Pivot pin vs. Fill screws???

[erosenwinkel]

I read almost weekly about guys removing the pivot pin by mistake while changing their lower unit oil. Just reading about it kind of scares me. If someone could take a picture of a lower unit (mine is a 1258x5a) and locate the proper screws to do this maintenance I am sure this would be greatly appreciated. I believe this is one of the basics that even an amatuer boater should be able to do without fear. My manual doesn't have very good pics and to be honest, I don't know if I am looking at the correct screws either. If someone has it in there power to make it a sticky that would be greatly appreciated by all who visit here. Maybe include a list of yearly "maintenance musts" to keep these aging engines operating the way they were designed.
Thanks, Eric

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Pivot pin vs. Fill screws???


The screw on the side is a NO TOUCH.The allen head set screw on the bottom is the drain.

 

[goodtimesfishing]

Re: Pivot pin vs. Fill screws???

take some silicone and smooth it over the pivot screw and this will help prevent accidental removal of the pivot screw. Then if the screw ever does need a screw driver you can always peel the silicone out of screw, but this is what I did just to prevent accidental removal.

 

[erosenwinkel]

Re: Pivot pin vs. Fill screws???

I assume my pivot pin screw is the one I have labeled as "Don't Touch Screw". Underneath that is my drain screw. Then, above, I have two screws. What are these? The guy I bought the boat from said these are my fill screws. He said to put oil in one hole and when it comes out the other, I'm good. Does everyone agree? If not, please explain what I should do to proceed correctly.

 

[Poncho Villa]

Re: Pivot pin vs. Fill screws???

Across the top ("What are these?"), the screw on the left is labelled "Vent" on mine and the screw on the right is labelled "Fill". From what I've read, the description you noted above sounds accurate; remove the Vent & Fill screws, fill 90W in the Fill hole until it comes out the Vent hole.

You are correct about the "Do Not Touch Screw?". That is your shift pivot screw. I'm going to use goodtimesfishing's suggestion and fill mine with silicone (GREAT TIP!).

Yes, our drain screw is at the bottom. I'm getting ready to drain mine & refill.

Great job with the picture & labels!

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Pivot pin vs. Fill screws???

When you do fill, keep the engine vertical, as it is. When oil comes out the vent hole, stop filling. Wait about 15 min to 1/2 hour for air to rise. Refill until oil again appears at the vent. Now plug both and tighten firmly.

This is important because the top bearing is at the level of the fill and vent holes. It does not have an oil feed and relies on oil level. If too much air is entrapped and not allowed to rise, then the lower unit refilled, the top bearing MAY starve for oil.

 

[t money]

Re: Pivot pin vs. Fill screws???

Thanks for this thread, I understand the fill and vent screws, even the don't touch screw, but what is the drain screw for? how often do I use that?

 

[zopperman]

Re: Pivot pin vs. Fill screws???

thats what you use to drain the old oil. You open that and all the old oil pours out!