SSM Oil change

[baldad45]

What's the best way to drain and flush old oil from a SSM gearcase?Glen

[tabararacing]

Remove both drain plugs and tip it so it sits horizontally. Prop shaft running straight down to the drain pan. This prevents the shavings from flowing directly into the bearings. Do not turn it directly upside down to drain it as this would promote debris to enter the bearings.

Hope this helps.
Brian
PS: Not sure what model ssm you're discussing but it's a good rule of thumb for #6's and #4's.

[baldad45]

It's an older SSM off a T-ll ,thanks for the imfo. Can I flush this with solvent as I want to use a synthetic oil ? Glen

[JAFFA]

Stick with the merc hp gear oil its cheap and good stuff.
When a seal goes in the lower, mineral or mineral blend oil doesnt dillute with water as quick as synthetic, just my oppinion

[Raceman]

We usta' always have trouble gettin' water in the oil on the old SSM's. If you install the vent kit that uses the upper hole, low hour seal problems virtually disappear.

[Mark75H]

Switching to synthetic eliminated my seal leak problems (water coming in without lube leaking out) without using a vent kit

I believe synthetic reduces heat (which causes the case to burb air out while hot; then suck water in when it cools back down). The vent kit allows air to reenter safely instead of water when the same thing happens.

[Bruster]

I always used 100% synthetic and changed the lube every time the boat went out.

[baldad45]

Thanks for the replys ,would a rinse with solvent be a problem for the seals ? No water present just thought it might live longer with synthetic. Glen

[Bruster]

I wouldn't, just keep pumping the fresh synthetic in. Use the magnetic drain plugs. I like the expansion tank. This way the gearcase does not get pressurized and you know you are full, and you know the condition of your oil.

[crazy horse]

I'm with Bruce. I started running synthetic and didn't really flush the case all that well before hand. I haven't had any water in mine yet and I run a vent kit. When I completely drain a SSM I lay it on it side using shims to get the hole to the lowest point possible. They can be a pain, But ya gotta love the pain a little just ta wanna run one.:D

[Bruster]

Hey Dave,
Remember these little aluminium thingies? Boy do they work good! Thanks Again!
Bruce

[crazy horse]

I forgot all about those. How high have you run them?

[Bruster]

About 22". 9 PSI @ 60 MPH.