gear oil in lower unit

[Elvis156]

I am replacing the impeller on my 85 Johnson 6 hp- and while Im in ther, thought I should drain and re-fill the lower unit gear oil.<br />Where is the drain and fill plug...and do you fill until spill out or how full is full?<br /><br />Thanks all!!<br /><br />Jason

 

[Tracy Coleman]

Re: gear oil in lower unit

You don't need to have the lower unit off to change the oil. The drain/fill screw is a large flat headed straight slotted screw at the lowest<br />point on the gear housing. The vent screw is the same type of screw above or just under the flat plate (anti-cavatation plate) above the propeller.<br />Hang the engine straight down, pull both screws and drain. Make sure the gaskets are under both screws. Squeeze the tube of gear oil in from the bottom until it runs out the top vent hole, put in the top screw, then quickly the bottom screw. Take the propeller off to check for fishing line wraped around the propeller shaft-that will cut the oil seals out if you don't remove it.<br />If you really want to know the engine inside and out, see a Johnson/Evinrude dealer and have him order a factory service manual for you.<br />Backfire

 

[Elvis156]

Re: gear oil in lower unit

I just went and tried to take out the two screws you mentioned- not a budgeon either one- any ideas how to break these loose before i strip the slots out of them??<br /><br />Thanks again for all the info!

 

[Cricket Too]

Re: gear oil in lower unit

Tap the screwdriver lightly with a hammer, while on the screw, and then just twist as hard as you can. Try putting the motor in the full up position and twisting the screws, you'll get better leverage. I have always wondered why there are flat head screw heads instead of 3/8 or 1/2 inch bolt heads on the filler and vent, seems like that would be too easy. Good Luck.

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: gear oil in lower unit

If you have one, a hammer drive impact wrench works well here.

 

[OBJ]

Re: gear oil in lower unit

RJohnson gives good advice Elvis. They should pop lose and will be less damage to the screwdriver slot.

 

[chris abela]

Re: gear oil in lower unit

make sure you use the right size screwdriver i.e. large that will prevent ruining the head