Should I get the oil changed in my lower unit. When winterized?

[dkorzun21]

Just wondering I had the lower unit oil changed in my out drive about 4-5 months ago. Since they I had takin the boat out about 20 times. I was wondering if I should have the lower unit oil changed again when winterized. Or if I should just leave it be not sure how bad it really could be after only about 20 times running the boat? They said it would cost $214 to winterize the boat and change the lower unit oil or $190 to just winterize it thinkg it might be a good Idea for only $24 buck more but not sure what do you guys think?? lmk get her done tommorw as it was 38 degrees out last night.

 

[Knightgang]

Re: Should I get the oil changed in my lower unit. When winterized?

If putting away for the winter, I would have it changed, $24 is cheap insurance just incase you did get water in there...

 

[EddiePetty]

Re: Should I get the oil changed in my lower unit. When winterized?

well........if any water settles out in your drive oil and freezes, that addition $24 will seem as chump-change compared to repairing the lower unit.

FWIW...Ed in 'ol Virginny

 

[Knightgang]

Re: Should I get the oil changed in my lower unit. When winterized?

Great minds think alike...

 

[Dave1251]

Re: Should I get the oil changed in my lower unit. When winterized?

You should always change your gear lube in the lower unit when you winterized the boat. That way, if the drive has any water in it from a bad seal, the water/lube will be drained before winter weather. If you plan on changing your impeller for next season, now would be the time with alpha out drives.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Should I get the oil changed in my lower unit. When winterized?

Change it before storing for the winter.

 

[Blue Crabber]

Re: Should I get the oil changed in my lower unit. When winterized?

Absolutely, change the oil!!! For the previous mentioned reasons and that is a cheap price for having someone else do it.

 

[scoutabout]

Re: Should I get the oil changed in my lower unit. When winterized?

I've had a couple of marinas tell me on low hour seasons they will just crack the screw a bit to check the colour of the oil and see if any water seeps out first. Doesn't sound as sure fire and just changing the oil. And change that screw gasket too.

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: Should I get the oil changed in my lower unit. When winterized?

My thoughts too, after 20 uses you can see if there is water seepage in the drive.
At least you would know and not be suprised when spring came.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Should I get the oil changed in my lower unit. When winterized?

Changing the lower unit oil is pretty much the ONLY thing I do to winterize! (outboard though). So yeah, I'd definitely do it.

 

[rbh]

Re: Should I get the oil changed in my lower unit. When winterized?

we ended up changing the oil about twenty engine hours ago due to a leaking o-ring and replaced the o-ring. checked the oil for milkyness just when we started to winterize.
oil was not milky, there was no water that setteled out on the bottom, so it will stay till next fall, hopefully.
rob