Gearcase oil change

[driver0606]

Hello,
The gearcase oil was changed on my 1988 Evinrude 9.9 3 years ago. It has run about 10 hours since. The oil is up to the top plug and a sample from the bottom one was clear golden colour. No water. Does it need changing, please?

 

[racerone]

You could run that oil for 10 years if you run 3 hrs a season.

 

[kbait]

I change mine every 2years, and check for water intrusion on the odd years (outside winter storage). Probably 30 hrs/year use. I would change each fall if more use..

 

[ThomW]

If it has 10 hours on it, and is still clear golden with no water mixed in or metal flakes, you are fine running it. Then, change it this fall when you put the motor away. For the few dollars it costs, I change my gear lube each fall. I also live up north where it gets real cold and any water in there could be a big issue.