OMC 4.3L Cobra - Stern Drive Gear Oil?

[AZWIP]

Howdy, still relatively new to this whole inboard/outboard thing... checking fluids last night....after I initially ran the motor on a set of muffs for 5-10 mins in idle... I looked the stern drive gear oil via the dip stick at the top of the drive... I took it out, and screwed it back in and took it out again... it was dry. Looking in to the hole as best as I could... the gears etc I could see, were wet.... but figured I need to top it off.... so picked up some silver Hi tens gear oil from the local marine shop... going top simply add the fluid into the dip stick hole at the top.... is that ok?

I know if I drained and refilled, for this drive, I would refill from a different hole... up the side of the drive.... but, from what I could tell... via a manual for the stern drive, it should be ok to op off from the top of the drive where the dipstick is... just wanted to double check with you folks, should that be ok?

Thanks!

 

[MRS]

I would do center plug why take a chance? Could be cheaper in the long run....eaceful:

 

[bruceb58]

If you don't know when the gear oil was last changed, you should just change it.

 

[HT32BSX115]

If you don't know when the gear oil was last changed, you should just change it.

Dittos!!

You *might" be ok just "topping it off" BUT,

If that drive is low on oil it's for 2 reasons.

1. It's leaking (and you should get it pressure/vacuum checked and find/repair the leak.

OR

2. Someone replaced the oil and filled it wrong. If it's been run that way, there may be damage. (pull the top cap and look at the gears)

Otherwise, drain the oil, inspect for metal and/or evidence of water and refill it using the correct OEM procedure. (FOR A DOG-CLUTCH KOBRA)

Pump it in via the "FILL" port, until it shows FULL on the dipstick (resting on the threads......slightly overfilled)
Then run it and recheck it with the dipstick screwed all the way IN.

Since you didn't indicate what year you have, we might assume it's a "Dog" (clutch) drive...............


If it's a newer cone clutch Cobra or an SX(Volvo) fill it IAW the OEM manual.

Fill it wrong, and you'll be buying another drive.


Cheers,

Rick