'74 inline 6 - how much lube does the LU hold?

[ZmOz]

Just filled up the lower unit on my '74 1500. I thought it holds 17 ounces of gear oil...don't remember where I read that. I just put two 10 ounce tubes into it, and it still wasn't coming out the top hole. How much does it really hold? Or did I just do something wrong?

 

[emckelvy]

Re: '74 inline 6 - how much lube does the LU hold?

Somewhere around 22-24 oz, depending on how much of the old oil you flush out the vent once it overflows. Definitely takes more than 20 oz.<br /><br />Easiest way is to pick up a quart of the Hi-vis lube at Wally's (cheapest around!) and use a gear oil pump to pump it into the lower (drain) hole.<br /><br />Much less messier too!<br /><br />HTH.........ed

 

[ZmOz]

Re: '74 inline 6 - how much lube does the LU hold?

No walmart's around here...stuck with IdiotZone's $3/10 ounces. If I somehow get my engine started before I get around to buying more lube, would it be bad to start it up on land without it filled all the way?

 

[Chris1956]

Re: '74 inline 6 - how much lube does the LU hold?

ZMOz, I think you ought to fill it up. It may not be necessary, but if it is short on lube and the bearings go bad it will be $$ to fix.<br /><br />I believe the gearcase takes about 24 oz lube. I need to have two quarts of lube on hand, since it is hard to pump or squeeze most of a single quart into the gearcase. I switch quart containers when it is difficult to squeeze or pump.