Refilling gear lube after impeller job

[watchinthebobber]

I dropped the lower unit on my Alpha 1 Gen II today and replaced the impeller. I didn't drain the gear oil prior to removing the lower unit. The gear oil was changed recently and is good. I'm wondering if I need to add fluid with a pump from the bottom up or I can just pull the vent plug and top up the fluid monitor in the engine compartment. It didn't lose that much fluid when I separated the housings. My gut says just top it up at the fluid monitor. Any feedback here? Thanks.

 

[achris]

Re: Refilling gear lube after impeller job

I would fill from the bottom. Oil in the monitor takes time to work its way down a small hose and it can only happen as the air is displaced up the same hose.... You run the risk of having low oil in the top box for a considerable time.... Those gears and bearings really don't like being without oil.... This is one time you shouldn't trust your gut....

 

[brhodes]

Re: Refilling gear lube after impeller job

what achris said, why take a chance, easy and cheap for some peace of mind.

 

[watchinthebobber]

Re: Refilling gear lube after impeller job

Whew! Thanks guys. Guess that's why I posted because you never know. I'll fill it from the bottom for sure!