Is there an easy way to change lower unit oil?

[rwc1965]

Re: Is there an easy way to change lower unit oil?

I recently purchased a boat with a 1990 Johnson 60hp outboard. What type of oil should I use in the lower unit? Thanks for the help!<br /><br />rwc1965

 

[roscoe]

Re: Is there an easy way to change lower unit oil?

Hi rwc1965.<br />Welcome to the board, or.... welcome aboard mate.<br /><br />You should be using "Outboard lower unit gear lube".<br />Sold at every outboard dealer, most farm and home type stores, auto parts stores, and some hardware stores.<br /><br />Make sure it is labeled for outboard or lower unit or marine use.<br />This lube is specially formulated not to foam if water gets in there.<br /><br />Most stores will also carry a "Type C" lube, you don't want this one, its for some older motors.<br /><br />For easier use by everyone one the board, it is better to "add a new topic" to ask your specific question, rather than adding on to an existing post.<br /><br />It will be easier for you to find the answer if you know to look for the post that has your name after it.<br /><br />Feel free to ask any other questions you may have about your new boat and motor. <br />Happy boating.

 

[rwc1965]

Re: Is there an easy way to change lower unit oil?

Thanks Roscoe. Your info will be put to use!<br /><br />rwc1965

 

[butlp]

Re: Is there an easy way to change lower unit oil?

Guys,<br />Just read through this post and noticed that the iboats pump is $44.34 for 6 items making iboats very competative @ $7.33 each. I'm not sure why they sell them in quanties of 6 though.

 

[BF]

Re: Is there an easy way to change lower unit oil?

just to add my $.02 for the newbie's... make sure that you engine is trimmed down all the way (so cavitation plate is horizontal) when you change the LU lube. If not, an air bubble can get trapped at the back of the LU and even if oil leaks out the vent, you will still end up under-filling the unit.<br /><br />I think this was the reason my upper driveshaft bearing (and driveshaft) broke on my V150 merc. Boat sits on a dolly in a boathouse year round (is not trailered). There wasn't enough clearance on the bottom to get the motor down all the way, but we figured it was "close enough" and just would change the LU lube as it sat. After LU failure, repair and post-mortem, I cut an opening in the floor for the skeg to go down into. Found the LU now took a good 150 mL more oil to fill!! DOOUGHHH!! Oh well live and learn.<br /><br />Boat doesn't get used too many hours, but having the LU chronically underfilled probably meant the upper driveshaft bearing was not lubed well, ran hot and eventually failed and took out the driveshaft too. So, learn from my stupidity!<br /><br />Brent