gear case fluid??

L

lexmark256

Recruit
Joined
Nov 6, 2011
Messages
4
can you drain the fluid and leave it empty over the winter? i need to do the seals next spring.
 
J

JDusza

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Joined
Apr 21, 2009
Messages
952
Re: gear case fluid??

I do suppose you could although I never have. I would be concerned about a couple things:
corrosion protection over the winter and just plain forgetting next spring and running with the unit dry.
I would tend to leave the fluid in for the winter and deal with it when you do the seals. But, do check it for water and let any drain before winter storage.
Just my two cents.
J
 
Last edited:
JimS123

JimS123

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Jul 27, 2007
Messages
7,993
Re: gear case fluid??

I had a buddy that used to do it that way. He said he was afraid if there was water in it it might freeze. Cwazy idea, but it never gave him probelms either.

So, just drain out a couple ounces. If there is water, it'll be gone. If leaving it empty will cause corrosion, you got that covered as well.
 
F

F_R

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jul 7, 2006
Messages
28,195
Re: gear case fluid??

If it has water in it, I would drain it out and refill it. Water causes rust. If the oil refill is only temporary to prevent rust, fill it with cheapest car engine oil in the store. Note, I said temporary. Don't run it on that stuff.

Whatever you do, don't leave it in freezing temps with water in it.
 
Mas

Mas

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Oct 3, 2006
Messages
1,656
Re: gear case fluid??

Always drain and refill before storing for winter. This keeps the gears protected in clean water free oil. Plus, you'll be ready for the new season in the spring. If there is water in the gear case, you'll have all winter to get it resealed. Always use new plug/vent washers too!

Mas
 
C

Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
27,158
Re: gear case fluid??

What are you trying to do, save $5 on gear oil? That makes no sense. Drain and refill it now. Replace the seals and refill it later, with new gear oil.
 
1946Zephyr

1946Zephyr

Vice Admiral
Joined
Oct 21, 2008
Messages
5,556
Re: gear case fluid??

I would just go ahead and drain the lower unit and re-seal it over the winter and then refill it. It's not real hard to re-seal those. Almost as easy to do as it is to figure out whether to refill it of leave it empty :D
 
B

boobie

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 5, 2009
Messages
20,826
Re: gear case fluid??

Drain it and fill it up with ATF and leave it set till you get a chance to work on it.
 
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