Merc Gear Lube Reservoir Levels

[gjcombs]

All,

I just had my the upper and lower units professionally resealed. I took it out over the weekend and ran it normally. When I started I had lube at the fill line. However, I checked it one morning and it was about 15% less than when I started. I then ran it for a few minutes and ran it in gear at low idle and the fluid level was above the fill line. Now that I have stopped and trailered it back to home the fluid level is about 15% less full than when I started.

Is this normal? Trapped air? I think it is leaking.

The reseal was preventative maintenance, but I was losing a little fluid and knew that the issue would get worse. Now the apparent loss is more than when I started.

 

[Alpheus]

Re: Merc Gear Lube Reservoir Levels

Did you ever notice on your engine oil or tranny fluid dip stick that it is labelled full hot or full cold?

Expansion and contraction...

Do a pressure test on your outdrive to confirm...

 

[gjcombs]

Re: Merc Gear Lube Reservoir Levels

I agree with the fluid dynamics...but the fluid did not settle back to its original state/level.

I am having it checked this week...

 

[burp]

Re: Merc Gear Lube Reservoir Levels

I'd top the reservoir off and run it for a while to allow any air to work it's way out. One of the reasons to fill the outdrive from the bottom is to minimize (Note: minimize, not eliminate) the air trapped in the outdrive.

 

[gjcombs]

Re: Merc Gear Lube Reservoir Levels

Agreed. I took the boat to the shop this morning and they said they would top it off and run it for about an hour in their tank. Otherwise, I am going to run it this weekend and see if I continue to lose fluid.

They pressure tested it, but thought that maybe there could have been a shift in the seals somehow.

I suspect air, but have never had that kind of decline in fluid level due to air.