Need lube advise

[tkz]

While I was at Cabelas yesterday, picked up a fluid extractor, for my engine oil and a pump for the lower lube change, figured I would get a few things in advance for winterizing. Also picked up two quarts of merc 90 w gear lube, the high performance. I had bought a 1990 Starcraft Heritage this year. 3.0 Alpha One. The lube was just under 20 bucks a quart, holy crap! Can I just use any 90 w gear lube and save a few bucks? The bottle reads anything else may damage, is this warning just to scare us numbers into buying merc products or is it something that needs be be followed? Just like Harley oil for the scooter? Appreciate any advise on this.

 

[86 century]

Re: Need lube advise

Last I knew merc didn't make oil so someone else makes it and slaps mercruiser on the bottle and doubles the price.

Any high quality 80/90 will work just fine.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Need lube advise

Marine lube reduces scuffing and is designed to run in a wet condition.

Read this article http://bwbmag.com/output.cfm?id=1891729&sectionid=308

Walmart sells marine grade lube........ some of the VP lowers call for synthetic. Save a few bucks now and a lower unit is only $1300-1400 for a replacement. I use only marine lubes GL-5

 

[NHGuy]

Re: Need lube advise

True that, the regular gear oil is a no no. You did the right thing.
BTW it's almost impossible to extract cold engine oil. Warm it up (on muffs) before you suction it out of the motor.

 

[nola mike]

Re: Need lube advise

Sierra also makes merc knockoff lube for $10/qt. Although really, in the grand scheme of things not that much when you only need 1 qt once a year.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Need lube advise

Since I only change gear lube every few years, I used the Merc/Quicksilver stuff. It is a pretty color and tastes much better than the generic stuff.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Need lube advise

Since I only change gear lube every few years, I used the Merc/Quicksilver stuff. It is a pretty color and tastes much better than the generic stuff.

Hmmmm on french toast, pancakes and over ice cream too!!

 

[tkz]

Re: Need lube advise

Thanks for the info, read article also. Suppose I'll just keep what I bought then. It is labeled Mercruiser lower lube 90 w. Also I am assuming that there are oring on the plugs, do you guys replace them every fluid change?

 

[NHGuy]

Re: Need lube advise

Just have a package handy, you don't want to drop your lube because the o ring disappeared or fell off. A little pack costs next to nothing.

 

[ktbarrentine]

Re: Need lube advise

Might be semantics, but those are actually gaskets. O-rings (typically rubber composition) dont work too well in that application. Just sayin' (not because of the composition interaction....but because you have to get those plugs good-n-tight on the gaskets....rubber will extrude....OK...I talk too much)

 

[BoatDrinksQ5]

Re: Need lube advise

from what i have in my parts lists - they are described as 'Fiber Gaskets' , part 19183

my question - can you and is there any benefit to putting a magnetic screw in the top vent? So basically storing your spare there