When do you guys change your oil/lower unit lube on a new motor...

[CRFan1]

So I have a new Merc 60HP 4 stroke efi motor and it has about 4-5 hours on it and it performs flawlessly. My question is, what is a good rule of thumb for changing the engine and LU lube for the first time? The manual says 30 hours but that seems like a long time!

What do you guys typically do?

 

[rodbolt]

Re: When do you guys change your oil/lower unit lube on a new motor...

I usually follow the service manual.

 

[outboardnut]

Re: When do you guys change your oil/lower unit lube on a new motor...

I change mine every time I go out!

I do have a bad seal on the driveshaft though. It's pitted up and needs replaced.


Seriously though if you care about your lower I believe it putting good oil in it, buy the sythetic stuff. If you feel 30 hours is to long change it sooner. If you change it at 20 and your oil look purdy you might want to let it go a little longer the next time.

I know many folks only change them once a season. I always keep a close eye on my lower unit oils until I know how a motor is going to perform with it. If the lube is failing you will know it.

 

[dingbat]

Re: When do you guys change your oil/lower unit lube on a new motor...

The manual says 30 hours but that seems like a long time!

What do you guys typically do?

At that rate I'd be changing my lower unit oil almost weekly during the season.

Follow the manual. I check the oil every couple of weeks to make sure I don't have a seal leaking. Otherwise its part of the getting ready for the winter season routine.

 

[Kamdyn]

Re: When do you guys change your oil/lower unit lube on a new motor...

I would change it after running it for 10hrs and then change it every season.