Gear Lube vs Drive Oil vs Outboard Oil??

glocklt4

Member
Jul 31, 2008
447
Dallas, TX
Boat Info
200 Sport
Engines
5.0L Carb / Alpha I Gen II
I bought a blue bottle of Drive Lube, forget the brand but will post it later tonight. I noticed that the reservoir in the engine compartment that says Drive Oil is relatively close to the Add line, so I was thinking of adding some just to be sure that it doesn't get down to the "add" level. Anyway, I guess I'm confused as to what this is and what I need to put in there.

From my understanding this is just a reservoir way up on the engine that holds oil for the gear drive outside the transom, correct?

What kind of Oil should I be putting into this? There is a lot of "outboard oil" that comes in big containers but I assume this is 2 stroke oil to be mixed with gas, correct? There were some threads a read talking about only topping off the Drive Oil with similar from a Sea Ray dealer, but then replacing all of it with an aftermarket type when winterizing.

Soo.. what is correct to get?
 
Where do I get that locally (Dallas)?

Also, OIL to me is liquid, and LUBE is paste (like for lubing actual gears and bearings). Why are they calling a liquid oil? Or am I just confused?
 
Last edited:
Ditto on Stray Cat.

as for where to get it. you can get it at any boat supply shop. WestMarine, boaters World, and belive it or not I have even seen it at Walmart. any outdoor or boating supply store should stock it.

and don't go cheap, get the good stuff cause the only way you get home is if you're drive is functioning.

best of luck.
 
You'll get a lot of opinions. I prefer the Mercruiser Hi-Performance Gear Lube

Unless you have previously changed the gear lube, this is likely what was used from the factory.

http://northamerica.mercurymarine.com/otherproducts/maintenance/gearlubehp.php

This is the drive lube you should be using. Merc recommends against mixing other oils and high performance gear lube. The specifications for the appropriate oils, lubes, and greases will all be in your owners manual as well if you have them available.
 
Ok, great. Thanks guys! I will pick some up before taking her out this weekend for sure.
 
Also, OIL to me is liquid, and LUBE is paste (like for lubing actual gears and bearings). Why are they calling a liquid oil? Or am I just confused?

Look at it this way....if it pours from a bottle, it is motor oil or gear lube...if it is pumped from a gun it is grease. :grin:
 
ONLY USE MERCURY or QUICKSILVER Hi Performance GEAR LUBE in your BOAT!!!!!
 
Where do I get that locally (Dallas)?

Also, OIL to me is liquid, and LUBE is paste (like for lubing actual gears and bearings). Why are they calling a liquid oil? Or am I just confused?

Marine Max Parts has it in Lewisville - they are across the street from Slalom Shop on the way to Lake Lewisville (probably where you boat - I'm at Texoma) or Boaters World in Lewisville. Look them up in google...
 

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