See full version: Lower Unit; Flush
generally lower unit oil should be changed every 50 to 100 hrs certainly everyseason. As the others say there is no need to flush it. although I find that I like to change the oil when the weather is warmer as to the viscosity of the oil. Most drain plugs are magnatized so that any particles can accumulate on it
I wouldn't recommend flushing with anything but lower unit oil by injecting some in top vent hole . [links]
Change it, run it, change it again. It's flushed! [links]
Make sure if you flush using the top hole. you fill using the bottom hole. I agree with OB, no need to do anything else. Changing oil is kind of like flushig anyways, isn't it?
thanks guys. Ill just change the fluid out and all will be well <br /><br />cheers<br /><br />Troy
[links]
That is no problem at all. Normal.
Well she is going to get wet on Saturday so if anything goes bad i will be here on sunday afternoon Have a great weekend guys thanks for the info
Buzzy [links]
Re: Water coming out between lower unit and midsection [links]
Want to take her up to camp the weekend and is easier to work on at home, any help is great thanks in advance
I just had my lower unit serviced by a marine mechanic who came by boat to my dock/lift. He took the LU with him last week and returned today and reinstalled it. He said he replaced all the seals and rebuilt the water pump with the kit I bought online. He pressure tested it and refilled the oil too. He charged me $117 which seemed inexpensive to me, especially coming by boat. But then I've never had the LU serviced before.
So is that a fair price for the service? Is it super cheap or way expensive? I'm just curious.
Just a note - the two drain plugs were not very tight when I pulled them. The seals were on the plugs, and there were no obvious leaks around the plugs, but it barely took any force at all with the flathead screwdriver to get them loose.
Put new gaskets on the screws. Go for a spin and check again. However if the oil get's milky in the slightest it is time to solve the issue. It will not get better. only worse.
Re: How milky is too milky lower unit oil?
Sand the surface of the stern drive down to bare metal, using 150-grit sandpaper. Sand firmly over any patches that have white oxidized crust to remove the corrosive pitting. Sand lightly around sharp seams and leading edges, such as the cavitation plate on the bottom of the lower unit. Use a gasket scraper to shave away any small barnacles. Be sure to sand the underside of the lower unit, including the underside of the cavitation plate. Rinse with a high-pressure hose. more
Open a can of epoxy primer paint and stir the contents. Begin painting the top of the stern drive unit, using a fine-bristle paint brush. Apply a light, thin coat. Cover the entire stern drive, sides, top and bottom. Let the paint cure and dry according to directions. Apply a second coat of epoxy primer paint, applying an equally thin coat. Let the paint cure and dry according to directions. [links]
Rinse the stern drive with a high-pressure hose nozzle, removing any oxide corrosion and peeled paint. Wipe dry with a clean towel. Use a wire brush to loosen and remove the heaviest buildup, as well as in in the tight corners and crevices. Rinse with a high-pressure hose. Towel the stern drive dry. more
Open a can of pre-primer wash and pour the contents into a bucket. Add water according to the directions. Wash the stern drive with the pre-primer wash and a towel. Rinse with a high-pressure hose. Use masking tape to cover the outside edges of the transom engine mount. Wrap the propeller and input shaft opening with masking paper and tape. [links]