lower case oil

[steriosm88]

I just bought a 17 foot aluminum bow rider with a 1993 Johnson 90 hp onit. I'd like to know what kind of oil to put in the lower case? I can't get the two screws out either. Would be OK if I used a propane torch to gently heat the two screws to try and loosen them up? Is there another way to get these two stuck screws out without drilling? Thanks

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: lower case oil

Heat will do you no good, don't even think about drilling them out, get yourself the correct screwdriver or make one, those screws are stainless and they will come out, typically the screws are tight and come loose with a good snap, an impact driver would be the best route if the slots aren't boogered up too much, I've taken a nice wide screwdriver and filed straight across the tip just to widen it a bit, the screw slots are wider than any normal screw and a tight fitting driver is a must.
You can get some lower case lube just about anywhere walmart. It's basically 90W hypoid gear lube, or multi viscosity synthetic like 75W140 works too. I don't know exactly what type you unit takes.

 

[5150abf]

Re: lower case oil

Make sure you get LOWER UNIT OIL, it is different, there are different brands but the oil itself is pretty much the same.

The lower oil has special additives to deal with water intrusion that regular gear oil doaesn't have.

As stated Wal Mart has it probably auto parts stores too as long as it is for lower units you are good.

Same with the oil that goes in the gas, make sure it is TCW 3 not weed whacker oil, outboards are water cooled and run cooler than chainsaws ect so the oil is different.

 

[OhWellcraft]

Re: lower case oil

As stated above make sure you have a screwdriver that will just fit into the slot you don't want any slop in there. You can file the end down a bit on a large screwdriver then use a crescent wrench on the shank if its square, push firmly into the drive while using the wrench to loosen. If that doesn't do it use an impact driver to "break" it loose just be mindful of how hard you are hitting it. Don't use the heat you can do more damage than good to rubber/plastic parts within the drive. Once you get them out buy some new ones with new washers. They have plugs now that are allen type instead of slotted. Use " hi vis" lower case lube it will say it right on the bottle. I have heard there are advantages to using marine over automotive gear lube but you can make your own decision. Both will work but the marine has additives in it to help combat water intrusion should you get any. Good luck and make sure you replace at least the washers with new ones every time you change lube.

 

[steriosm88]

Re: lower case oil

What a great site. I was just about to throw caution, and sense, to the wind and break out the torch. I'll get me a giant screwdriver instead and have another go at it. Thanks guys.