Is it OK to run gearcase oil level slightly low?

[Triton II]

I changed the gearcase oil at my 250 hour service of my 03 FT60B Yam and got the level about right - dribbling out of the level plug just as I ran out of oil in the squeeze bottle. Unfortunately I spilled about 50ml (2 oz) of oil when I dropped the lower plug while trying to get it back in! My question is: do I have to buy another squeeze bottle, or will it be OK to run the motor as is? (I'm seriously considering in investing in a proper oil changing kit and buying a gallon of the stuff as these bl00dy little squeeze bottles are a pain in the ar$e!)

 

[JRJ]

Re: Is it OK to run gearcase oil level slightly low?

Even wth "the kit" you will lose oil. I had quite a time getting the lower screw in the last time I changed mine. Oil was running out, who knows how much. I hope it wasn't enough to matter, because I'm not going to open it up again until next year.Good luck.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Is it OK to run gearcase oil level slightly low?

dude<br /> just go buy the kit and the gallon<br /> then remove the lower plug and gasket. insert the lube nozzle quickly. refill the case. use new gaskets on the fill and vent plugs. I dont like to reuse them to many times. if it fails due to a lubrication issue its likely to take out the drive shaft bearings and or drive shaft with the possibility of the pinion and fwd gear while the driveshaft upper bearing is shedding metal. metal chips physically wont fit between the pinion and the gears. something breaks. usually the pinion gear

 

[Triton II]

Re: Is it OK to run gearcase oil level slightly low?

OK, thanks rodbolt, so from what you say the upper driveshaft bearing is close to the upper level of oil when it's filled to the correct level? If that's the case I'll definitely get the fill kit and a gallon of lube, plus a few new washers to tide me over. There goes tomorrow morning's boat trip on the harbour!

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Is it OK to run gearcase oil level slightly low?

yep<br /> its just below the water pump. in fact its slightly above the vent threads. there are grooves in the lower part of the shaft that trap oil and move it to the bearing. I have been known to top a unit off with gear lube in a squirt can through the vent plug. just takes patience

 

[Triton II]

Re: Is it OK to run gearcase oil level slightly low?

Thanks..., I might go for a few ml more oil once the vent starts weeping and try for a minimal spill fitting of the lower plug. Good advice as always, thanks again.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Is it OK to run gearcase oil level slightly low?

what I am trying to tell you is the gearcase does not care if you fill it from the top or bottom. if you fill from the top it will take hours to fill. but its mostly full now. take a squirt can or a syringe and top it off till the level stays at the vent plug threads. I dont reccomend a vent plug fill but I have done it on a bet once or twice. its do able but you have to pay attention and it takes a few hours. so if your only a few ounces shy and you have spare oil top it off.

 

[Triton II]

Re: Is it OK to run gearcase oil level slightly low?

Thank rodbolt, I understand. I have no spare oil so I'll buy the kit and a gallon container of the stuff, it'll save me a lot of hassle in the future. For this time though, I'll do as you suggest and try a squirt can to top it up through the vent plug.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Is it OK to run gearcase oil level slightly low?

Rodbolt:<br /><br />I know you know your stuff, but why does my Seloc Manual tell me to allow a little oil to exit before I put in the bottom plug to allow for expansion if it is so critical to have it completely full??? I dont do it, but that is what it says. I have a merc, are they that much different?

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Is it OK to run gearcase oil level slightly low?

OOPs!!!

 

[TheOilDoc]

Re: Is it OK to run gearcase oil level slightly low?

You want to eliminate as much air in the case as possible. This helps reduce aeration, foaming, and condensation contamination. <br /><br />I always keep forcing oil into the case (from the bottom) until the air bubbles are gone. You waste a little, but it's worth it.

 

[Steamboat]

Re: Is it OK to run gearcase oil level slightly low?

Once you've put the gear oil in through the bottom drain hole and before removing the bottle tip or oil insertion tube (whatever you use to put the oil in the gearcase), install the upper vent hole plug and a vacuum is created in the gearcase when you remove the oil fill device and you will loose a lot less oil from drainage while installing the lower drain plug.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Is it OK to run gearcase oil level slightly low?

yep they are a bunch different<br /> yamaha faces both seal lips out and all others face one in and one out. a lot of older yams only pressure test to 2.8 psi . the air left between the upper bearing housing or pump base on your merc and the vent threads will allow for thermal expansion. usually only a problem is sitting in the sun not while running.