How to add sternleg gear lube

scrimshank

Cadet
Joined
May 28, 2010
Messages
8
I have a Mercruiser 4.3efi - with a gear lube reservoir for the sterleg.
Thought I'd checked the reservoir earlier this season, but when the alarm went off yesterday I found that the tank was basically empty.
I imagine I may have a leak, but as a first step I want to top up the gear lube to see if I can establish that I do have a leak, and locate it.
I know there are kits available to fill the sternleg from the lower drain hole - but I'm not sure if this procedure is necessary for boats equipped with a reservoir. I'm guessing it is, as I suppose filling an empty reservoir will trap air in the system.
My boat is in the water. Can I raise the leg, remove the plug (under water) and install the oil filler fitting? Or is that asking for trouble.
Thanks
 
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