1996 XR6 150...Changing Lower Unit Oil

[dustyflair]

The motor seems to be a good one. I bought it used and it is running fine. I wanted to change the lower unit oil and have removed the top and bottom drain screws. My question is this. When I removed those screws they didn't have any of those "paper/cardboard" washers on them. Did the previous owner not put them back on when he changed the lower unit fluid or does Merc not use them. This is the first Merc I have owned. When I use to change it on my Yama they had them. Or should I just filler her back up and replace the screws just like they came out? Also, Isn't it normal to have just a slight bit of a sliver paste on the magnet of the bottom drain screw? No shavings but just a little paste. Thanks for any answers in advance.

 

[Paul DuLaney]

Re: 1996 XR6 150...Changing Lower Unit Oil

dustyfair, My experience has been to make sure the washers are not stuck n the lower unit,if not I'd get new washers and install them.And as far as the silver paste I'd change the lube several times this year and see if it gets less noticeable each time.

 

[dustyflair]

Re: 1996 XR6 150...Changing Lower Unit Oil

SO there are paper washers that go there? Thanks for the reply and advice. I will watch it. Can I flush the lower unit out with Rotela or some kind of oil as the old stuff looked a little old. What about a little sea foam? It says good for crankcases...

 

[verado7]

Re: 1996 XR6 150...Changing Lower Unit Oil

yeah check with a small screwdriver or a pick on the plug holes they often stick there - ask your parts guy if he carrys the newer nylon type gaskets .

just flush out the leg with by attaching the pump fitting to the top hole and pump 4 or 5 pumps through -then attach it to the bottom hole and fill as normal til it runs out the top then give it 1 or 2 more to get the air out .

you dont want to use any other type of oil in there unless your doing a total overhaul and clean it all out - the oils may not mix well and you dont want any foaming in there which would starve the gears for lube and create pressure that will rupture seals leaving you on the water with a trashed leg .

 

[j_martin]

Re: 1996 XR6 150...Changing Lower Unit Oil

yeah check with a small screwdriver or a pick on the plug holes they often stick there - ask your parts guy if he carrys the newer nylon type gaskets .

just flush out the leg with by attaching the pump fitting to the top hole and pump 4 or 5 pumps through -then attach it to the bottom hole and fill as normal til it runs out the top then give it 1 or 2 more to get the air out .

you dont want to use any other type of oil in there unless your doing a total overhaul and clean it all out - the oils may not mix well and you dont want any foaming in there which would starve the gears for lube and create pressure that will rupture seals leaving you on the water with a trashed leg .

Use the merc gaskets. Get some spares, as they should be changed every time you pull the plugs.

I ( and Mercury) disagree with the procedure. You fill it from the bottom till it runs out the top, then let about an ounce drain out before you put the bottom plug in. That is to make sure there is an air space over the lube to allow for expansion.

Best fluid to run in that one is Merc High performance lube. If you think it needs cleaning, fill it with the right fluid, run it a bit, and drain it. That gets a bit expensive, but I think one round on yours might be worthwhile.

The silver paste could be coming from sloppy shifting. If you let it rattle into gear when you shift, you'll shed a little metal off the dog clutches. You should smartly shift it into gear with a single clunk. Believe it or not, that is the way it is supposed to be.

hope it helps
John

 

[verado7]

Re: 1996 XR6 150...Changing Lower Unit Oil

quote from j martin "I ( and Mercury) disagree with the procedure. You fill it from the bottom till it runs out the top, then let about an ounce drain out before you put the bottom plug in. That is to make sure there is an air space over the lube to allow for expansion."




thats what i told him to do - fill from the bottom - but you can pump fluid thru the top hole and let it run out the bottom to flush any debris out - you dont need to be a genius to figure that one out .

read carefully and thoroughly before discounting someones advice .

 

[j_martin]

Re: 1996 XR6 150...Changing Lower Unit Oil

then attach it to the bottom hole and fill as normal til it runs out the top then give it 1 or 2 more to get the air out .

Yes sir, I can read. This appears like you are telling him to fill it, then another couple of pumps to "get the air out".

Merc says to fill it, then spill an ounce to "be sure there is air over it."

If done to your directions, the LU will expel lube and draw in water through expansion and contraction.

So yes, your advice is WRONG.

regards
John

 

[dustyflair]

Re: 1996 XR6 150...Changing Lower Unit Oil

Hey guys thanks for the replies. I bought the pump and filled from the bottom. Once full, I let a little run out for expansion as mentioned above. Added new BLUE o rings got from the local red neck boat shop. They gave them to me free. I went to BPS but they were out of stock? Huh? A Mercury Dealer, BPS no less out of basic o rings for the lower unit drain screws. (shaking my head)...Oh well BPS might be big and all but you can't beat the lil local boat shop with a fleet of forgotten hulls.

Thanks again