Sterndrive oil consumption

[agallant80]

I have noticed this on two boats now. My new 2011 Stingray 215LR with Alpha One and my new 2013 Bayliner 255CR with Bravo 3. They both ran low on serndrive fluid in the resevwar, there is no water in the out drive and I can't find a leak in the system at all. Is it normal for an outdrive to consume gear lube when new? Perhaps air in the sterndrive working its way out?

 

[skydiveD30571]

Re: Sterndrive oil consumption

They shouldn't consume gear lube no. The first response to questions about falling gear lube levels is obviously about leaks either in the bellows or at the prop shaft. But being new boats, that's unlikely. Air working its way out is a possibility, and I'd keep them topped off and monitor it. After changing gear lube, manuals state that it is important to run the drive and check the level again because of air pockets.

 

[Fun Times]

Re: Sterndrive oil consumption

Here's some additional information on this subject for you,

http://forums.iboats.com/mercruiser...es/bravo-3-gear-lube-vanished-how-379249.html

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Sterndrive oil consumption

I have noticed this on two boats now. My new 2011 Stingray 215LR with Alpha One and my new 2013 Bayliner 255CR with Bravo 3. They both ran low on serndrive fluid in the resevwar, there is no water in the out drive and I can't find a leak in the system at all. Is it normal for an outdrive to consume gear lube when new? Perhaps air in the sterndrive working its way out?

There is no such thing as "oil consumption" in a stern-drive.

Oil either leaks out or bubbles work their way to the top and the level goes down.

If drive is new or the drive oil was recently changed, expect to pour in some "make-up" oil for a few hours until the level stabilizes.

Otherwise, look for leaks by pressure/vacuum testing the drive.


Regards,


Rick

 

[floorboy]

Re: Sterndrive oil consumption

An ol leak in a drive is pretty obvious once you have them in the water by the pretty colors it makes on top the water.

 

[agallant80]

Re: Sterndrive oil consumption

Here's some additional information on this subject for you,

http://forums.iboats.com/mercruiser...es/bravo-3-gear-lube-vanished-how-379249.html

Thank you. Considering I can not find gear lube anywhere in the bilge, outdrive and don't have any oil sheans when I put the boat in the water and the drive was recently replaced I think its the air working its way out. I will keep an eye on it. If I have to keep adding then I will post back. Thank you for your help.