Re: lower unit oil
Tilt the motor down and remove the oil drain plug in the lower unit. It's a big slotted head, on the lower, rounded part of the "bullet". Should be on the stbd (right) side of the motor.<br /><br />If you pull only the drain plug when checking oil, it won't rush out all at once. It'll just 'seep' out in a controlled manner. Check for metal shavings, which could indicate bearing or shafting problems, and milky-brown or grey oil which indicates you may be getting water in the gear oil.<br /><br />If the oil is very black and very stinky, that's normal but it should be changed. <br /><br />Nice, clean, golden-colored oil means it's pretty fresh and everything's probably OK.<br /><br />If you need to change the oil, pop the drain plug first then the vent plug. The vent plug is on the same side as the drain plug, but higher up; above the anti-ventilation plate. It'll be of the same size and type of plug as the drain.<br /><br />Use Hi-Vis marine gear oil, usually around 85-90W. I get mine at Wal-Mart, it's pretty cheap there. Your gearbox takes around 22-24 oz so a quart bottle should be more than enough.<br /><br />To make the job easier, pick up one of the cheap gear oil hand pumps which fit into the bottle.<br /><br />Fill from the bottom until clear oil spills out the vent at the top. Install the vent plug first and the drain plug last. Use fresh gaskets under the vent and drain plugs. The gasket (if present) will be either with the plug, or stuck to the gearcase. Make sure there actually is a gasket; if not, it will likely lead to leakage/water in the oil.<br /><br />If you find your gear oil gets milky after a few runs, you may have oil seal problems. Typical areas to leak are shift shaft seal and under the water pump. Leaky seals under the water pump will cause the most leakage due to the negative pressure under the pump tending to suck the oil right out of the gearcase.<br /><br />HTH and G'luck............ed
