Supertech gear oil

[Stevcool]

Okay getting ready to change my lower gear lube on my Alpha one gen 2.

Manual of course says to use quicksilver high performance lube. Does not list weight or velocity

1 qt costs from 11-18 dollars and I will need to qts.

walmart sells a gallon of Super Tech 80W-90 GL5 High Performance Gear Oil for less then 15.00


It does not say it is for marine purpose on bottle it does say that it is specially formulated with only the finest quality hydrotreated, high viscosity index base oils. This oil contains the most advanced and rigorously tested additive system to deliver unsurpassed protection and performance

I know what most will say why risk saving a few bucks. I get it and thats why I buy the right lube and grease for diffrent applications. However, I cant stand when a company hides the specs on their products to make you think that they make something diffrent and then charge you twice as much for something you could buy elsewhere.

Do you think this lube will work.

Also any thoughts on the Penzoil marine 80w90 it says on bottle will work for all sterndrives.

Thanks

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Supertech gear oil

Supertech does make one specifically for marine lower units. If you're gonna go Wal-Mart, at least go Wal-Mart right

 

[Don S]

Re: Supertech gear oil

If water get into your drive with the Hi Performance gear lube, it mixes with the gear lube and your gears and bearings are still covered with gear lube due to additives in the gear lube.

This does not happen in automotive gear lubes. So if you do get water in your drive, it separates out and settles to the bottom. Water equals rust, which is not good on gears and bearings.

The drives can be replaced cheaply for about $1500 so using the proper, recommended oil once a year is probably not worth it to you.

 

[Stevcool]

Re: Supertech gear oil

Walmart does sell the supertech marine 80w90 lower gear lube and it says that it will work in all outboards and sterndrives. However, that seems to match up closer with Quicksilver Premium gear lube instead of the Quicksilver High performance lube which from what I found is more like a sea 90wt.

Does anyone have any thoughts as to if the marine 80w90 supertech would be good in a alpha one.
Or the Penzoil marine 80w90?

 

[robert graham]

Re: Supertech gear oil

I believe I'd use the recommended Quicksilver High Performance Lube....why risk it to save a few bucks? Good Luck!

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Supertech gear oil

There is always an argument on what oil to use. OEM recommended oil or aftermarket.

Mercury claims their marine type oil will maintain adequate lubrication with up to 10% water contamination. It's a claim that they evidently do not back up with any data. (but they'll probably provide it on request)

High-Performance Gear Lube

Engineered to provide maximum protection for sterndrive and outboard lower units.

• Exclusive formula is engineered to provide extended gear life in extreme conditions including high-speed and high-horsepower applications.
• Extensively tested to provide excellent protection against corrosion and excessive wear.
• Specifically formulated to help prevent failures due to water entering the gear housing.
• Extreme pressure synthetic additives protect gears from metal to metal contact.
• Since no industry-wide standards exist concerning marine gear oils, it is essential to use products such as Mercury High-Performance Gear Lube which has been specifically designed and tested for marine applications.
• DO NOT mix with Mercury Premium Gear Lube.
• Provides warranty protection for all Mercury MerCruiser sterndrive and Mercury, Mariner and Force outboard lower units.

Amsoil makes a similar claim with their synthetic marine gear oil. They do provide data on how it performs with 10% water contamination.

http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/agm.aspx


I am not an Amsoil "fan-boy" nor do I sell it or promote it.

Other marine oil distributors probably also suggest that their "flavor" of marine oil works ok in a 10% contamination environment.




Whatever............I am inclined use an oil that the manufacturer "says" is for Marine use, AND provides adequate lubrication with water contamination.

So far I have only found Mercury HP and Amsoil "Universal Synthetic Marine Gear Lube SAE 75W/80W-90 (AGM)" to claim that they work when contaminated with water.


Use your best judgement.


Rick

 

[Don S]

Re: Supertech gear oil

I am not an Amsoil "fan-boy" nor do I sell it or promote it.
Rick

Not sure about that Rick, you bring amsoil up every oil or gear lube thread anymore.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Supertech gear oil

Well, you're right. I have mentioned that both brands claim to do the 10% water thing.......but to be truthful....I did buy some at the local (Sumner) NAPA dealer last FALL.... so I could change the oil in my Bravo.

They seem to be the only "brand" that makes the same claim as Mercury....

But I'm lazy. If I could buy the Merc stuff at Walmart 5 min away, I wouldn't drive to Sumner to get the amsoil stuff...... AND I have to drive to Tacoma (A LOT FURTHER) to get the Merc stuff.......Maybe that could make me a amsoil-fan-boy after all......... (I don't use any of their other stuff though......)

I may have said this before but I would be willing to bet that virtually all the gear oils, Marine or otherwise will probably meet the ASTM requirements for hypoid gear lubrication when contaminated with 10% water. It's just that the a lot of other brands don't make the same claims that Merc and Amsoil make.

Also any thoughts on the Penzoil marine 80w90 it says on bottle will work for all sterndrives.

Oh, Supertech is one of Penzoil/Shells Brands. REF: http://hpd.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/household/brands?tbl=brands&id=16004077

 

[Stevcool]

Re: Supertech gear oil

Okay Great info guys. I decided to go with CITGO SUPERGARD Marine Plus Lower Unit Gear Lube
From what I have seen online this is the company that makes the Lube for Yamaha.
It states below on their site.

I will let you know how it goes

SUPERGARD MARINE PLUS Lower Unit Gear Lube is formulated specifically for the marine industry.
It contains the latest generation of proprietary EP additive system, designed to provide maximum
protection against wear, rust, corrosion and deposits.
This improved gear lubricant, specifically designed for boating applications, offers unmatched
protection, surpassing other marine gear lubricants using GL-4 and GL-5 80W-90 technology:
• Superior EP lubrication and corrosion protection in the presence of moisture (fresh and sea water).
• Improved gear protection for shock load conditions encountered with harsh startup engagement,
power reversal, and propeller entanglement.
Recommended for use in all outboard and stern drive gear units specifying SAE 90, 80W-90 or
85W-90, including OMC Type “C”. Includes MerCruiser, OMC Cobra, Volvo stern drives and Mercury,
Evinrude, Johnson, Mariner, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Force outboards.

P R O D U C T I N F O R M A T I O N
TYPICAL PROPERTIES:
CITGO SUPERGARD MARINE PLUS LOWER UNIT GEAR LUBE
SAE Grade 85W-90
Material Code 631515001
Gravity, ASTM D 4052, ?API 26.3
Density, lb/gal at 60?F 7.5
Flash Point, ASTM D 92, COC, ?F(?C) 420 (216)
Viscosity, cSt at 100?C 16.0
Brookfield Viscosity, -23?C, cP 102,000
Pour Point, ASTM D 97, ?F(?C) -15 (-26)
Channel Point, ?F(?C), Max -31 (-35)
Color, Visual Blue
Foam Test, ASTM D 892 Pass
Copper Corrosion, 3 hrs at 250?F Pass

 

[Bondo]

Re: Supertech gear oil

Okay Great info guys. I decided to go with CITGO SUPERGARD Marine Plus Lower Unit Gear Lube
From what I have seen online this is the company that makes the Lube for Yamaha.
It states below on their site.

I will let you know how it goes

SUPERGARD MARINE PLUS Lower Unit Gear Lube is formulated specifically for the marine industry.
It contains the latest generation of proprietary EP additive system, designed to provide maximum
protection against wear, rust, corrosion and deposits.
This improved gear lubricant, specifically designed for boating applications, offers unmatched
protection, surpassing other marine gear lubricants using GL-4 and GL-5 80W-90 technology:
• Superior EP lubrication and corrosion protection in the presence of moisture (fresh and sea water).
• Improved gear protection for shock load conditions encountered with harsh startup engagement,
power reversal, and propeller entanglement.
Recommended for use in all outboard and stern drive gear units specifying SAE 90, 80W-90 or
85W-90, including OMC Type “C”. Includes MerCruiser, OMC Cobra, Volvo stern drives and Mercury,
Evinrude, Johnson, Mariner, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Force outboards.

P R O D U C T I N F O R M A T I O N
TYPICAL PROPERTIES:
CITGO SUPERGARD MARINE PLUS LOWER UNIT GEAR LUBE
SAE Grade 85W-90
Material Code 631515001
Gravity, ASTM D 4052, ?API 26.3
Density, lb/gal at 60?F 7.5
Flash Point, ASTM D 92, COC, ?F(?C) 420 (216)
Viscosity, cSt at 100?C 16.0
Brookfield Viscosity, -23?C, cP 102,000
Pour Point, ASTM D 97, ?F(?C) -15 (-26)
Channel Point, ?F(?C), Max -31 (-35)
Color, Visual Blue
Foam Test, ASTM D 892 Pass
Copper Corrosion, 3 hrs at 250?F Pass

Ayuh,... I'm sure it'll work just Fine for ya,....

'bout any of 'em will,...
so long as it's changed annually, or at 1st sign of water, rather than every 5 years or so...

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Supertech gear oil

I have had the mercury high performance stuff plug up my remote reservoir and line every year. talked to many boat builders and racers that suggested Amsoil. I switched to Amsoil. not only is is about half the cost of the Mercury branded stuff, the Amsoil guy is right around the corner from work, it also didnt plug my reservoir

I guess I am a fan too

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Supertech gear oil

I have had the mercury high performance stuff plug up my remote reservoir and line every year. talked to many boat builders and racers that suggested Amsoil. I switched to Amsoil. not only is is about half the cost of the Mercury branded stuff, the Amsoil guy is right around the corner from work, it also didnt plug my reservoir

I guess I am a fan too

Another guy on here who's opinion I value GREATLY ("any grease is better..........!!!!!!), says he uses Mobil 1 synthetic oil in all the Mercruiser Alphas and Bravos he services.

It also doesn't settle out some sort of "stuff" that plugs the reservoirs......and I'll bet if they did the same ASTM tests with 10% water that AM$OIL does, all the synthetic oils would probably still meet the same requirments.

So I am a "fan" either one!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Supertech gear oil

It also doesn't settle out some sort of "stuff" that plugs the reservoirs......and I'll bet if they did the same ASTM tests with 10% water that AM$OIL does, all the synthetic oils would probably still meet the same requirments.

Ayuh,.... Exactly,......

It's some Slippery sn*t, with or without water....

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Supertech gear oil

...
Or the Penzoil marine 80w90?

I used the Pennzoil Marine Gear Lube in my Bravo 3 for eight years with great results.

 

[cptnmcluvin]

Re: Supertech gear oil

My dad puts regular Penzoil 80w 90 gear lube in his 2000 SeaRay Merc Alpha 1. We always change the gear lube once per season. The boat is 12 years old and has about 500 hours on it. The Merc Alpha 1 lower unit is in pristine condition and has never needed repair. However, dad keeps his boat stored high and dry in a lift and only boats in fresh water. So exposure to water contamination is minimal.

I've seen 80w-90 gear lube on sales for as low as $4 to $5 per quart.

I don't what the real difference is between regular gear lube and marine gear lube. It seems that regular maintenance and proper storage are the key to stern drive longevity.

 

[Oshkosh1]

Re: Supertech gear oil

Use whatever floats(or propels) your boat.

Change it regularly(yearly or 100 hrs or so)

Repair the drive if any sign of water intrusion.

Any 80/90w "Animal/vegetable/mineral" oil(you get the point)...will work as long as it's not contaminated.

Judicious maintenance/upkeep/inspection is more important than a particular brand name of gear lube.

 

[Boobie Trap]

Re: Supertech gear oil

Like Don said!!
You get what you pay for.
I change mine out with Mercurizer HiPerformance Synthetic gear lube.
It is piece of mind and it WILL break down in the middle of boating season.
Pay now or pay a lot more later!
Not even a question on my part!

 

[fat fanny]

Re: Supertech gear oil

I know I'm gonna get it for this comment but:facepalm:! I have used Catsrol in my O/D for the last 13 years of it's 16 year life with no issues what so ever but I change it every year. but I do know when I changed it the first time from the Merc stuff the oil resevoir fittings were plugged with some light grey colored solids.

 

[emilsr]

Re: Supertech gear oil

I have had the mercury high performance stuff plug up my remote reservoir and line every year. talked to many boat builders and racers that suggested Amsoil. I switched to Amsoil.

Same here.

I've gone back and forth a couple of times with my current Bravo X drive. When I run the Merc hi-po it develops a black "sludge", Amsoil is squeaky clean even at 100 hours of use.

Even if they didn't deliver it to my doorstep I'd probably still use it.

But....as has been pointed out, clean and fresh is way more important than brand.

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Supertech gear oil

I was going to spend just over $10 (per qt.) for Mercury lower unit grease @ Walmart in the automotive/motor oil section. I walked over to their RV/Sporting goods section and found Pennzoil at less than $6 per quart in the marine accessories section.

Needless to say what I went with.