Pennzoil 100% Synthetic Gear Lube Problem

[gw204]

Well, the weather finally cooperated enough for me to get the boat uncovered and prepped for her first run. For once, I actually got everything done that I had hoped.

Removed tarp.
Removed PVC frame.
Sanded down filled holes where the old captains chairs were mounted.
Terminated the wires for my anchor light and spreader light on the T-Top.
Replaced water separator
Drained old Merc. Premium Plus oil from remote tank and replaced w/ Pennzoil 100% Synthetic
Drained old Merc. High Performance gear lube from lower unit and replaced w/ Pennzoil 100% Synthetic 75W-90 gear lube. Replaced gaskets on fill and drain screws.
Re-inforced supports holding up the tackle locker inside the console.
Re-installed batteries.
Fired up my '02 carbed Merc. 150. For a fogged, two-stroke that has been sitting for 3 months, she started just a quickly as always. Pumped the ball, advanced the throttle, hit the choke and turned the key. She rolled over for about two seconds and then roared to life. You would have tought there was a five alarm fire though as she burned off the fogging oil.

I figured I was all set for a shakedown run next weekend.

The this morning, as I'm walking out to the car to head off to work, I noticed a drip of liquid on the skeg. Further investigation identified this as gear lube that was leaking past the drain screw in the lower unit. As I said, I had installed a new gasket and tightened the screw as much as I could.

Has anyone else had this problem w/ Pennzoil 100% Synthetic gear lube? I'm going to pull the screws and try two new gaskets again in hopes that something just didn't seat correctly, but I was just curious as to whether or not anyone else has had this problem.

Thanks.

[ShorePounder]

I'd blame the plug seals before I blamed the lube. Change em out and see what happens.

[gw204]

Brian,

That's what I'm hoping I'll find when I put new gaskets on it again tonight.

Does anyone know if there is a particular torque value to which the fill and drain screws should be tightened?

Thanks.

Brian

[Jeff_G]

It probably isn't the gear lube.
Since you just ran the motor after storage what you are probably seeing is some residue of fogging oil or gas that has run down the mid-section. It gathers up some carbon and thickens and looks just like gear oil.
The chances of a gearcase that didn't leak before all of a sudden leaking after running on the hose are remote.

[Markus]

Are you sure it is not just fogging oil from the powerhead that is coming out throught the prop hub?

Does it smell like gear lube?

If you really did what you described, there is no way the gear lube is leaking past the fill screw.

[gw204]

Well, when I got home last night, I pulled the lower fill screw and attached my gear lube pump again. Removed the top screw and got out all the little pieces of the first gasket I put on (turns out I had crushed it somewhat by tightening too much). I then topped off the fluid again. Replaced the top screw w/ a new gasket and then did the same for the bottom screw being careful not to overtighten. I wiped everything clean and even went as far as scrubbing the lower unit w/a soap and water solution and a soft bristle brush to get all lube away from the screws.

This morning, everything was clean and dry. It does seem like those S&J gaskets are more flimsy than the Merc. gaskets. So, I'm gonna run it once or twice so the Penn. gear lube can rinse off any remaining Merc. lube, and then do another drain and refill. When that happens, I'll use Merc. gaskets.

Whew.....

Thanks for your help and suggestions. :)

[delawarerick]

Glad you saw it before you ran in water. It seems even the oem gaskets are a little oversized for the screw and you have to take it slow when tightning. I have ripped them. What was the price of the gear lube I use omc ultrasyn and get it for 15 a gallon? Rick

[gw204]

Rick,

If I remember correctly the Penn. 100% synthetic gear lube was like $6.50 for 1 quart. Got it a Walmart. The 100% syn. oil was $19.77 for 1 gallon.