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Anyone running Merc Hi-Performance gear lube in your Volvo duo prop drive? I am considering switching over after all I have read about the qualities the Merc Hi-Performance lube offers over Volvo lube. I'm running 4.3 Gxi engines coupled to duo props in a 288 Vista. Your thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.

Your not stating what year. It could be better? If its still under warranty and your using Merc, it may void the warranty.

Look



Since it is a 2006 model, it is long out of warranty, so it's fine to use the Merc lube, even though it is not leaps and bounds better than the Volvo equivalent. I have always ran Volvo lube in Volvo drives, and Merc lube in my Mercruiser drives. It's just a matter of preference really.

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

A GL-5 Synthetic gear lube is what is recommended. The GL-5 spec is not Volvos, It's a standard Gear Lube grade 5 (note the G and L in gear lube) and Volvo recommends synthetic GL-5.
Mercruiser Hi Performance gear lube is a GL-5 rated gear lube, however, I have never seen a synthetic name put on it.
Volvo lube, is that when it sets and there is water in the oil, the water seperates and sets in the bottom of the drive on the gears and bearings, if there is enough. With the Merc Hi Perf gear lube, the water mixes and stays mixed (aka milky) so you don't have straight water on the gears.

Edit:
Mobile 1 Sythentic GL-5
Buy it on sale at Advanced Auto for $7.00 a Qt

'Marine' gear oils do not do that good of a job emulsifying water, which is why I use a 75w90 GL-5 rated, fully synthetic automotive gear oil.
Buy a performance oriented gear oil (likely one for LSD's), as the base oils are generally more pure/ better longevity.
I'm yet to see an OEM branded lubricant perform better than a performance oriented after-market product.
If you want the 'warm & fuzzy' feeling, buy the OEM lube.

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2011 Four Winns H180 SS.
Aussie built Mustang 2800.
SOLD - 1997 Four Winns Horizon RS

I use Mobil 1 75-90. Available at any auto parts store.

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Anything Worth Doing Is Worth Overdoing
2001 Horizon 180