Drain Lower Unit?

[JKTrevecca]

It's supposed to get down to 32 degrees here in Nashville, TN tonight. I have heard since purchasing my fishing boat 2 weeks ago that I need to drain the lower unit before it gets to freezing temps in case there is water in it.

Should I drain it before bed tonight?

Thanks for the input.

1962 18hp evinrude.... 1962 duracraft aluminum boat....

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: Drain Lower Unit?

Yes, change the gearcase oil if you don't know if it leaks yet.

 

[Whoopbass]

Re: Drain Lower Unit?

Oil floats on water so if there is any water in it it will come out first when you remove the bottom fill screw.
When my lower unit was leaky it would mix the oil and water together into a creamy consistency. I changed the oil regularly but this went on for so long I had to have stored it over winter with that creamy oil in it. Nothing ever happened and it does get below 32 here on occasion.

 

[JKTrevecca]

Re: Drain Lower Unit?

thanks for the help. i just drained it and there wasn't any water in it. i'm planning to use the boat thursday and saturday so.... what kind of gear oil am i supposed to put back in? standard 80/90 weight automotive gear oil or something nice and expensive like most other marine products!!

also.. since there wasn't any water in it, i assume i don't need to drain it again even if temps drop significantly. correct?

 

[Mas]

Re: Drain Lower Unit?

Always service the LU after each season...not before! Doing so will avoid unpleasant surprises in the spring!

MAS

 

[backyard mechanic]

Re: Drain Lower Unit?

I'm wondering if you have "draining" terms mixed up here. You "drain" the lower unit of oil each year and refill with the oil specified in the owners manual.

As for draining the water out of a unit... just drop the lower unit as you would use it in the water. Any residual water in the housing should drain out. Be sure to store in in the down position as well.

 

[Elbo]

Re: Drain Lower Unit?

Don't use auto 90w.Get some marine gear lube to fill it with.Marine gear lube will mix 50/50 with water and still lube your gears.