Hi,
I took my boat to the mechanic for winterizing. When I went to pick it up I looked at the repair bill. There was no mention of gear lube, so I asked him if I owed him money for it. He said they don't change the gear oil every year; instead they look at the oil by removing the bottom plug, and if it looks ok, they don't change it. If it looks dirty or like it has water in it, then they change it. He said changing the gear lube every year is a waste and not necessary. Does this sound right? It seems to me that changing the gear lube is cheap prevention and a chance to change the seals on the drain/fill plugs, if nothing else. Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks.
1990 Evinrude 90 hp.
I took my boat to the mechanic for winterizing. When I went to pick it up I looked at the repair bill. There was no mention of gear lube, so I asked him if I owed him money for it. He said they don't change the gear oil every year; instead they look at the oil by removing the bottom plug, and if it looks ok, they don't change it. If it looks dirty or like it has water in it, then they change it. He said changing the gear lube every year is a waste and not necessary. Does this sound right? It seems to me that changing the gear lube is cheap prevention and a chance to change the seals on the drain/fill plugs, if nothing else. Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks.
1990 Evinrude 90 hp.
It is good to change the gaskets anyways, that is the number 1 spot for water intrusion and are an extremely cheap investment. Check out the price of new lower units.