Oil and Gear Lube change now or Spring ??

[oldtortuga]

Boat Pontoon/Engine Mercury 4Stroke EFI 60HP.
Question; what does the group recommend on timing of year end oil and gear lube changes ?
I have heard from some (skilled marine tech and a master mechanic) that my habit of changing oil and lube prior to winter storage is not the best solution.
Something about lots of temp changes and humidity and condensation inside the engine has a potential for contaminating the oils with water during storage.
Considering that I only change these once a year due to my limited use of engine, any water contamination in the lubricants would be bad for the engine and lower unit if I ran them all year that way.
They did recommend I check for water in lower unit before storage to avoid potential freeze damage.
Moderately confused here.

 

[Laddies]

Re: Oil and Gear Lube change now or Spring ??

When you change it is up to the individual, if you want to change it in the fall you need to recheck the level in the spring before launch incase of a leak over winter or if you want to change it in the spring you still need to check for water in the fall. If water is found change the oil in the fall, if you leave a unit empty the bearings can rust over winter.

 

[scipper77]

Re: Oil and Gear Lube change now or Spring ??

I don't know if outboards are the same as my inboard but if you have a bad seal causing water intrusion in the lower unit that water will freeze and cause damage. what is the oil capacity of your engine? I have considered doing an oil change in the fall with cheap low grade oil and then again with better oil in the spring just to flush out the sludge in my motor (if it's even there).

 

[oldtortuga]

Re: Oil and Gear Lube change now or Spring ??

Thanks all.
Engine holds 3 quarts motor oil.
I am a chump for all the Mercury brand lubes so I buy the premium stuff.
I will change oil and lube this Spring and test for water in the motor oil this week. I already checked the lower unit lube for water.
This is a great group and I appreciate the quick feed back.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Oil and Gear Lube change now or Spring ??

Change the gear oil and motor oil this fall. Next spring just check the oil level and you should be good to go. A gear oil leak will be noticable and smelly. Don't forget to fog the motor and hit the grease fittings.