Out Drive Oil

[Cool It]

I have a 1988 Mercruiser with an alpha 1 out drive. The only way I see to check the out drive oil is to pull the boat out of the water. I am having the out drive serviced before I go back in this season... my question.. is the oil ok for the season or do I have to come out of the water just to check it!!!! Thanks

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Out Drive Oil

hello<br /> mmm well doyou think it will leak between checks? if ya think it wont leak oil out or water in then dont check it. its a big gamble. much better toinstall the drive lube oil monitor. cost a few extra nickels but has been known to save a drive or two.<br /> good luck and keep posting<br /> PS always ask yourself<br /> Do I feel lucky?

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Out Drive Oil

I'd say if there wasn't water in it the last time they changed gearlube, you don't have to worry as much as if it did. It also depends on how much you use it. I believe the change interval is annually or every 100 hours, whichever comes first. If that is such a large boat that you have to have it plucked from the water as opposed to trailering it, then you definately need to change that lube at least every 100 hours. Big boats are very hard on poor little Alpha drives and the lube gets black in a hurry.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Out Drive Oil

hello<br /> one of the leading causes of drive failure in the alpha 1 is the drive yoke seal leaks the drive oil into the drive bellows and the upper drive runs dry. it makes a terrible mess out of the drive. so we are back to the question.<br /> do ya feel lucky?<br /> the alpha drive is great with 4 bangers and small 6's. the margin of safty diminished rapidly with a v8. but still the rig is over 20 years old.<br /> install the monitor and rig the drive oil alarm and be happy<br /> good luck and keep posting