lower unit

88spl

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Mar 18, 2002
Messages
385
How do I check the fluid in the lower unit? Have never done it befor, is it like my truck...undo the screw and stick my finger in it??
 

SpinnerBait_Nut

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Aug 25, 2002
Messages
17,651
Re: lower unit

88spl, there should be 2 screws on the lu.<br /><br />1 at the bottom which is a fill hole and 1 a little farther up which is a check hole, as in it will come out it when full.<br /><br />I think that is the only way to check it.<br />It is to small to get your finger in. :D
 

OBJ

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 27, 2002
Messages
10,161
Re: lower unit

LOL....naw 88 ya' don't stick yer finger init'.<br /><br />Do you just want to check the gear lube level or change it out?<br /><br />The correct level is when the oil comes out of the vent hole while filling the lower unit.<br /><br />If ya' wanna change it out and check the lube for condition, water and the like, let the engine set upright for about 10 minutes or so. Put a clean container under the drain plug. Lossen the drain plug so you can take it out with your fingers. As you remove the plug, notice what comes out first. A few drops of water is normal. A big "pee" stream is not. Let the old lube drain and remove the vent plug. Let it all drain out. Inspect the old lube for color, large metal pieces (not good) and water intrusion. The older the lube, the darker it gets. Water intrusion (fancy name ain't it) will make the oil look milky to gray in color. You may see some what looks like flakes of metal. This is normal in a newer motor. Large pieces or shreds of metal is not a good thing to see. Means ya got problems. If ya' need further assistance, just reply to this same post. Oh...by the way, a good OEM manual for your engine would be of great assistance to you. The can be gotten from your local neighborhood Johnny/Rude dealer. Good Luck!
 

88spl

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Mar 18, 2002
Messages
385
Re: lower unit

Thanks guys, I see the large screw, have to find the lower one. Need to get a large screw driver...have six, be danged if one fits, I hope I haven't striped the screw to badly! How often do I need to check, its been 2 yrs, or change out with some new? Sorry for the stupid questions.
 

88spl

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Mar 18, 2002
Messages
385
Re: lower unit

OK I have three screws...2 common and one phillips, the + screw is right by 4 vents, I don't know if they are intake or what? Oh, and how much of this liquid is gona come out? When you say upright, do you meen raise it up (motor)?
 

OBJ

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 27, 2002
Messages
10,161
Re: lower unit

DON'T take out the phillips head. Just the two large headed screws.<br /><br />Two years for a lube job is a little long by about a year and a half. Depending on how often you use the boat, I would make it a regular practice to at least check it for condition every two months. I use my boat and toon a lot and make it a habit of checking the lube at least once a month. Can save a nice day.
 
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