Gear Lube valve???

[JW76]

Hey guys quick Question. I took my 97 Ebbtide with 4.6lhx and alpha one in to be de-winterized and have the oil and fluids changed. After a week and a half wait I was finally able to talk to the tech. First he said they were putting a water pump on wich wasn’t at all what I brought it in for then when we cleared that up he said that it was missing the “ Gear Lube Valve” which would prevent it from ruining the outdrive if it ran low on lubricant. Anyone heard of this? He wants $200 plus parts if they don’t have to get into the bell housing could be more if they do? I’m new to mercruisers but this all sounds a little fishy to me. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Do you currently has a res bottle inside the boat? Thousands of drive do not have the oil res system.You have lived this long without it
It is a good idea but with proper servicing you can stay out of trouble Sounds like there just trying to drum up some business.

 

[JW76]

Yes it has a res bottle. I’m heading over to get to the bottom of the situation. It’s a bit of a drive and it’s costing me work time but I think it’s necessary. Thanks for the reply

 

[Bt Doctur]

If it has the bottle then you have a valve already, so find out what there trying to install and then find another shop
As far as I know only the GEN II drives are equipped with the system

 

[Bt Doctur]

 

[JW76]

Which piece would be the valve?

 

[JW76]

I shows up to the lower unit being removed and them out to lunch

 

[HT32BSX115]

Hey guys quick Question. I took my 97 Ebbtide with 4.6lhx and alpha one in to be de-winterized and have the oil and fluids changed.

Howdy,

Welcome aboard!

It will really help if you post your engine/drive serial number. It could be one of many 1996 or 1997 4.3L engine/drive combinations......

As an aside, for next season Winterization, be sure to have the oil and fluids changed BEFORE winter layup instead of leaving the oil and (possibly water contaminated gear lubricant) in there for the entire winter! :thumb:

Cheers,

Rick

 

[JW76]

4.3l Lhx
engine- 0f8787394
transom- 0f850080
drive- 0k051956
alpha 1 gen 2

 

[JW76]

He’d told me the opposite to have it done in the spring because he’s seen engines condensate over the winter. Thanks again for al the input.

 

[HT32BSX115]

4.3l Lhx
engine- 0f8787394
transom- 0f850080
drive- 0k051956
alpha 1 gen 2

Now just go to Mercruiser Parts dot com and put 0k051956 in the serial number parts lookup and find your parts list for your model drive.

You can identify every part in the list.

 

[Bt Doctur]

#37

 

[HT32BSX115]

He’d told me the opposite to have it done in the spring because he’s seen engines condensate over the winter. Thanks again for al the input.

That's pretty much contrary to what Mercruiser suggests.....

After a summer/season of running, the oil in the engine is loaded with combustion products and water vapor from previous heat/cool cycles.

If there is a leak in the drive that allows a little bit of water to intrude, That water would sit in the drive all winter. If it's enough water, it could freeze and break the case.

Also, allow the fuel tank to nearly run out (or siphon out all the gasoline) then fill it up at the beginning of the season and go boating.
(Fuel tanks don't condense either--------> http://www.yachtsurvey.com/myth_of_condensation_in_fuel_tanks.htm )

You can also put some STABIL or other Fuel "Snake Oil" in the little bit of remaining fuel but unless you run the engine after putting the stuff in, it doesn't get into the carburetor (or EFI) leaving NON-treated fuel in critical areas of the fuel system.

I have let my boat sit for 2 years many times without ever using any fuel treatment. I always put the boat away with a nearly empty tank and fill it at the beginning of the next season I use it.

I've been doing this for 35+ years and have used oxygenated (MTBE and/or E10) fuel since inception, and have never had a fuel related problem)

 

[thumpar]

The valve makes it so that the gear lube doesn't run out from the res when the drive is removed. If it makes it leak out when the drive is off it won't hurt anything, just make a mess. If it is somehow stuck closed it would prevent lube from going from res to the drive if it was getting low somehow. I would ask why it needs the valve. Mine leaks a little bit but works fine when everything is assembled so am not worried about it.

 

[JASinIL2006]

Hard to imagine that valve just failing, unless it was bunged up when the drive was removed/reinstalled.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Hard to imagine that valve just failing, unless it was bunged up when the drive was removed/reinstalled.

If it's not damaged and just plugged up , use a little kerosene, diesel or other low volatility solvent (NOT Acetone or Lacquer thinner) to clean it up.......

 

[Maclin]

Almost sounds as if they may be trying to make up some bucks for something they broke or extra work that was not ordered that they did in error. I like the way you are interrogating them

 

[JW76]

We split cost I think the water pump thing was an honest mistake and he’s not charging me for that. I’ll let him fix it but I don’t know if I’ll be back Honest mistake or not. I’ll probably go back to the shop I used with my last boat and have a lot of trust in. Thank you guys for the timely feedback you All were a huge help!