Running without oil

MTBoat

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 11, 2011
Messages
143
I want to know if I can start a 3.0 engine while the lower unit sits empty of oil. I will have to take the lower unit off anyway as it needs a complete seal kit or more and had some water in it before I emptied it out. But, I want to find out if the engine runs ok as the engine is all I really care about. Can I just fire it up for short 15--30 second periods or do I have to pull of the lower unit first or refill it with oil to run engine?
 

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: Running without oil

I want to know if I can start a 3.0 engine while the lower unit sits empty of oil.

NO !!!!!! Everything in that drive is turning but the propshaft.
Pull the outdrive and start the engine with water from your garden hose supplying water to the engine for cooling.
 

Howard Sterndrive

Rear Admiral
Joined
Nov 5, 2008
Messages
4,603
Re: Running without oil

remove the whole drive, not just the lower unit- feed water to the thermostat housing and run it as long as you like
 

Fordiesel69

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Sep 18, 2009
Messages
1,146
Re: Running without oil

He is simply confused that the lower unit is still turning when the shifter is in "N".

NO!!! Not even for 15 seconds. Have a look at this upper unit I just got with a recent boat purchase.

 
Joined
Mar 27, 2010
Messages
3,008
Re: Running without oil

[URL=http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2638711480044425697NvRPnv said:
2638711480044425697NvRPnv_th.jpg
[/URL]

:facepalm: :facepalm:
As Homer Simpson would say:
 
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