Quote Mercruiser Operation and maintenance manual 90-42227 1-883 Model MCM 140 (1984 Model Year):
"Stern Drive Universal Joint Shaft Splines and Cross Bearings - Lubricate every 100 hours with Quicksilver 2-4-C Multi-Lube".
That's all I know......Been doing it for 31 years now per the "book. OMG I hope she doesn't fall apart now.
~~Hi JimS123,
You might have missed Service Bulletin 94-13
Problem
The present 2-4-C grease that is listed in the service manuals the Operation and Owners Manuals and the Accessories Manual has had (Teflon) added and at this time is not recommended for use in the Greaseable U-Joint Cross & Bearing or in the Gimbal Bearing on any Alpha or Bravo Drive Unit, that has a greaseable Cross & Bearing assembly in it.
Correction
The following grease will supersede the use of the 2-4-C for the U-Joint and Gimbal bearing application in
MerCruiser stern drives with the Greaseable Cross & Bearing also in all Gimbal Bearing usage.
The new name of the grease is (Universal-Joint & Gimbal Bearing Grease)
In MerCruiser School that year they told us that using 2-4-C with Teflon in gimbal bearings or U-joints would cause the bearings to “skate” and ruin them. It looks like you have spent 20 years proving them wrong.
Still I think I will continue to recommend Universal-Joint & Gimbal Bearing Grease