Gear Oil and Impeller Question

[jackpine]

Hello,<br /><br />I am fairly new to outboards, so bare with me. I have a 96 Johnson Seahorse that I bought used that didn't come with an owners manual. To be on the safe side I want to change the lower unit gear oil but am unsure of the exact oil to use. At Canadian Tire they sell Quicksilver gear lube but it states that it is for Merc/Force etc but doesn't mention if it can be used on Johnson or Evinrude. It also doesn't give the specific weight of oil. Can this oil be used in my lower unit?<br /><br />I also think it may be a good idea to change the impeller to be safe. Is this a do it your self type job? If so any tips would be great! As mentioned I am new to outboards and I would like to do this myself but I really don't want to sacrifice the motor.<br /><br />Any info would be greatly appreciated.<br /><br />Thanks

 

[DJ]

Re: Gear Oil and Impeller Question

First off, get one of these. Best $30.00 you'll ever spend.<br /><br /> http://www.outboardrepairs.com/manuals/ <br /><br />Second. I'm a big fan of using OEM parts. For you, that means a trip to your local Bombardier/John/Rude dealer. The gear lube you want is called Hi Vis.<br /><br />While there, pick up new fill/drain plug seals.<br /><br />The Quicksilver stuff wiill work if none other is available.

 

[Brew2]

Re: Gear Oil and Impeller Question

Changing the impeller isn't very difficult...although depending on the size of your motor, you might want a friend there to help with removing/installing the lower unit. They can be a bit heavy and awkward for one person to handle.<br /><br />Before you try it though, get the manual. It could save you much frustration. As DJ said, best $30 you will ever spend. You can either get the original factory service manual (can order online...costs about $10-$15 more, but worth it), or a generic manual (Seloc or Clymers) that covers many models/years. The generic ones can be purchased almost anywhere (Here at Iboats, Wal-Mart, Canadian Tire, etc.).<br /><br />The oil from Canadian Tire would probably be fine, but like DJ, I prefer to go with the stuff made by the engine manufacturer. It might cost a couple bucks more, but you typically only change the lube once a year, so the price difference isn't much of a factor. Make sure you buy the pump that goes in the oil bottle with the tube that screws into the fill hole on the motor. Those toothpaste tube style oil containers are a royal pain in the a$$. You get more oil on you, the ground, the outside of the motor, etc. than you do in the motor!<br /><br />Good luck!