OMC King lower unit fluid change

[imported_Nathan_]

Time to change out the fluid in the old 89' OMC King Cobra 5.7<br /><br />Ive got the OMC book here in front of me and and in the book they tell you to pop the top cap loose and change the o-ring then put it back onto the upper side of the drive but don't tighten it down.. <br />From there I drain the fluid from the bottom plug.<br />Once its all drained I need to fill it back up but I have to do it from the bottom and fill it upwards..<br />My question is that, I don't have a pump to fill the unit up from the bottom. I do understand that we need to fill from the bottom slowly to get out all the air pockets. What if I was to fill from the top then close it up move the drive up then back down then recheck the fluid ? I'm wondering if the movement would help get the air out. By filling it from the bottom up is this done because of the air pockets ?<br /><br /><br />Thanks guys<br />Nathan

 

[rabidfish]

Re: OMC King lower unit fluid change

Yes, it's to remove/keep out air pockets.<br /><br />You must! Absolutely MUST fill from the bottom!<br /><br />Most dealers have some form of a hand pump for sale.(usually about $8)<br />The Mercury one will work just fine also.<br /><br />Price out a replacement drive before you take any shortcuts here...

 

[imported_Nathan_]

Re: OMC King lower unit fluid change

ok .. Thanks for the Quick responce ! <br /><br />Bed time for me now :-}

 

[tvbjr]

Re: OMC King lower unit fluid change

I purchased a pump with the fitting for the drain plug at West Marine works great

 

[rybad]

Re: OMC King lower unit fluid change

Definately DO fill it from the bottom (unless you have the middle plug.. dont think the KINGS have the middle though).<br /><br />I knew a guy that filled from the bottom two years ago, he ended up with air pockets, and fused the top gears together because they werent lubed! Like the previous post, the pump is cheep.. Plus, of anything, you don't want to take the easy way with your outdrive.. they cost a FORTUNE to replace.<br /><br />Also, use the recommended OMC gear lube (probably Ultra HPF for the King), or a very good sythentic substitute like AMS Oil. Don't use general off the shelf gear lube. <br /><br />-Dave

 

[Lou C]

Re: OMC King lower unit fluid change

You better re check that fill plug issue in the OMC manual, I have an 88 4.3 Cobra, and the OMC book I have says drain from the bottom hole on the lower unit, but fill from the hole that is right near the anti-ventilation plate on the lower unit. I have always done it that way and never had a problem.

 

[bigbrownbuku]

Re: OMC King lower unit fluid change

different drive lou.

 

[Lou C]

Re: OMC King lower unit fluid change

I don't know the 89s but the 88 350/King has the same drain/fill holes as the regular Cobras. Looked at the pix in my 1988 OMC shop manual. I think the different King came out in 1990 mated to the big block engines. I have only seen one, on a 1991 Four Winns Liberator, and compared to a regular Cobra it is huge!

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: OMC King lower unit fluid change

Lou is right, I have a pair of 89 460 KC's and they are like the regular Cobra but bigger. In 1990 they went to the cone clutch drive for the 460/454. I also used to have a pair of 89 4.3 (262's) KC's, again same as the regular Cobra. Also like Lou said, drain from the bottom, fill from the middle (with a pump) and you won't have a problem. I think they hold 64 oz of fluid (my 460's hold 108 oz) so make sure you put that much in or else????