Leaving lower unit with no fluid

[scipper77]

As it's going to get cold next week around here I am giving up my boating season and winterizing tomorrow. I want to replace my impeller but do not have the kit. My question is this...

Can I leave the lower unit without lube in it for an extended period?? Possibly the whole season. It's an Alpha I.

I say the whole season because I'm also considering taking off the lower unit, swim deck, and trailer coupler so I can fit the boat in the garage and redo the deck in the winter.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Leaving lower unit with no fluid

Can I leave the lower unit without lube in it for an extended period?? Possibly the whole season.

Ayuh,... A few Weeks,... Sure... Many Months,... I wouldn't...
Condensation can cause gear/ bearing Rusting...

Service it, fill it, Then store it....

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Leaving lower unit with no fluid

If your worried about the cost, just fill it with 5W-30 . condensation will kill it just as easy as water in the drive.

 

[PitchFork]

Re: Leaving lower unit with no fluid

I agree condensation and rust will kill it, just fill it with cheap quart of oil 10-30W or some other oil until next season when you are ready to fully service it correctly.

 

[scipper77]

Re: Leaving lower unit with no fluid

I was told that you can not switch from full synthetic gear lube to conventional. Assuming this is true, could putting cheap 10w-30 in my lower unit cause a similar problem? I would probably just use the old oil from my motor if this will not cause a problem. Also, when I say lower unit I mean just the lower half of the outdrive in this case. I do not have the correct tool to realign the outdrive if I was to take the whole thing off.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Leaving lower unit with no fluid

I was told that you can not switch from full synthetic gear lube to conventional.

Ayuh,... Bullship....

Also, when I say lower unit I mean just the lower half of the outdrive in this case. I do not have the correct tool to realign the outdrive if I was to take the whole thing off.

It's recommended to Check the alignment,....
It's Not needed to remove, or replace the drive,.... As long as it's Not out of alignment...

I would probably just use the old oil from my motor if this will not cause a problem.

Used motor oil is Full of acids,+ other by-products of combustion....
Don't do that....

 

[sickwilly]

Re: Leaving lower unit with no fluid

If you pull the whole outdrive, the lube will stay in it. Build a wood stand, pull the whole outdrive, and then worry about getting the alignment tool over the winter. You can then take your time getting your impeller kit too.