started engine w/o oil in outdrive -- problem?

[aggiedave98]

The good news:<br /><br />(On my '89 Invader w/ the 3.0L 4Cyl Mercruiser Alpha I)<br /><br />I finally finished replacing my outdrive shift cable, trim limit/position switches, bellows, etc. (moved and had a kid in the process which drew it out way too long). Thanks for all the help from the board. It was my first time to even remove the outdrive, so it was a good learning experience.<br /><br /><br />The bad (hopefully not) news:<br /><br />I started my engine for about a minute in the driveway (with the water hooked up). I never put it in drive. I forgot I hadn't filled up the outdrive w/ oil. Did I damage anything?<br /><br />Also, this info may be imortant. The water draining out and running down the driveway (from having the hose hooked up) seemed to be dark like it had either some oil or residue in it. What could that be from and is it normal?<br /><br />Thanks again for all the help!!!

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: started engine w/o oil in outdrive -- problem?

One minute probably didn't kill it......I would drain the drive again, pressure test it, & if it passes, refill with new gear lube.....If you run it longer will the black stuff go away? Could be fogging/winterizing stuff?....JK

 

[aggiedave98]

Re: started engine w/o oil in outdrive -- problem?

yes, the black stuff was only for the very first water that came out. i'm in Houston, so it's not fogging stuff...<br /><br />probably a dumb question? but how do you pressure test it? is that described in the mercruiser manual?

 

[Don S]

Re: started engine w/o oil in outdrive -- problem?

There is no way of knowing the condition of the drive without disassembly and inspecting. If the drive had been just drained, you might be ok, but if you drained it some time ago, then any residual lube on the bearings has run off, except for a very thin coat. Probably not enough to prevent bearing problems. The gears will be ok, but the bearings are preloaded, and lack of lube doesn't take long to start damaging the bearings.<br /><br />The black was probably from rich fuel burn because the choke was on. Real common on carbed engines.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: started engine w/o oil in outdrive -- problem?

I don't know if it is actually in the manual.....But it is in the 'search' function at the top of this page....There is a ton of info. on the subject.... You can buy a tester on ebay for like, $35.00....or make one..."search" & ye shall find.... ....JK