Should the lower unit be flushed before new lube is added?

Big-HE

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 3, 2002
Messages
102
Should the lower unit be flushed before new lube is added?
 

Big-HE

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 3, 2002
Messages
102
Re: Should the lower unit be flushed before new lube is added?

Can I just add th enew stuff or should I flush it with something first?
 

Lugnut36

Seaman
Joined
Aug 14, 2002
Messages
70
Re: Should the lower unit be flushed before new lube is added?

Generally i just drain it and i wait awhile to make sure that most of it comes out (while the motor is level to the ground not tilted) i check it for water contamination and metal shavings or pieces if you have either of these symptoms the lower unit needs service. You can buy the gear oil at autozone they sell it in little yellow and white tubes i believe. There are two types of oil though you dont mention what type of marine engine you have but if its an old electric shift unit you have to use special gear oil "Type C" autozone usually carries that too.
 

kart33

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Apr 23, 2002
Messages
87
Re: Should the lower unit be flushed before new lube is added?

What came out of the unit? Was it contaminated with salt water? If you are just changing the oil no need to flush. If it was contaminated I would flush with new lower unit oil until good clear oil come out the drain
 

Big-HE

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 3, 2002
Messages
102
Re: Should the lower unit be flushed before new lube is added?

I did have a little bit of shavings on the bottom plug...Is that aproblem?
 

wilde1j

Vice Admiral
Joined
Apr 15, 2002
Messages
5,964
Re: Should the lower unit be flushed before new lube is added?

That's normal
 

Big-HE

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 3, 2002
Messages
102
Re: Should the lower unit be flushed before new lube is added?

cool! Thanx!
 
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