Is the reservoir for Outdrive hydraulics

[hz293]

Mercruiser 5.0, Alpha 1 Gen 1. I have a small reservoir for fluid that is on the starboard, rear side of the engine against the transom. It's 1/2 full and I want to add to it. It looks like it may be for the hydraulic lift of the Outdrive but I'm not sure. It is the only reservoir that I can find. Am I right and if so, what kind of oil do I add?

Btw, this newbie finally realized what you guys were talking about in regards to what a steering tube was. I greased the rod and it's so much better. Not one finger steering but I'm not having to use 2 hands to turn it.

 

[Scott Danforth]

open the cover and look. if red, it is ATF, if brown, it is 30 weight oil. that is your tilt/trim hydraulic pump.

 

[achris]

Round glass bottle (about a quart) is oil for the drive, NOT for the hydraulic trim pump. The reservoir for the trim pump is part of the trim pump motor and hydraulic system. May be metal or plastic. Drive oil is High Performance Gear Lube (or should be), but the trim pump could have either ATF or straight weigh 30 oil...

Drive monitor bottle....

Trim pump Style 1 (Prestolite)

Trim pump Style 2 (early Oildyne)

Trim pump style 3 (later Oildyne)

 

[thumpar]

If it is on the engine it is probably for the drive. The trim fluid reservoir is on the trim pump. Got any pics?