lower unit oil

[kmack180]

I know I should use OMC premium blend lower unit oil in my '73 OMC I/O, but the dealers around here are carying Evinrude/Johnson HPF XR lower unit oil.
Can thise be used?

Thanks

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: lower unit oil

You can use any good GL-5 rated dino gear lube, any synthetic gear lube, marine gear lube,, Volvo Penta syn gear lube, Or Mercury HP gear lube.


I use the latter....


Also, for an electric shift OMC or Volvo Penta drive, they may specify a different gear lube....(some Volvos even use engine type oil in the drive etc)


Regards,


Rick

 

[oldsub86]

Re: lower unit oil

Woudn't a 73 be an electric shift lower unit? If so the specs call for type C which is more like AT fluid than tranny oil.

Randy

 

[bruceb58]

Re: lower unit oil

For your 73 OMC electric shift you HAVE to use a type C oil.

OMC Premium Blend gear lube if you can find it is best.

 

[cr2k]

Re: lower unit oil

If you don't use Type C in the electric shift they don't want to shift.

Volvo's up through 270 series use 10-40 motor oil.

Most other drives can use any hypoid gear oil usually 85w-140.
Full synthetic is not recommended because it doesn't hold the water if it gets in and it will fall to the bottom and your lower is running in water.
synthetic blends are best here.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: lower unit oil

Full synthetic is not recommended because it doesn't hold the water if it gets in and it will fall to the bottom and your lower is running in water.

Not only does that statement not apply for this poster but this statement is also false. Full sythetic is best for a number of reasons including the fact that water goes to the bottom. If you have so much water that your gears are running in it, you have a ton of water.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: lower unit oil

Bottom line,

GET THE CORRECT SERVICE MANUAL FOR THAT DRIVE, FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS and use the recommended drive lube.