OMCs I far prefer to have a new one rather that a 60+ year old piece of semi-petrified tree-sap. The modest cost is cheap insurance and lets me sleep better. Contact Brian Wilcox by phone for quickest service and he'll make a new one for you.
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