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View Full Version : Lower units ever stop to think?



Dean Dorsey
05-01-2005, 01:32 PM
You know that saying "Ever stop to think and forget to start again" well I was changing my lower lube the other day after realizing it had not been changed since the end of last season, about 10 outings, made the mistake of starting to think when I questioned why do I usually change my lower lube at least every 3 outings if I know I have a healthy lower to start? I understand if I was a drag racer why, or if I abused the lower hitting stuff, or even if I grinded it into gear alot. I do understand that changing the lube will tell you alot about what is going on inside the lower. I have to think alot of guys out there are like me don't formally drag, never turn a 260 with a sportmaster over 7,700 rpms, start motor in gear 90% of the time, do at least 50% of my water time under 5,000 rpms not incl. stopping to float and drink a beer, putting it on the sand to drink a beer, idle along while drinking a beer ect., hell I should change out my kidneys more often than my lower lube. I use good synthetic lube, and the oil always looks and smells the same when removed, clear ever so small amt. of gray on magnetic drain but it will end up there anyway weather it's changed everytime or every 10 times I go out. Viscosity loss does not seem to be a factor at least with synthetic, temps don't get high enough. I like many others have followed the advise of the herd and change it very regularly, for guys like me where is the wisdom in this, seems like a waste of time and materials at nearly $10 a quart. I could buy a nearly new sportmaster every couple of seasons with the time and money saved by changing lower lube every 10 outing rather than every 1-3.
Someone please enlighten me if my experience or thought process is way off here, cuz I am seriously thinking of changing my schedule for doing the lube changes. Thanks, Dean

outboards4life
05-01-2005, 01:37 PM
I change mine once a year. For normal boating I don't see why you would need to change it more than that. I usually do it all at once with winterization. winterize engine, drain lube, pull lower change water pump, fill lower. Ready to go for next year.

Stoker100
05-01-2005, 01:42 PM
Before taking the boat out, pull the lower fill plug and looks for water. Water is heavier than OIL so it will settle to the bottom of the unit after storage for a while.

If water comes out you got a problem and you catch it. If OIL comes out, you connect the filler, remove the top screw, top it off and ur ready to go.


Other than that one a year should do it, unless you are more than a weekend warrior!

ld

Dean Dorsey
05-01-2005, 01:43 PM
Outboards, I like that schedule, I am not quite that brave maybe once at mid season to check for water or excessive metal, and again at the end to be ready for next season. I think I have been wasting alot of time and money. Thanks, Dean

Dean Dorsey
05-01-2005, 01:45 PM
Stoker, That is a very good idea, guess I need to remember to start thinking more often and I might have thought of that. Appreciated, Dean

Ted Stryker
05-01-2005, 02:37 PM
Hey Dean, wanna sell your lower unit :D ...

150aintenuff
05-02-2005, 07:19 PM
I change my gear oil 1 per year befor it goes in the water mooring for the season and check it before water sports start in the summer....