Changing the Lower Unit Lube - DIY

[Ketchup]

Is the drain plug not magnetic on that? If so he could have mentioned to inspect it for shavings. 

[fishinwrench]

1 hour ago, Ketchup said:

Is the drain plug not magnetic on that? If so he could have mentioned to inspect it for shavings. 

Yeah.  

[captain belly]

Great feedback guys!  Had no idea I've been doing this wrong for years and years.  What should I expect to happen?  

[fishinwrench]

5 minutes ago, captain belly said:

Great feedback guys!  Had no idea I've been doing this wrong for years and years.  What should I expect to happen?  

As long as the lube level is full, the drain and vent plugs are tight, and the gaskets and seals are doing their job......then you're fine.   

I'm just overly critical of marine service.   The same way you'd hope that Aviation mechanics are.     

Breaking down out in the middle of a lake or river not only sucks and can ruin your day, depending on the conditions it can be dangerous as hell and end your life.    Kinda like it did that Dad and 2 highschool kids last year in Tennessee.  

[captain belly]

Ya...  I've been doing this for a long time.  I've never had any issues at all.   I learned from a boat mechanic how to do this when I was in college........ that was a long time ago.  I'm pretty particular about my maintenance because I boat mainly in risky waters.  I'm on the Missouri River all summer long every year.    Breaking down on the river is a lot different than breaking down on a lake.  Thanks for the 'nitpicking' I really appreciate it.  The only thing I didn't know from your post, was the type of lube.    I''ll have to look in to that and get the good stuff.    The seal looked fine on this BTW.  Also.... I have a set of hex wrench sockets that I should have used in the video.  Most of the time I get trolled for not giving the proper torque specs LOL.   So... let me pick your brain here....

1). What is the torque suppose to be

2) name some proper lubes for this motor.

Thanks.

[fishinwrench]

33 minutes ago, captain belly said:

 

1). What is the torque suppose to be

2) name some proper lubes for this motor.

Thanks.

Firstly "torque specs" are useless when reusing any type of gasket. You can FEEL the gasket compress and seat, and the threads begin to stretch.   At that point it is tight enough.   You should never be able to just reach down with one hand and a screwdriver...and remove a gearcase plug.  

This is the recommended lube for all Johnson/Evinrude gearcase's (except for the old electric shift motors) 

It's yellow, easy to read, and has properties that keep things well lubricated and rust-free even when partially contaminated with water.  

The dark blue Merc lube turns to frothy light-blue foam when contaminated with water.  And when Mercury warranty inspectors see light-blue frothy foam in a gearcase then any potential warranty claim is DENIED.......Cuz that's the way Mercury Marine plays the game.   

 

[captain belly]

This convo made me get my manual out.   The recommended lube is "Evinrude HPF Pro". which I believe is what you posted.

This is going to  be my new lube.  thanks again for that.   I;m going to do a little research on the Quicksilver High Pro 90 that I've been using so long.  The label has always read "For use in ALL outboard lower units".  hmmmm....but.....prob should use the 'recommended' for sure.

 As far as the "plug torque" goes.  No matter how snug or "half posterior" as one said....  It's always a booger to get off.  That is something I remember   being consistent.   One forum I went to said 7 pounds which seems like a joke to me, but like I said.... it's always hard to break loose every time.      anyway...... thanks for the lube info.  Going to do some further investigation.....