Lower unit lube / alarm

[skynyrdcat]

Quick question...

I've got to fill the unit, and I have plenty of gear oil (not marine specific), just curious if this is safe to use or do I need to bite the bullet and order some marine oil?

Secondly, I have a steady (1 second) alarm about every 15 seconds with key on (not running). Is there a code / sequence of alarms for specific system failers?

Could this be because the lower unit is low?

Thanks a million!
Skynyrdcat

 

[mudd_mickey]

Re: Lower unit lube / alarm

See the bottom of this thread.

http://www.outboardrepairs.com/topics/007659.html

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Lower unit lube / alarm

Since we have no idea what year and horsepower engine we talking about it's tough to offer any concrete advice -- but here goes anyway. The alarm you hear is one of three. A steady beep means overheat. A beep every minute or two means low oil level in the oil tank, and the beep you are experiencing is a "no oil" signal which is not a good thing. None of those beeps has anything to do with the lower unit oil. They are related to the two-stroke oil that is probably not being injected into the fuel to provide the required lubrication. That could be because the oil pump has failed or that it has been incorrectly disabled which requires that you mix oil with the gas manually. If you have no oil tank, the system has been disabled. As for the lower unit lub, automotive gear oil can be used (but not in electric shift units) however it does not have the characteristics that allow it to lubricate properly should water make its way into the lower unit. In other words, it is advised that you use the right stuff.

 

[skynyrdcat]

Re: Lower unit lube / alarm

Opps, 1988 Evinrude 110 hp V-4

When I run the engine I get plenty of smoke (typical 2 stroke fashion), but until I'm sure, I'll mix in a remote tank and un hook the oil tank.

What's a good mix ratio (until I isolate the problem)?