Oil and lower unit oil change

[BigPoppaG]

Today is September 23 and on the 18th of August I had just bought the boat. I gave her to my mechanic to give her the once over and had the oil and lower unit fluid changed on the 20th of August. She's been in the Saltwater about 5 times since then.<br /><br />Do you think I need to change both fluids again for winterization or can she go until next years winterization? <br /><br />I have a 3.0L 1999 Mercruiser.

 

[Trent]

Re: Oil and lower unit oil change

After she has been sitting all night. Remove the bottom oil plug on the outdrive..Just for a half a second and look for milky oil. If clean re-install plug and wait til next year. Grease the outdrive,gimble bearing and the coupler fitting if equipped.<br />Wash boat and outdrive and trailor real good. A least put a good coat of wax on the outdrive when your done for the year.

 

[BigPoppaG]

Re: Oil and lower unit oil change

Thanks for they help.

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: Oil and lower unit oil change

Even though it's only been used 5 times I would still change the engine oil again as there will be some stuff in it that causes acids, leftover combustion material etc, it's always good to let the engine sit over the winter with fresh oil in it and then you are good to go in the spring. IMO anyway.

 

[BigPoppaG]

Re: Oil and lower unit oil change

Thanks. I haven't changed it myself yet. Last time was with my mechanic. Might be a good learning experience for me.

 

[BigPoppaG]

Re: Oil and lower unit oil change

Were do you guys put your used oil. Will one of these quicky oil change places take it? If so does it need to be in a certain kind of container? Or can it just be in a old milk jug or something?

 

[tommays]

Re: Oil and lower unit oil change

you can get a catch basin at any auto store and return the oil to them in ny every place that sells oil has to take it back<br /><br />i use mere synthetic gear lube it holds up well<br /><br />it is very inportant to refill the gear case compleatly full by the steps in the manual<br /><br />tommays

 

[BigPoppaG]

Re: Oil and lower unit oil change

I hear plus and neg about synthetic. Mercruiser suggests using quicksilver ( I wonder why LOL) When you use syn what are the benefits? Do the same stores recycle that also?

 

[BigPoppaG]

Re: Oil and lower unit oil change

SWEET!

 

[tommays]

Re: Oil and lower unit oil change

i just pretend its motor oil you can out you motor oil in the same catch basin<br /><br />the syn holds up much better to any small amount of water that may get in and at 10 dollars a bottel i find it to be cheap insurance VS the cost of drive repiar<br /><br />i change my oil TWICE hafe way through the season and again before the winter layover just to catch any problem while it is a small problem <br /><br />water=death<br /><br />tommays

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Oil and lower unit oil change

You can use the old oil as a skin moisturizer for the winter.It will also help you look tan.The scent may be to your liking too.Charlie

 

[BigPoppaG]

Re: Oil and lower unit oil change

Thanks for all the info. This board has been a Godsend.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Oil and lower unit oil change

Poppa,a good practice we like to use in this forum is to post back your results after you put the good advice you get here to use.There are many that take the advice and run and no body here likes that.Again,Welcome!! Charlie

 

[BigPoppaG]

Re: Oil and lower unit oil change

You can count on it. If I use it and it works I will share the wealth. Thanks for the tip and trust me now that I found this board it's gonna be hard to get rid of me. <br />BPG

 

[Doug Durako]

Re: Oil and lower unit oil change

After advice from this board, I switched to Mobil 1. We run hard (two 20-something kids in my family) and my drive and motor love the stuff.