Filling the lower unit

[8x56mn]

I have a 1981 Sting Ray 3.0 140, perhaps Alfa 1. The problem is filling the out drive full to the top. Last spring I drained all the oil and replaced the fluids using a pump. I added through the bottom hole with the top plug out to allow air to escape. After putting one bottle and starting on the second I found that I could not pump any more in. I then pulled the hose out and put the plug in and tried putting some in the top hole. Well as expected I could only get a little in before it came bubbling back out. I replaced the plug and put on the muffs and rain the out drive a few seconds to relieve it. When I pulled the plug fluid came out. As I'm typing this it suddenly dawned on me that I probable should have left the plug out to allow air to escape.
Figuring the unit was full and closed her back up and put about ten hours on the boat this summer. When I wend to drain the unit the fluid was low, color looked good didn’t smell burned and no chips, so hopefully I'm OK, time will tell I guess.
OK when I go to refill again, would it be OK to pull the cap off from the top and pour the oil directly into the cavity, thus allowing the air to escape or is this not recommended.

 

[QC]

Re: Filling the lower unit

Sounds like you might have a pump issue. You should fill as you described in the beginning and lube should simply start running out the hole as you expected. When you say "I could not pump any more in" can you describe that a little better? You should be able to pump until you have as much on the ground as you could possibly want . . .

 

[8x56mn]

Re: Filling the lower unit

I pumped the handle until it no longer would move liquid, felt like I was pushing against air.

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Filling the lower unit

Aaarrrgg....double post...see the following for what I was trying to say...

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Filling the lower unit

There is no pressure to "relieve" when changing the lube (other than removing the top vent plug while you pump), and such resistance to pumping is not normal. It should fill with no resistance while pumping into the bottom fill/drain plug, and should pump freely until it's flowing endlessly out of the top vent plug. Then it's properly filled.

You should never add oil to the top.

I'm no expert, but it sounds to me like an oil passage is possibly blocked, maybe the drive wasn't assembled properly at one time during an impeller replacement or inspection? Seems to me there is a gasket or O-ring that needs to be very carefully positioned when reinstalling a lower unit to prevent this exact problem...but it's been a few years since I did mine so someone else here with more experience can clarify...

Regardless I think it's time to remove the lower unit and have a look-see...replace the impeller while you're in there if it's more than a couple years old.

 

[8x56mn]

Re: Filling the lower unit

Well, I can put air in the top and blow out the bottom drain, so I don't think it's plugged. Why couldn't I take out the ottom plug to vent air and pour down after the cover is removed, yes I know backwards, but why would it not work. BONDO old buddy how about it!!!:}

 

[8x56mn]

Re: Filling the lower unit

I just had another thought, I believe that I have the drive raised all the way to be able to get a bucked under it to catch the oil and refilled in the same position, could this be the problem?

 

[stevieray]

Re: Filling the lower unit

Why couldn't I take out the ottom plug to vent air and pour down after the cover is removed, yes I know backwards, but why would it not work.

Too many little voids in the gears & seals - needs to be pumped in under pressure from the bottom to make sure ALL air is displaced - gravity ain't enough.

 

[stevieray]

Re: Filling the lower unit

Definitely refill it in the down position (anti-ventilation plate level with ground)

 

[Bondo]

Re: Filling the lower unit

Ayuh,...... These Guys have got you headed in the Right Direction,........

Actually,..... It Sounds like You've figured it Out by Yourself,......

Without repeating everything stated Above,......

Get it Level,+ it Only takes Just Over a Quart,.......
3 Quarts will get you 2 Changes........With some left in the last Bottle......d

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Filling the lower unit

My Clymer manual says it should be trimmed all the way up to drain it, all the way down (level) to fill it. Assuming that's correct, very likely your problem...

 

[Don S]

Re: Filling the lower unit

 

[joemamma_222]

Re: Filling the lower unit

Don your Spreading the good word... :}

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Filling the lower unit

Note I said "assuming" it's correct. Believe me...on more than one occasion I have regretted the decision to buy that book. As a simple hobbiest I've found MANY, MANY holes...and I admittedly don't know all that much about this stuff. Those of you in the know could likely tear it to pieces with all the gaps and misinformation in there. However I do feel it's better than nothing at all for my once a year maintenance and minor repairs...

A serious question however...are you saying that Clymer is wrong about this? I think we all agree that the drive should be level for filling, but should it not be tilted all the way up for draining? It is a little cleaner and easier that way since the oil doesn't run all over the skeg. But maybe it does it not fully drain in that position.

Please clarify....

Thanks!

 

[imported_TheMan]

Re: Filling the lower unit

The service manuals say the drive should be drained in the full up position. Refill with the anti-ventilation plate level to ground.

A decent amount of information in the Clymer manuals is copied directly from the service manuals, but some of it rather poorly.

As I believe Don S has told many people, buy the service manual if you can. It will tell you the correct way of doing things.

 

[8x56mn]

Re: Filling the lower unit

Ayuh,...... These Guys have got you headed in the Right Direction,........

Actually,..... It Sounds like You've figured it Out by Yourself,......

Without repeating everything stated Above,......

Get it Level,+ it Only takes Just Over a Quart,.......
3 Quarts will get you 2 Changes........With some left in the last Bottle......d

Hmm interesting little over 2 qys. ey; well that's what I got back out so maybe I was OK after all. Thanks to everyones advice.