Toping off my Cobra drive oil

[a70eliminator]

Hi guys, I'm about to leave to the marine store to get some Merc. Hi-Perf. gear lube for my Cobra, I checked the oil yesterday and found it low (not touching dip-stick even with it screwed in! outdrive down and level, I drained and refilled beginning season (through the middle fill hole) two quarts, I'm hoping it's just a few ounces low maybe had a little air pocket that worked out, anyhow would it be safe to add right from the dipstick hole or do I need to push it up through from the center fill again? I inserted a longer dip-stick (popsicle stick) and the oil level is real close and it's clean and green like no water intrusion.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Toping off my Cobra drive oil

Would you rater be safe than SORRY????? Only one way to do it.It might only be a couple of ounces.But are you sure?From the side. Jerry

 

[sea wolf]

Re: Toping off my Cobra drive oil

You can always take the cover off to get a better read on how low it is. Only 4 bolts. I don't think a couple ounces added thru the dipstick hole will hurt anything. When I refill mine, I start the engine on muffs & let it run in gear at idle speed for a few seconds to clear out any air pockets that may be there. I then check the level, & top off if neccessary.

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Toping off my Cobra drive oil

Ok just went out and topped it off through the dip-stick hole, took only obout an ounce to get it to touch on the stick, gave it another ounce and now it's right there at the fill line with with stick threaded in.
I was reluctant to remove the 4 bolt cover you speak of only because I'm guessing there is a gasket under there, and I didn't want to disturb it. I think I'm good because the level was at least into the top resevior already so no need to mess with the mid fill plug. Thanks for the responses.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Toping off my Cobra drive oil

It's fine to top it off that way.

When you changed/ filled it before did use Merc HP lube? and when you filled did you check the fill level with the dipstick resting on the hole (not screwed all the way in)?

What model is this?

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Toping off my Cobra drive oil

I have a 1990 OMC Cobra drive, I did a beginning season drain and refill, I did use merc h/p cause what I drained out was bluish green, I asked here on the forum and Don (here at the forum) informed that the green stuff was most likely Merc h/p and it works great in the Cobra's, so thats what I use now. I believe it is fully synthetic and that tidy bowl color is unmistakable. I can't remember if I screwed the dip in or out just put 64oz in. but must have been a little short.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Toping off my Cobra drive oil

Would you rater be safe than SORRY????? Only one way to do it.It might only be a couple of ounces.But are you sure?From the side. Jerry

Topping it off is fine from the top.