Oil + lube requirements for '73 merc model I

[AKBoatBoy]

Hi,

I have a couple questions about the recommended oil and lubes for my mercruiser model I outdrive. I have a manual from clymer's, most of the ones written there are quicksilver specialiality oils and their part numbers.

1. steering linkage- formula 4 quicksilver oil part c926518724
2. stern drive - quicksilver super-duty gear lubricant part c9268617
3. u-joints- universal joint lubricant c9274057a1
4. prop shaft splines- perfect seal part 9234227
5. steering cable- special lube 101 part 9279214

I know that somtimes companies want you to buy their special products. Should I stick to these recommended types, or are there others that are maybe less expensive that would work as well without any damage? I don't have a good marine store where I live, so where is a good place to buy these online?

Thank you

 

[cr2k]

Re: Oil + lube requirements for '73 merc model I

1.Steering linkage Assuming you mean the exposed part of the slide in the tube or at the helm.
any anti corrosion grease like marine trailer wheel bearing grease.

2.Any good 85-140 gear oil as for your cars rear end. Synthetic blend being best.
Full synthetic not recommended do to not holding water (if some gets in there it will separate to the lower and rust/corrode there).

3.Marine anti corrosion grease an in answer #1.

4.Same as #3 do this annually or more often. If the prop corrodes on the shaft it is a 2 hour job (that destroys the prop) to remove.

5.Usually not lubed, but if you do you want to use a very light lube to prevent and additional drag. If you are talking about a zerk fitting on the transom end use same as #4 with cable extended and sparingly apply as cable is retracted.
Too much grease here can hydro lock the cable.

Yes everyone wants you spend $$ on their specific products but you can find similar products with the same properties.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Oil + lube requirements for '73 merc model I

I disagree with #2. Use A GL-5 synthetic lubricant 75W-90. I use Mobil1 75w-90 in mine.

 

[jtybt]

Re: Oil + lube requirements for '73 merc model I

#1 Not sure what you mean by steering linkage

#2 Quicksilver high performance (synthetic). Drain old oil completely.

#3 Spline grease

#4 Spline grease...NEVER use perfect seal on any splines. Perfect seal is Permatex gasket sealer.

#5 Any oil

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Oil + lube requirements for '73 merc model I

#5....Any straight 30w oil...
Those older engines were not designed to run multi weight.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Oil + lube requirements for '73 merc model I

I have a '73 Sea Ray with an 888 merc.....
I use the Merc stuff, for as much as I use the extra money is nominal....
The exception is the prop splines, any water proof grease of anti sieze will do....
It is good practice to pull the prop a least once a year, I do it whenever I take the drive off to lube the u joints(it makes it lighter).
Strtaight 30 wt for the engine oil.....

 

[WizeOne]

Re: Oil + lube requirements for '73 merc model I

I have a '73 Sea Ray with an 888 merc.....
I use the Merc stuff, for as much as I use the extra money is nominal....
The exception is the prop splines, any water proof grease of anti sieze will do....
It is good practice to pull the prop a least once a year, I do it whenever I take the drive off to lube the u joints(it makes it lighter).
Strtaight 30 wt for the engine oil.....

Weren't you building a 351w?

 

[bigskiohio]

Re: Oil + lube requirements for '73 merc model I

on the outdrive use mercruiser syn. quicksilver is not the same. my merc mech swears by this stuff so i cant question his 30 yrs. + of exp.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Oil + lube requirements for '73 merc model I

Weren't you building a 351w?

Yup, still am, the old 302 still runs good after 36 years & countless hours, so I'm not in a hurry, especially in this economy....
I'm just glad to have a boat that runs well.......