Maintenance

[sandan5]

We have a 1996 Maxum Mercuiser 3.0L. We have been using it just a few hours a year for several years. How often should I change the engine oil and filter and also the gear oil? What is the recommended gear oil?

Thank you in advance for your help.

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: Maintenance

I do it every year whether it needs it or not. Any brand lower unit oil is fine.

 

[r.j.dawg]

Re: Maintenance

+1^ I change my engine and outdrive oil every spring. Cheap insurance in my books. I use Mercruiser lubes but that's not to say others aren't as good. Just my preference.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Maintenance

your supposed to change the oil every fall prior to winter storage, or every 50 hours. which ever occurs first

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Maintenance

Do I suspect the oil and filter have not been changed in those "several years" which is why you are asking now? Changing gear oil at the end of the season (or any time during the season if you boat year around) gives you the opportunity to see if the seals have been compromised -- as in a milk shake appearance to the oil which occurs when water mixes with the oil.

 

[sandan5]

Re: Maintenance

We have a 1996 Maxum Mercuiser 3.0L. We have been using it just a few hours a year for several years. How often should I change the engine oil and filter and also the gear oil? What is the recommended gear oil?

Thank you in advance for your help.

I do it every year whether it needs it or not. Any brand lower unit oil is fine.

your supposed to change the oil every fall prior to winter storage, or every 50 hours. which ever occurs first

Do I suspect the oil and filter have not been changed in those "several years" which is why you are asking now? Changing gear oil at the end of the season (or any time during the season if you boat year around) gives you the opportunity to see if the seals have been compromised -- as in a milk shake appearance to the oil which occurs when water mixes with the oil.

+1^ I change my engine and outdrive oil every spring. Cheap insurance in my books. I use Mercruiser lubes but that's not to say others aren't as good. Just my preference.

your responses are what I expected.....in the past, I have changed the engine oil nearly every fall but the gear oil not as often.....I live in eastern washington state where the winters can be frigid and the boat is stored for 4 to 6 months.....in the future I will change out both systems prior to storage.......thanks to all of you for the advice......

 

[bnicov]

Re: Maintenance

The reason you change the engine oil in the fall is that the oil can become acidic and will end up damaging the bearings and make a mess of the whole works. Run the correct viscosity, brand isn't that important, same goes for the gear oil. The oil in the lower unit tells you a lot about what's going on in it, lots of metal means a problem, milky means a leak..........etc.....

 

[sandan5]

Re: Maintenance

I now can see that the benefits of changing the fluids annually far outweigh the savings of a few dollars by not doing so.......thanks for the info......