Gearcase lube while in storage

[southkogs]

I picked up an upper gear case for the Stringer drive last weekend. It was from a salvage yard, but it was pressure tested, and moves free. I've got some cleaning to do to the outside of the gear case (at least), and wasn't planning on filling it with lubricant right away. It's in the garage on a bench right now. Do I need to do anything inside to protect those gears, or is dry and cool okay for a month or so?

 

[keith2k455]

The winterization portion of my merc manual doesn't say anything about special winterization for drives. On that note, sitting for one month shouldn't alter its condition any more than it currently is. I would have the urge to fill it and get everything coated as soon as possible, but my laziness would most likely overcome that urge unless I had the lube already. If you're climate controlled, you shouldn't have condensation, but then again you don't know how much moisture is already in there creating problems for you.

I guess best bet is to fill it and rotate everything, but maybe you're like me hoping to take a little break.

 

[Redrig]

I would fill it , it's a very minimal amount in the stringer upper units anyway.

Heck even something light like 10-30 , and give it a few turns . I wouldn't risk those seals drying out.

 

[southkogs]

Eh ... filling it isn't a big deal. I guess I should have just gone that route Well, out to the garage I go!

 

[jerryjerry05]

Never leave the gears exposed to the air for any longer than it takes to re-fill the oil.
It will not rust instantly but will rust and possibly contribute to future failure.