Gear Oil in Power Steering resevoir

[bodil]

I have a 1997 bowrider 5.7 Merc Alpha 1 (new to me) and need some help with fluids. Asked a dealer today about resevoir above top pully (power steering pump). He told me to put in Gear oil. Doesn't sound right to me, however, I have topped off the tank with gear oil. Whats my options?

 

[Don S]

Re: Gear Oil in Power Steering resevoir

On many of the 5.7's the gear lube monitor was also on the front of the engine, so the dealer may have misunderstood.<br />But to answer your question, Merc uses 10W-30 oil for power steering and the trim tilt pump. The gear lube is only used for the drive, nothing else.

 

[bodil]

Re: Gear Oil in Power Steering resevoir

There is a clear overflow tank that I assume is for the gear oil the dealer was referring to. Now that I have gear oil in the power steering tank whats the best way to drain the oil and replace? About 1-2 oz of gear oil has been added. The engine has not been started, therefore, the gear oil is only in the tank, not the supply lines. Should I simply remove one supply line to drain the tank and replace?

 

[Don S]

Re: Gear Oil in Power Steering resevoir

There is a clear overflow tank that I assume is for the gear oil the dealer was referring to

You better take some pictures and show us. There is no clear overflow tank for either the power steering or drive oil.<br />There may be one for the cooling system, but without knowing for sure what you are looking at, it's impossible to say.

 

[bodil]

Re: Gear Oil in Power Steering resevoir

Tank is actually white plastic (clear enough to see oil level above or below fill line) located left of the engine. Power Steering tank is black metal located right of the engine connected to flywheel assembly.

 

[Don S]

Re: Gear Oil in Power Steering resevoir

Does this look familiar?<br /><br />

 

[Don S]

Re: Gear Oil in Power Steering resevoir

Here is a picture of the power steering reservoir. It's on the PORT side of the engine but on the front of the engine so the belt operates it. What are you looking at back there by the "Flywheel Assembly"?<br /><br />

 

[bodil]

Re: Gear Oil in Power Steering resevoir

Yes, I assume this is the Gear Oil monitor tank. Remember, I put gear oil in the other tank because it was below recommended levels, later to learn it is for power steering.<br /><br />Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[bodil]

Re: Gear Oil in Power Steering resevoir

Just saw your second picture. We're talking about the same thing. I put gear oil in the power steering reservoir by mistake.

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Gear Oil in Power Steering resevoir

If it has not been run just remove hose from resiviour tank {the one secured with hose clamp} drain and refill.