Is there an easy way to change lower unit oil?

[jimpittman]

Is there an easy way to change the oil in a lower unit? Does anyone know any tricks to add oil. I tried and can't keep the tip of the bottle in the hole and squeeze at the same time. I know they sell a divice for this in the marine supply stores but I don't have one.<br />Thanks <br />jimpittman

 

[dmessy]

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

I just use a short extension of hosethat fits securely over the tapered end of the oil bottle then squeeze with one hand and hold the hose tightly to the opening. Not too messy but it works

 

[Scoop]

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

Here is a tip I got from my repair manual. Use the tube to get in as much as you can, then fill one of those trigger oiling cans with the oil and squirt it in the top opening. Because of the small stream, the air is pushed out the top instead of making a big bubble. I have used this method to finish topping the fluid. It is still a good idea to wait for a few minutes to let the little bubbles escape.

 

[oldboat1]

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

Leave the upper plug loosly fitted while you are refilling -- loose enough so that oil can escape when the unit is full (need that as an indicator), but secure enough so you can screw it in with one hand while holding the tube secure in the lower hole with the other hand. But expect a little mess anyway. <br /><br />The lower unit pumps on the market work pretty well, and are not that expensive. Curiously, the one I have twists the plastic tube as you screw the plastic end into the drain hole. See if you can find one that doesn't have that defect. I compensate by turning five or six turns counterclockwise first, so the tube unkinks as I'm screwing the fitting in clockwise.

 

[steelespike]

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

J,<br /> I buy what I believe is a 12 oz. tube and it usually calls for something like 16 ozs for my motor so I have to chenge in mid fill.Its messy<br /> and I lose a few ozs in changing to the next tube.If you use the 12 oz tubes.Get your boat<br />set up so you can get at the lower unit comfortably.Cut off just the very tip of the tube<br /> Put the tube in and roll it up like a tooth paste<br /> tube.If you cant get an adapter try an assistant<br />to hold it for you.

 

[sho305]

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

I have one of those tall quart size round bottles that lube comes in from someone. I can fill most OBs with about 2/3 of it. If not, I put the top plug in some (or jamb an uncut spout from another bottle in there) and little will come out the bottom, then I can put the bottom in easy. Then I fill the bottle up full again and finish it. I can get alot in there with one hand on that big bottle with just a slow pressure. I think those little tubes are a pain, and are more $ per oz anyway. Even the toothpaste people are trying to get away from them. I jack the front of the boat trailer down for more room if needed. Takes 5 minutes or less.

 

[sloopy]

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

Hey I never use gear lube <br />Just Joking<br /><br />can the guy above me explaine again? I'm confused??

 

[steelespike]

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

Hes plugging the vent hole so oil doesnt run out while he refills bottle.

 

[bruoff]

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

I struggled with this for years until I bought a very inexpensive pump a Walmart. Just screw it in the bottom hole and pump until it flows out the top. With this outfit there's no fight to get the <br />top plug in while the bottom is not securely plugged. It's the best $4-5 I've spent in a long while.

 

[jimpittman]

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

Thanks to all you guys.<br />I have a walmart about 3/4 of a mile from my house.<br />I'll be there tonight.<br />jimpittman

 

[shade788]

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

Is the pump at Walmart in Sporting Goods with the boating items or in the automotive section?<br /><br />I have a Walmart by me and never saw the pump.

 

[LubeDude]

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

Because Im allways changing someones lower unit oil. and sometimes at the lake, I have a gallon gear lube container filled with synthetic gear lube with the pump that is purchased at an automotive store for gallon jugs. I have put a better rubber fuel line on it with a clamp, and the other end I have put a tapered rubber tip from an air hose. This seals real well with little preasure. It takes about a half dozen pumps to fill the case and you are done. Dont go overboard on trying to get the case absolutly full to the brim, as the manual I have says to let a little oil out after filling to allow room for expansion.

 

[DJ]

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

The OMC/Bombardier kit is less than $20.00 at most John/Rude dealers and includes a quart of lube.<br /><br />I bought one over ten years ago and it's still going strong.

 

[tmcalavy]

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

The Walmart pump is about $6, in the boating section by the fishin stuff. Very good investment. Get 2 if you service your own vehicles...one for the outboard, one for the auto's differential lube. You can find them in auto parts stores, too...but a little higher.

 

[2637042]

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

does the wall mart pump have a threaded tip that screws directly into the lower unit? also, if it does, it that the same size as a diferential lube hole. <br /><br />i got a kit from wall mart that is not a pump, but rather a tube that you hook up to the lower unit. works great for about 8 bucks

 

[cjones4@hvc.rr.com]

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

The one I use looks like this:<br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/mall/index.cg...nt_category=maintenance>oil&cart_id=404214668 <br /><br /> I think mine is a different brand but looks the same. I found it helps to always start with a full quart of lower unit oil and tilt the bottle to avoid pumping air as the bottle gets low. Works great.

 

[quantumleap]

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

Good gravy!!! 44 bucks for that? It's the same as the one at walmart that sells for less than $10!! An extra $34 for the quicksilver name.

 

[Alex65]

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

Geez...That's a rip. I just the same exact one @ West Marine for $9.99 Works like a charm on my new Tohatsu 9.8 @-Stroke. I drained the factory oil & put in some Penzoil Synthetic lower unit oil.<br /><br />Here's the link to West Marine @ $9.99<br /><br /> http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&productId=56208 <br /><br />If the link is broken, try SKU # 1662527 @ www.westmarine.com<br /><br />Regards,<br /><br />Alex

 

[rickdb1boat]

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

Wow, I never knew something so easy could get so many posts. Grab a quart, fill it and put the vent screw in and then the fill screw. Always seems easy enough for me to do. A tad messy, but I don't mind. It's only once a year...

 

[tmcalavy]

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

Yes, the Wallyworld model has a fitting that threads into your lower unit. With this item I can keep a sure grip on my tasty beverages (always at hand) while I take care of this chore. Oily Bud sux.