Gear lube change in cold weather

[summerwind1991]

Is it a problem to change gear lube in Stern Drive Merc, when temperature is in low 30's. I thought I'd read in an earlier thread you don't need to run engine and or stern drive before changing gear lube. I am assuming Cold weather or warm, viscosity of the Gear lube does not matter.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Gear lube change in cold weather

No,you do not need to run it.The lube will be thick and drain slow but it should not be a problem.Make sure to use new plastic washers on those drain screws..

 

[Alumarine]

Re: Gear lube change in cold weather

I like to put the new oil containers in hot water for awhile or some other heat source to make it easier to pump when it's cold out.

 

[summerwind1991]

Re: Gear lube change in cold weather

Thank you. Great ideas!

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Gear lube change in cold weather

You could also use a shop light to warm the lower unit up a bit.Either way it will drain just give it plenty of time..

 

[Lou C]

Re: Gear lube change in cold weather

I usually do mine when I am doing the winterizing, right after I have run it to fog the motor. It's going to drain slower if the oil is at air temp, but it still should drain. I'd bring the new gear oil bottles into the house to warm em up a bit, I've been doing that with winter oil changes in my cars for years.