Winterizing - changing lower unit oil needed?

[chrisg]

OK, have a merc I/O 3.0L Bayliner. '04. since there is a reservoir in the engine compartment, and it is still full, and no indications of mosture in it (the first summer, I had to re-fill it once but since then the level never changed, why do I need to change the lower unit oil every year if it appears ok, just top it up?

I understand the purpose is to remove any water that may have entered into the lower unit because of broken seals around the prop. but if there appears to be no mosture in it, (I assume any mosure would have worked it way up into the reservoir and show up there) why change it?

I know it breaks down, but I should get more then one season out of it.

 

[Don S]

Re: Winterizing - changing lower unit oil needed?

In the Merc maintenance schedule, it recommends 1 year or 100 hours whichever comes first.
The purpose is not to just remove water, it's to renew the gear lube. It lubricates bearings and gears also.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Winterizing - changing lower unit oil needed?

(I assume any mosure would have worked it way up into the reservoir and show up there)

Ayuh,.......

And,....... Water is Heavier than Oil........
It's more apt to be on the Bottom of the cavity, than Up in the Reservoir......

 

[Don S]

Re: Winterizing - changing lower unit oil needed?

With the Merc Hi Performance gear lube, the water mixes with the lube and becomes a milky color. It doesn't seperate like some synthetics do.

 

[chrisg]

Re: Winterizing - changing lower unit oil needed?

OK, I broke down, made an appointment to get the engine winterized from where I bought it. their price is not that bad, change all oils and grease it up. I may as well get the tacometer and voltmeter fixed also. (Usin a power washer on the dash was not a good idea!)

 

[sickwilly]

Re: Winterizing - changing lower unit oil needed?

Go buy a pump attachment and two quarts of oil. Its simple to do. Although that won't fix the voltmeter, etc. It will ensure there is not water and fresh oil in your outdrive.

 

[krisnowicki]

Re: Winterizing - changing lower unit oil needed?

is it eaiser to do with a pump... I have read you have to seperate the lower unit to do it... what kind of pump?

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Winterizing - changing lower unit oil needed?

is it eaiser to do with a pump... I have read you have to seperate the lower unit to do it... what kind of pump?

You have to do it with a pump.....
They sell at West Marine for like 10 bux....
You do not have to separate or take off the drive.....
You do have to replace the sealing washers.....

 

[sickwilly]

Re: Winterizing - changing lower unit oil needed?

I got my pump for $5.95 from academy sports. One end screws into the quart jug, the other end into the bottom of the alpha unit and you pump it till the oil comes out the vent hole. Then you put the screw in and pump it till it gets to the right level in the reservoir. Unscrew the end of the pump from the drive, quickly screw the screw back in, and your done. Also, you get to see the exact condition of the fluid in the unit, not just the reservoir.

They guy at the marina told me to reuse the washers unless they looked fried -- I will have to watch that for problems.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Winterizing - changing lower unit oil needed?

They guy at the marina told me to reuse the washers unless they looked fried -- I will have to watch that for problems.

The guy at the marine thought it was a good idea to reuse a $0.50 washer to preserve the integrity of a $3000 sterndrive.

Pennywise and Pound foolish!

 

[sickwilly]

Re: Winterizing - changing lower unit oil needed?

Aint it funny how simply rewording something can drive a point home?

Point taken!

 

[chrisg]

Re: Winterizing - changing lower unit oil needed?

I got my pump for $5.95 from academy sports. One end screws into the quart jug, the other end into the bottom of the alpha unit and you pump it till the oil comes out the vent hole. Then you put the screw in and pump it till it gets to the right level in the reservoir. Unscrew the end of the pump from the drive, quickly screw the screw back in, and your done. Also, you get to see the exact condition of the fluid in the unit, not just the reservoir.

They guy at the marina told me to reuse the washers unless they looked fried -- I will have to watch that for problems.

So, I assume I first empty the reservoir before starting this process?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Winterizing - changing lower unit oil needed?

So, I assume I first empty the reservoir before starting this process?

Hmmmmm,...............

Guess I got that 1 Wrong...............

 

[180shabah]

Re: Winterizing - changing lower unit oil needed?

Aint it funny how simply rewording something can drive a point home?

Point taken!

It's like Gallegher used to say "It's all about perspective, that's not an egg, it's a liquid chicken."

So, I assume I first empty the reservoir before starting this process?

Empty the resevior
drain the drive
refill the drive (from the bottom)
fill the resevior
Keep the bottle of "extra" lube in the boat untill the system "burps" in the spring, then top off the resevior.

 

[sickwilly]

Re: Winterizing - changing lower unit oil needed?

I took the bottom screw out, let it start draining, then went in and removed the reservoir, poured it out, then opened the vent. However, now that I read it again, my manual has emptying the reservoir as step 1.