Didn't drain oil before splitting lower from upper

[scicca]

I started to loosen up my lower unit without draining the gear case lube first. Quickly realized my mistake and tightened everything back up again. Lost some oil in the process. Plan is to drain the oil completely and fill it back up again. Could this have caused any damage to the drive?

thanks in advance...

1984 Mercruiser Alpha 1 Sterndrive 140hp

 

[Bt Doctur]

what were you trying to do removing the lower unit ? how far down did you drop it?

 

[Bt Doctur]

~~what were you trying to do removing the lower unit ? how far down did you drop it?

 

[scicca]

I attached a picture. It's hard to tell but if you look closely you can see that the upper and lower are slightly off kilt. I was attempt to loosen it to center it up again. I only loosened the bolts a slight amount so didn't drop more than an 1/8 of an inch.

 

[Bt Doctur]

don't understand the off center part. there are 5 studs that go into the holes.

 

[scicca]

I drew a circle on the picture showing what I'm talking about when I say off center.

 

[thumpar]

There is no picture. Not sure how it could be "off center". Other than making a mess not draining the lube before splitting the drive shouldn't cause any problems.

 

[NHGuy]

double post

 

[NHGuy]

If it was in forward you are safe. And if you felt it slide together like the machine fit assembly it is, then fine.
But if you had to force it together with the fasteners, stop and recheck.
To take off he drive it's easier to remove the assembled upper and lower as a unit. Then service it off the boat. But if you are just trying the change the drive oil you can do that on the boat.