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...

I attached a picture which shows that the upper and lower are slightly off kilt. I wanted to center them again which I why I loosened it in the first place.

1984 Mercruiser Alpha 1 Sterndrive 140hp

 

[alldodge]

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...

I attached a picture which shows that the upper and lower are slightly off kilt. I wanted to center them again which I why I loosened it in the first place.

1984 Mercruiser Alpha 1 Sterndrive 140hp

:welcome: to iboats

Splitting the drive before draining the lube just makes a mess, but will not hurt anything. Your pic didn't come through, but remember to pressure test prior to putting it back on. Also don't forget to check alignment

 

[scicca]

Thanks AllDodge!

 

[500dollar744ti]

It will be fine, just make sure that the little quad ring is in place when you are putting it back together.

 

[UncleWillie]

... shows that the upper and lower are slightly off kilt. I wanted to center them again which I why I loosened it in the first place.
1984 Mercruiser Alpha 1 Sterndrive 140hp

The Upper and Lower are mated together with close fitting pins.
If you can change the alignment more than 0.001" something is seriously wrong.

You are chasing a cosmetic issue that you can't do anything about.