Added wrong fluid last season

[charlg]

Before last season ended, the gear lube fill was low. I added power trim / steering fluid to the bottle. I probably used the boat a few more times before it was winterized, and now as I get her ready, I noticed the fill is low again. I double checked the manual to buy the correct fluid, and realized I screwed up. How bad is it to have added the wrong fluid? I did not had any signs of damage (last season). Anything I should do before I run her? It is a 5.0.

 

[RiverRat]

I would drain the oil from the oudrive and refill with the right lube...

 

[ghuskin]

You really should talk to a Merc Technician. Some applications are designed for a specific fluid. If you introduce a different fluid, the seals can deteriorate. This is VERY BAD!

Once upon a time, after replacing brakes on my car, I accidentally put steering fluid in the master cylinder. After a few weeks went by, my brakes stopped working. I had to replace everything on the brake system that had a rubber part. Needless to say, I am always very careful when replacing fluids.

Lets hope that you don't have this problem.

Gregg

 

[charlg]

I called my mechanic who winterizes the boat and he siad that they change the gear lube as part of the winterization. I'm curious why the fill was low if they changed it, but he said it could be because of an air pocket. I guess I'll keep my fingers crossed. Anything that I should be specifically looking for....noise, performance, etc???

 

[Stray Cat]

You couldn't have added enough to cause any harm...the power tilt and steering system will use the same seals as your outdrive. Keep an eye on your gear lube fluid level throughout the season. After a drain and refill, adding small amounts is normal, adding an entire quart is not...My mantra is read the bottle twice, pour once!

 

[SR Tech]

yes the seals are similar, the fuction of the two liquids are completly different. The seals arn't your concern

Gear Lube is obviously....to keep lubrication to the gears

Power trim and steering fluid is used to create pressure only, there are very little lubrication properties in it plus its about a 10W....not thick enough

I would drain it, fill it run for 5 mins, drain it again, then your final fill and you should be ok. It's really not a big deal.

As for the bottle...yes it is common for them to drop a bit due to air cavities in the drive, more than an inch means it was filled incorrectly or you have a leak.

During a change, unless you let it drain for an hr or so, there will still be lube in the bottle, chances are he forgot to top it off.