How often should you change outboard lower unit oil?

Most sterndrive and outboard manufacturers advise you to change the gearcase oil in your lower unit every 100 hours or once a year (whichever comes first). Clean oil is critical for protecting the heavily loaded gears in your lower unit and preventing expensive damage.

Do new Yamaha outboards come with lower unit oil?

Yes. The lower unit gear oil is pre-filled by the factory, however, you should check to ensure proper level before first use.

What kind of oil goes in a lower unit?

You can use any brand of lubricant that has a grade designation of API GL5 SAE 80 or 90 weight. Make sure you do not mix different oil brands or weights. into the BOTTOM drain hole. Then slowly squeeze the bottle to force the oil into the lower unit.

Can you fill lower unit oil from top?

Filling from the top down will not allow all the air to escape from the gear box The heavy gear lube will stop flowing down as cohesion from surfaces slow it down till it stops as the air wants to go out the top hole If you let it sit overnight all the trapped air would eventually make its way up to the top …

Is lower unit oil the same as gear oil?

Lower units contain hypoid gears (think ring and pinion, like a car differential) so they demand extreme pressure additives. The marine gear oil you choose will depend on the size of your marine engine. Consult your engine’s manual and look for the proper marine gear lube for your application.

Can you overfill lower unit oil?

To answer, yes you can. I have seen guys that will pump it till the oil comes out the top which is correct, but will then put the top screw in & then give a few more pumps for “good measure”. This usually causes overfilling as well as a slight pressurizing if they get that bottom screw in real fast.

What weight is Yamaha lower unit oil?

Yamaha Lower Unit Oil Weight You can use a 80/90 weight, semi synthetic blend. You should be able find from nearest marine store. You might want to use quick silver brand at Walmart. You may need a little over a quart.

Why is my lower unit oil milky?

A lower unit will sometimes have condensation in the lower unit so before you change it you need to to put the thing in gear and let the oil mix itself up…..a lot of times the milky will disappear which means no water problem.

Why is lower unit oil black?

If the gear lube comes out looking really dark, black, or burned, don’t be alarmed. It is a good sign that there isn’t a leak anywhere in the gear case gaskets or seals, allowing water to get into the lower unit and contaminating the gear oil. You also want to be looking for a darker color of the original color.

Why do you fill lower unit oil from the bottom?

Air…….it will take you forever to fill from the top due to all of the air that must be vented out in the process. When you fill from the bottom, with the top plug out, you force the air out as you force the lube in.

What oil for outboard lower unit?

Following are different types of lower unit oils: 5W-30 Full-Synthetic—this is the best oil for high performing outboards. 10W-30 Mineral Base (conventional)—this is a universal oil ideal for almost all types of environments.

What is the lower unit on a boat motor?

Lower Unit. The lower unit converts the power of your outboard’s engine to rotation of the prop shaft, which moves the propeller, which moves your boat.

What type of oil does a Yamaha outboard motor take?

This is an FC-W oil produced by Yamaha for their high powered four-stroke engines. The oil is an SAE 10W-30 oil that provides protection during cold starts and operating the engine with heavy loads. The oil has an additive that fights corrosion and the wear and tear associated with marine outboards.