Outdrive questions

[Chris2]

Hi all I just bought my first bowrider, it's a 2000 Glastron 205 GX with a Volvo 5.0 and SX outdrive. I have a couple of questions.

The oil in the drive is very dark, is this normal?

I'm going to change the outdrive oil will a merc hand pump fit? (there are only merc dealers around my house)

Should I use any particular type of gear oil?

The trim gauge is broken. I know there are a lot of variables here but at high speeds can I trim up until the boat starts purposing and then just back it down a little or can this cause damage to the U-joint?

Thanks for the help.

 

[searay3]

Re: Outdrive questions

The merc hi performance gear lube for outdrives should work fine. As far as the trim gauge, a lot of folks think it's a crutch. They do just what you suggest, trim by feel. In fact, once you drive for awhile, you'll hardly look at it.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Outdrive questions

I'm going to change the outdrive oil will a merc hand pump fit? (there are only merc dealers around my house)

Should I use any particular type of gear oil?

The trim gauge is broken. I know there are a lot of variables here but at high speeds can I trim up until the boat starts purposing and then just back it down a little

Ayuh,... That's pretty much How it's Done....

The Fittings/ Screws are All the same, 3/8"x 16....
I use Mobil 1, 75W-90,...

 

["G"]

Re: Outdrive questions

You said Volvo. That would tell me you have a Volvo drive. They used to take 10-30 motor oil. Perhaps this model is something different??? Best to check the manual before you go an ruin a VERY expensive part.

I wouldn't be too concerned with dark oil but white or gray is worth checking into. As always, fill from the bottom despite the "fill" plug under the shift cover. Replace your gaskets and tighten all your plugs well.

 

[Don S]

Re: Outdrive questions

You said Volvo. That would tell me you have a Volvo drive. They used to take 10-30 motor oil.

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Yes, that is for the older 290 style drives. He has the SX (Kind of looks like an OMC Cobra from the outside, but not on the inside)
The SX, use a GL5 Synthetic Gear lube, The same thing bondo is using.
The Merc Hi Performance gear lube works equally well, with one advantage. If water gets into the drive, it mixes with the Hi Perf lube, and turns milky. With the Volvos GL5, it will seperate and you will have water in the lower when setting for a while.