Fluids in stringer outdrive leg

[oldsub86]

I seem to recall reading somewhere that one could use normal gear oil in the upper part of the leg and in the intermediate housing.
I know type C is needed in the lower unit to ensure that the electric shift will function properly, but is there any reason that it needs to be used in the upper?

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Fluids in stringer outdrive leg

New people see your posts and do not have a clue what outdrive you have. Even those who have seen your posts before do not remember what you have. That being said, I assume you have an electric shift, it takes the type C. No reason you cannot use any 75w-90 (or equiv) in the upper and intermediate housing. The only difference between 'normal' gear oil and marine gear oil is the anti-corrosion and water disbursement additives. Marine lube will continue to effectively lubricate even with water mixed in. (up to a certain point)

If you do have the electric shift OD, you do NOT want to use the lower lube in the upper and IH gear cases.

 

[oldsub86]

Re: Fluids in stringer outdrive leg

Thanks for your response. I guess I could have included more of a description of the outdrive, but this is on the OMC forum and I did say "stringer" in my title line and I did note that I knew I had to use Type C in the lower unit so that the electric shift would function properly. Normal gear oil is too thick and I understand that poses problems for the electric shift.
I have bottles of Marine gear oil around that we use on the outboards but I do not have any Type C and I am about ready to try this boat and see if it works. Type C is becoming harder to find. FLAPS used to have it on the shelf but not anymore so I would have to go to a marine store and hope they had it on hand.
The lower unit has oil in it and I won't change it out until I know this thing at least moves under its own power.
I filled the intermediate housing with marine gear oil and I guess I am going to do the same with the upper part of the leg.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Fluids in stringer outdrive leg

....nor do you want to use 75w90 (or equiv) in the lower unit of an electric shift OD.