kmack wrote:
Any suggestions on how to refill the lower unit?
Of course I will start by saying that you should follow the manual for your specific ob, but...
All of the outboards I have had, I filled by pumping the gear lube up from the bottom. It's a little messy:
The ob should be vertical (level) and both of the "fill" screws should be out. Wipe any metallic residue off the screws, because they have a magnet to attract metals. Have a pan under the lower unit to catch spills. Then pump the oil in from the bottom.
Option 1:
If you purchase the oil in "squeeze tubes" then you can pump it in by pushing the tip of the squeeze tube in the bottom screw hole (first you cut off the very tip to open), and squeeze and roll-up the tube until empty. Then remove and quickly cover up the hole with your thumb. Then repeat with the next tubes, until oil starts to come out the top hole. That is the proper oil level. Then pull out the tube and cover the hole with your thumb again. Then quickly get the screw back in the lower hole. If you lost a couple ounces while getting the screw in, you can top-off that little bit from the top hole. The oil should only be up to the bottom of the hole...do not overfill. Then replace the top screw.
Option 2:
You can purchase the oil in 1 quart bottles, and purchase a small hand pump that is made for this purpose. It has a short hose that screws into the lower fill screw hole. Again, you pump the oil in from the bottom until it starts to come out the top hole. Then unscrew the pump and cover the hole with your thumb. Then quickly get the screw back in the lower hole. If you lost a couple ounces while getting the screw in, you can top-off that little bit from the top hole. The oil should only be up to the bottom of the hole...do not overfill. Then replace the top screw.
Note: When using the hand pump, try not to pump any air into the lower unit. It's better to stop pumping before your 1 quart bottle is completely empty, and switch to the next quart. Then consolidate the left-overs at the end.
Option 2 is a little less messy, and you feel like your not wasting as much oil. The partial quart bottle that is left over is easy to save for next time.
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"Knot Easy" 2000 Horizon 240 Volvo 5.7GS /SX
tow: 2017 Honda PILOT EXL-AWD
prev. boats:
'87 Chaparral 198CXL 4.3 OMC Cobra
'69 Jetstar 16ft Ski Boat, 115hp Yamaha
'68 Aluminum Jon Boat, 3hp Sears
'64 Water Wings