Oil change

[Bayliner175xt]

Hi just wondering is it worth changing my Stern drive oil more regular than what the manual says.
Is it going to preserve it any better, 100 hours is what the manual says,
I was thinking maybe every 65-75, as the boat gets allot of use, (skiing).
Not to worried about the extra oil cost.

Worth it or not !!!!!!!!


thanks

 

[cr2k]

Re: Oil change

Most people change it every year at winterization. In fact engine oil too. That way if there is any water in the drive or engine it won't sit all winter and possibly freeze and crack the drive or rust the bearings. But changing it more often...Not a lot of advantage unless it leaks water in to the drive.

Recommend synthetic blend, full synthetic won't hold the water like a blend or regular oil and it separates to the bottom where it can rust the bearings.

Engine can go with full syn if you want.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Oil change

I will crack my bottom drain plug just to check for water cause you never know when a seal will let go but other than that I change it in the fall when I store it.

Other than water getting in the oil itself can't wear out in a season, most people never change the oil in there rear end and run 150,000 miles so once a year is fine.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Oil change

In my experience, stern drives are a bit fragile. If the oil gets low in an Alpha, the upper gearbox will suffer. I would change the gear oil midseason, as well at winterization. It is cheap insurance. Hit the grease fittings as well at that time.