Re: Mercruiser High Perf gear oil... Is it worth It??
Well, this is pathetic!!! But I will tell you a story, True, but MAYBE it will prove a point!!! In the late '80's, a lot of OMC engines ( and possibly others motors also) were experiencing powerhead failures up in colder climates. In the northwest it gets cold in the winter but often people still boat as it may not freeze up all the rivers and Puget Sound, as an example. Anyway, powerheads were going south and oil seemed to be the culprit. Gelled oil to be specific. Servicing dealers were seeing it all too often but everyone was telling the customers to go away from that sh*%%y "aftermarket but well known name brand" crap and go back to the OMC stuff.(After all, the OMC oil was not gumming/gelling up).Gee, could it of been higher quality???? Many of these engines were 2,3,4, OR MORE years old,and the customers were having to pay out of their own pocket, but those engines that were under warranty, were being repair'd/paid for by OMC. Now, "aftermarket, but well known oil company", when called upon by individual dealers and customers, to pay up on some of these "out of warranty" repairs, basicly said "Ya, right!!!" And those people were left out hanging to dry. BUT when OMC got involved in those engines that were under warranty, OMC told/made/argued/threaten'd/begg'd/litigated........and soon powerheads were being paid by "well-known oil producing company".(And I bet they soon changed the composition of their oil too.) My point is this. The engine manufacturers have dramaticly lowered their prices on alot of their service parts/oils due to competition from aftermarket vendors.Good for us, huh?? Their prices may not match the others exactly penny for penny, but if Mercury's High Performance gear oil causes a failure of your outdrive, Mercury will pay for it, PERIOD. Just like if their outboard oil causes a powerhead failure, they'll pay to fix it. If a Merc. impeller fails due to a manufacturing defect, and it destroys your powerhead, they WILL give you a new Merc powerhead! And I'm not talking about a remanufactured unit from some shop who happens to have the "best prices" going!! Can the other guys make that promise?? Can you really believe that any ol' 90 weight gear oil is the same as Merc's HP gear oil??? Are you that cheap that you would take that chance?? I charge $15.00 for gear oil in my shop for an Alpha 1 drive. I sell it for $11.95 in the quart over the counter. Now, I like to save $$$ when given the chance, but just what is it that you're saving?? Certinly not peace of mind!!
