Johnson 9.5 Lower Unit Oil Change

[excoelis]

Hello all. I have a Johnson 9.5 and was wondering if anyone knows of a "how-to" for changing the lower unit oil. I have never done it before, but I recognize the fill/drain plug and the vent. From what I understand you fill from the bottom until flowing out the vent, then cap the vent, cap the fill/drain. I'm not sure of what oil to use, how much I will need, or how to "connect" the oil to the fill hole. Any help would be greatly appreciated, I want to get out on the water soon!!

Thanks!

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Johnson 9.5 Lower Unit Oil Change

Yes, open both holes to drain it. Then fill the oil from the bottom hole and thus the air pumps out and up and does not trap in the LU. I believe you can use 90 weight oil but I use the OMC stuff from the dealer.

Also, I highly recommend getting a pump for the oil instead of a squirt tube. The pump just screws on top of the oil bottle and then the other end screws into the lower hole in the LU, then you pump till oil comes out the top hole. Then replace the top screw first, to create a vacuum, then the lower screw. Always use new crush washers on the 2 screws... they're less than a buck each at the dealer and come highly recommended.

 

[excoelis]

Re: Johnson 9.5 Lower Unit Oil Change

Thanks for the reply. The "crush washers" for the plugs, are they just o-rings (from the hardware store) I can replace or do i need to purchase a model specific dealer item specificly? Is the "pump" you spoke of necessary or optional? I noticed the jugs of marine gear oil have a pointed spout, is it possible to just use that?
Any idea what the gear oil capacity of this motor is?

Thanks again.

 

[ezeke]

Re: Johnson 9.5 Lower Unit Oil Change

9.7 Ounces of gear oil. One 10 oz. tube is plenty and the nozzle on it will do the job fine. Just remember to put the top vent plug in before you remove the tube or you will spill more than you need to.

I have not found the right size nylon washers at the hardware stores. The OEM is #311598. You can buy a bag of 50 here at iboats #18-42481-9, if you want to keep a supply on hand. The Mercury washer also works.

 

[excoelis]

Re: Johnson 9.5 Lower Unit Oil Change

Thanks for the info, much appreciated. Any reccomendations for gear oil for this motor?
It's unfortunate about the nylon washers. I checked the price here on iboats for 5 of them and it is $2.99... not bad, but when i added to cart, the shipping for them was almost $30 (and 10+ days delivery), as I am in Canada, so I decided not to order them here.
Hopefully I can find an OMC dealer in my area here.

Cheers.

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Johnson 9.5 Lower Unit Oil Change

Where are you in Canada? I get mine at the local OMC dealer in Ottawa. I assume they're in most big cities.

 

[ezeke]

Re: Johnson 9.5 Lower Unit Oil Change

I use Shell's Pennzoil Marine? 100% Synthetic Lower Unit Gear Lube. I have had no negative results. http://pennzoil.com/products/marine/index.html

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Johnson 9.5 Lower Unit Oil Change

And I use Penzoil 100% synthetic tcw3 oil in the gas.

 

[excoelis]

Re: Johnson 9.5 Lower Unit Oil Change

Great, thanks again for the info guys. Glad I found these forums!!

Cheers.