When do you change your outboards lower unit lube: Beginning of Season or End of Season?

[tcbass]

I've heard 2 different theories on this. Some say change your outboards lower unit lube in the Fall before you winterize your boat (for those that winterize their boats) so that if you have any water in the lower unit it doesn't crack it. I've heard others say change your outboards lower unit oil in the Spring right before you start using your boat and that when you winterize it just open up the lower screw, let some fluid out and if there is any water it will come out first, then screw it back in and you're good to go for the winter until you change it in the Spring. The reasoning behind this is so you have brand new gear lube that didn't sit in the motor all winter.

 

 

When do you change your outboards lower unit lube: Beginning of Season or End of Season?

[Jig-Man]

If you don't use your boat in the winter and only change the lube once per year, do it in the fall so that if there is any problem you'll have time to get it fixed before spring.

[iabass8]

Change every 100 hours or at the end of year before you winterize, whichever comes first. I change mine twice a year. Once mid summer and then again when i winterize my boat for storage. 

If 100 hours came one month before winter storage time, I would still change it again right before I winterize it.

[WIGuide]

Always do it in the fall after it's winterized. There's a simple reason, water doesn't freeze and expand when it's in liquid form. When it freezes is when it's going to do the damage. The lube doesn't go bad sitting in the lower unit when it's not being used. You still have fresh oil in the spring as it hasn't been used. If it really bothers you that much then drain it in the fall, and then in the spring go buy your lower unit oil that's been sitting on the shelf all winter and fill it with the fresh stuff before you use it. Just don't forget to do that, because if you do you'll be wishing you would have just changed it in the fall!

[Ski213]

Unfortunately I don't get enough hours in to warrant changing during the on season.  I change mine in the fall. 

I do periodically check for water in the oil through the warmer months though. Water freezing and blowing the case open is a problem in winter for sure but water in there anytime of the year is a problem that needs addressed quickly.  

[cadman]

I change in the fall as well, for the winter season here. Don't want any water sitting in the lower unit if there is any.

[tander]

I use my boat 12 months a year so I don't winterize. I change mine in the spring usually in March since it is then I start to fish more.

[Catch 22]

What is this winterizing yall speak of.Kidding. I seldom do it because its 12 months of use for me. I check the color of the  oil periodically  and usually change it once a year. Maybe twice if its leaking.

To echo others, fall would be the right time,but honestly,I have never seen or heard of a cracked LU because of freezing. Anyone?

[Ski213]

4 hours ago, Catch 22 said:

What is this winterizing yall speak of.Kidding. I seldom do it because its 12 months of use for me. I check the color of the  oil periodically  and usually change it once a year. Maybe twice if its leaking.

To echo others, fall would be the right time,but honestly,I have never seen or heard of a cracked LU because of freezing. Anyone?

Yes.. A buddy of mine smoked #6 on a 225 merc. He took it to the shop to have that dealt with. He told the mechanic no rush since winter was coming on. The boat was covered but outside for a month or two during winter. Didn't just crack it, it cracked and then blew a chunk out of the case. Granted, it probably was a lot of water in there to cause all that. 

[tcbass]

7 minutes ago, Ski213 said:

Yes.. A buddy of mine smoked #6 on a 225 merc. He took it to the shop to have that dealt with. He told the mechanic no rush since winter was coming on. The boat was covered but outside for a month or two during winter. Didn't just crack it, it cracked and then blew a chunk out of the case. Granted, it probably was a lot of water in there to cause all that. 

 

7 minutes ago, Ski213 said:

Yes.. A buddy of mine smoked #6 on a 225 merc. He took it to the shop to have that dealt with. He told the mechanic no rush since winter was coming on. The boat was covered but outside for a month or two during winter. Didn't just crack it, it cracked and then blew a chunk out of the case. Granted, it probably was a lot of water in there to cause all that. 

 

 

 

So the shop paid for the repairs?

[Ski213]

4 minutes ago, tcbass said:

 

 

 

 

So the shop paid for the repairs?

Labor only to bolt a new lu on.