gear oil how much to put in

[BENJA]

I have a 76 115hp I was just thinking of changing the gear oil, I just bought it so im a first timer in dealing with outboards, also what kind should I use?<br /><br />thanks <br /><br />Ben

 

[LubeDude]

Re: gear oil how much to put in

As a matter of fact, I just got done changing mine before I came in and sat down at the computer, Merc 150. I used a synthetic fluid, Many here on the forum think its a good Idea also. Most any Automotive or marine synthetic gear luge will be fine. Its best to let it drain overnight, as it takes a while for most of it to drain out. Oh, buy new gaskets for the vent and drain/fill plugs <br /><br />Do a search to find out how if you do not know.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: gear oil how much to put in

When you do it, do NOT remove the phillips screw. Only the flathead ones. Remove the vent screw(Top one) and then the fill/drain screw(Bottom one), both on the starboard side of the lower unit. Let it drain for an hour or so. Get yourself a quart of Hi-Viscosity lower unit lube and some new seals for the screws. Insert the end of the bottle nozzle in the LOWER fill hole and squeeze until fluid comes out the top vent hole. Replace the vent screw and remove the bottle and replace the bottom screw quickly. You are done.... Make a note of the condition of the old lubricant. If water comes out first when you remove the drain screw, you will need to find out where it's entering the lower unit. Also, put a little of the old lube between your fingers and see if has any metallic pieces in it. If the fluid looks like coffee with cream, it has water mixed with it. If so, replace the screw seals, run it again on the water and check the fluid again. Hopefully, all will be fine...

 

[kenneymc]

Re: gear oil how much to put in

Seloc manual says the LU fluid capacity is 17 oz.

 

[BillP]

Re: gear oil how much to put in

My old manuals say 26.6 and 29.1 fl oz for 115 V4s...same as V4s up to 140hp. I think the gear sizes make the difference. It really doesn't matter how much they say...fill it from the bottom until it comes out the vent hole and you will get it right. <br /><br />Drain with the prop shaft in a horizontal position and it is better to do it after you have been running and the lube is warm (and contaminants suspended). Don't overfill because an air space is needed for fluid expansion. An easy way to fill is to buy a lower lube pump kit that has a hose with a fitting that screws into the drain hole. It's more user friendly than holding a container in the drain hole while trying to screw the vent closed.<br /><br />Published specs for lower unit lube was "OMC Sea-Lube or equivalent 80w-90w". In modern language that means HI-VIS 80w-90w GL5.

 

[BENJA]

Re: gear oil how much to put in

thanks guys, I had no idea you had to fill from the bottom up.<br /><br />Ben