Should I change outdrive oil?

[harrisg]

I have a Volvo Penta AQ125A/270 combo on a 16ft Invader that I bought about 2 months ago and am working on. It had been sitting for about 4 years. <br /><br />The oil in the outdrive is clean, clear and up to the line. Does oil in an outdrive go bad if the outdrive's not being used.<br /><br />I can only find one zerk to grease on the 270. Is that all there is?

 

[javsam]

Re: Should I change outdrive oil?

no oil doesnt go bad.yes you should change the oil to inspect for metal shavings and water that maybe inside outdrive.also get a sevice manual so you learn how to do it properly.<br />javsam

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Should I change outdrive oil?

ABSOLUTELY change the oil.Who knows what is in there and when it was changed last.Make sure to get the old gaskets off which usually stay on the drive instead of coming off on the plug.Charlie

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Should I change outdrive oil?

Changing outdrive oil is considered annual maintenance. Yours is at least 3 years overdue, if not longer.<br /><br />Definitely get a service manual to learn the procedure for your drive, as well as service intervals...most outdrive oil changes require refilling with a pump from the bottom drain plug. You most likely are NOT supposed to refill it through the top plug, but I'm not real Volvo knowledgable. Most outdrives are setup this way. You can buy a pump that fits the oil bottles and screws into the lower plug, then you fill from the bottom till it flows out the top plug.

 

[trog100]

Re: Should I change outdrive oil?

i think everything being correct outdrive oil would probably do its jos for a long time just like car/truck gearbox differential oil does..<br /><br />but... regular changeing is the only way to tell that everything is correct.. its more of a "check" than anything else..<br /><br />it checks that the oil has no water in it and the drive has no leaks.. it checks for metal bits or wear in the drive.. it checks that the right amount and type oil is in there in the first place.. its more a quick and easy way to check that things are okay with the drive more than anything else..<br /><br />if u have reason to suspect water-in or oil-out leaks or such.. once a year is probably not often enough.. he he<br /><br />as a general rule its not a bad idea to change all oils when u first start off with any vehicle boat or ortherwise..<br /><br />trog100

 

[brine]

Re: Should I change outdrive oil?

The oil in the outdrive will not go bad. The problem is that the additives in that oil will. You could be left with less moisture or corrosion inhibitors. It is very difficult to determine the quality of an oil by visual checks. Change it, it is way overdue.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Should I change outdrive oil?

I agree - change it. Not that expensive and you'll know what's in there.