Tips for cleaning out OLD gear lube that turned to mud??

[hardtailcfl]

I was given the boat for free and it was not properly winterized 15 years ago...so the gear lube has turned into basically a muddy mess.

Anybody have any good suggestions? Is there something I can soak it with? I was gonna try brake cleaner but not sure if that's too harsh

 

[Fuzzytbay]

Re: Tips for cleaning out OLD gear lube that turned to mud??

I'd take the whole bottom end apart, use varsol, clean it up, then put it back together. There is agood chance you will need to "fix" parts in the bottom end anyhow, this way, you get to check it out.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Tips for cleaning out OLD gear lube that turned to mud??

Pump some kerosene or gasoline into the lower unit. Rotate the propshaft slowly by hand to distribute, and let it soak for a while.

Now drain and refill with marine gearlube. Test it.

 

[daveswaves]

Re: Tips for cleaning out OLD gear lube that turned to mud??

When it is time to winterize it heres what I do. Drain the oil in the lower end, if there is any sign of water (emulsified oil or streaks) remove the lower unit and re do the seals over the winter. If the oil was clean replace it with fresh SAE 10w30 for the winter storage, it will keep the O ring supple, the high detergent levels will keep things clean and will prevent moisture. In the spring I flush the SAE 30 out with varsol, blow compressed air through the lower end, replace the drain plug washers and refil with merc lower end oil. I have 2 spare lower ends, I have yet to need them.