Sterndrive Oil Level Question

jetmart

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Oct 13, 2009
Messages
116
1999 5.0 L Merc with an Alpha 1 gen 2 drive with sterndrive oil reservoir.

Question I know it is very important not to overfill the lower unit with too much oil or you run the risk of blowing seals. With an oil reservoir how is the oil level in the drive controlled? I assume it is more then just gravity.

I have the manuals and can't seem to figure this out. I have no reason to know other then just curious.

Thanks
 

jetmart

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Oct 13, 2009
Messages
116
Re: Sterndrive Oil Level Question

How does gravity do it and not overfill the lower end? The reservoir is 3 ft above the drive?
 

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: Sterndrive Oil Level Question

The only time overfilling hurts is when a drive warms up and there is no room for expansion. With the reservoir, you have that room and you can't overfill the drive.
 

jetmart

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Oct 13, 2009
Messages
116
Re: Sterndrive Oil Level Question

Thanks Don,

Makes complete sense now.
 
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