Winterize outdrive?

[garbageguy]

The winterizing threads are just so much fun - I had to add one.
I pulled my boat last week (so sad) with the intention of having the engine pulled, so I did not check/replace outdrive oil as I usually do. Turns out the engine will not be pulled til spring. The outdrive was serviced before it went in this season (new u-joints) and performed well all season. Am I taking an undue risk here? If so, is there a simple way to "winterize" the outdrive?

​1998 Wellcraft 240SE, VP SX-M outdrive, prod no. 3868891, ser no. 41120

 

[oldjeep]

Just lower it so that the water drains out. You do run some risk that you have water in the oil, but I guess I always ran that risk only changing it every couple seasons.

 

[roscoe]

Remove the drain plug from the gearcase and see what drains out.
If it is clean gear lube, you are good, put the plug bag back in.

If any water drains out or the oil is milky tan in color, you have water in the lube, and risk cracking the case.
Drain it and refill with fresh lube.

 

[Starcraft5834]

Remove the drain plug from the gearcase and see what drains out.
If it is clean gear lube, you are good, put the plug bag back in.

If any water drains out or the oil is milky tan in color, you have water in the lube, and risk cracking the case.
Drain it and refill with fresh lube.

yup.. this...............

if its milky,, which I found mine was too,, I refilled it with fresh... with the understanding that I tossed away the cost of new gear old, as in the spring gonna put new pump and seals in..........that's ok,, what's $10 of new gear oil worth= prevention of cracked casing that's not $10 to fix..............

 

[bruceb58]

I like to pull my drive every fall. If there happens to be water in the bellows, you get it out now instead of letting it sit in there until spring or whenever you are going to pull the engine. Since you are pulling the engine anyway, why not just pull the drive now and just leave it off?

 

[garbageguy]

Thanks for the prompt replies.
Bruce, too many obstacles and uncertainties at this time.

 

[Watermann]

I like to pull my drive every fall. If there happens to be water in the bellows, you get it out now instead of letting it sit in there until spring or whenever you are going to pull the engine. Since you are pulling the engine anyway, why not just pull the drive now and just leave it off?

+1 and if you're worried about it, drain the LU gear oil before removing the OD. Last year before pulling the motor in the spring I pulled off my OD and stored it in the garage drained of oil but I didn't have any water intrusion.

I was told by a local MC cert tech that it's a very good idea to pull the OD off after every season to check for water in the bellows and lube the U joints. Peace of mind knowing that it's going to be dry in there is worth the time and $8. seal kit.

 

[Brian 26]

I also just pull the drain and see what comes out, I've only had one motor that had anything but clean oil in it.

I do not drain and refill every year.

 

[shrew]

Keep in mind there is no 'Winterization" of an outdrive. Yes, you should keep it in the IN (down) position to ensure that all water drains properly. Whether you change the drive lube in the fall or the spring (or at all) is a personal choice. Many like to change it in the fall in case water has worked itself into the drive it can be removed and replaced with fresh oil before sitting for the winter. That won't fix the actual problem with water intrusion. Also, someone mentioned removing the drive and water in the bellows. I think the concern is water in the oil at this point.

Also keep in mind that the oil only turns 'milky' if the oil and water have been agitated, such as when the drive runs. If you let it sit long enough the oil and water will separate. The oil will float to the top and the water to the bottom. The drain port at the bottom of the drive is the lowest point. If the drive has sat a while, if you crack the drain port and water comes out, there was water in there. If no water comes out and it comes out blue/green or black, then there was no water in there. hence why someone suggested cracked the drain to see if it's water or milky. You may not need to drain the entire drive to determine if water worked it's way in.

If you place the drive on a stand, you should be able to fill it with lube without having the drive on the boat itself. The same with draining it.

 

[bassman284]

OK, I can see draining it now, but why would he need to fill it if ti's just going to be pulled in the spring?

 

[bruceb58]

OK, I can see draining it now, but why would he need to fill it if ti's just going to be pulled in the spring?

The drive can be pulled without draining the oil.