Need help fast...trying to fill Alpha I outdrive, wont go??

[prc03sx195]

Hi I am trying to go boating in a couple days and cannot figure out what is going on. I have an external reservoir with a level switch for the outdrive oil. The manual says to fill it thru the reservoir until it comes out the vent. The problem is it will not fill thru the reservoir, it won't even fill thru the hose itself!! I tried blowing air thru the hose but it wont even go thru, what am I missing or do I have a problem. I am getting very frustrated over this. Thanks for the help.
BTW it is an 2003 Mercruiser I/O 4.3L V6.

PAUL

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Need help fast...trying to fill Alpha I outdrive, wont go??

You have to open the vent while filling is all i can think of

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Need help fast...trying to fill Alpha I outdrive, wont go??

I'll assume you mean you have the reservoir that is mounted on the front of the motor?
Regardless, the way to fill an Alpha (and a Bravo) is through the drain plug at the bottom of the outdrive. You pump it up through there till is comes out the vent hole on the side of the drive. That's near the top, in the flat area on the side of the drive. Hope that helps.

 

[prc03sx195]

Re: Need help fast...trying to fill Alpha I outdrive, wont go??

The vent hole is wide open. Yes I have the gear lube monitor reservoir mounted on the front of the engine. The mercruiser manual says to fill it from the reservoir until it comes out the vent. I checked this hose and it appears to be plugged which I assume should be free flowing?
Any other help?
paul

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Need help fast...trying to fill Alpha I outdrive, wont go??

There is a check valve of sorts where that hose meets the drive. So I don't know how "free flowing" it would be. Also, Mercruiser gear lube tends to "gunk up" in that bottle, thus plugging it. I am also guessing that the manual is talking about the final "topping off" of the drive. But I guess Mercruiser could have changed their procedure after ALL these years. But filling from the top is an air bubble disaster just waiting to happen, in my opinion.

 

[sickwilly]

Re: Need help fast...trying to fill Alpha I outdrive, wont go??

Go to the I/O section and find your manual in the adults only section.

I personally take out the vent screw, then fill from the bottom screw near the prop until it comes out the vent, close the vent, then keep pumping it till it gets to the reservoir. I have never filled from the reservoir down.