Gearcase oil with Electric Shift lower unit

[karrick]

As I was siphoning the oil in the lower unit, I was reading the label and it said not to use this oil in a electric shift model (mine being a 1971 60hp electric shift) but to use the premium OMC gearcase oil. Will the normal gearcase lube cause the electric shift mechanism to fail or other problems? Any ideas welcome.<br />Thanks<br />Karrick

 

[JB]

Re: Gearcase oil with Electric Shift lower unit

Your gearcase is an electro-hydraulic shifting system, Karrick. Use OMC type "C" lubricant.<br /><br />90W hypoid oil will interfere with the hydraulics.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: Gearcase oil with Electric Shift lower unit

Type C is the correct lube to use. My understanding is that the newer heavier lubes can cause sluggish shifting if run in cold water. I still have a 1972, 125 HP that I run on a 15.5 ft. Checkmate. This engine gets run hard, so I have used the heavier lubes as they became available without any shifting problems. The one thing to watch for on these hydro-electric shifts is water getting into the oil. The only problem I've had with mine was cracking the prop shaft bearing carrier from running a 24" Raker prop as high as it would go.

 

[karrick]

Re: Gearcase oil with Electric Shift lower unit

Thanks for the help. I guess its back to the shop to buy some more oil. If I was a little more patient in my posting I would have found this post. OMC "C" lubricant Oops . . .