Question on outdrive oil type

[A-Div]

Have recently purchased an 06 320 Dancer that was repowered 2 years ago (383 Mag Stroker). What oil should I use for the outdrives and where are the fill lines? I see oil reservoirs on the front/top of each engine but not sure if those are it. Any help is much appreciated - can't find this on spec sheet.

 

[Lazy Daze]

This kind of thing wouldn't be in a typical Sea Ray spec sheet - those are simply 'features and benefits', not maintenance items. This would located in the Mercruiser owner's manual or a service manual. However, this is easily found through searching either on this website or the internet, in general. There is A LOT of info on this out there. But, quick and to the point, use Merc Hi-Perf lube... filling is done at the outdrive through the lower drain screw. When you search for info, ANY info you find about filling an outdrive - whether Alpha or Bravo III - will pretty much apply to your situation, regardless of the boat the engine is in. There are literally hundreds of "how to's" on the 'net... and quite a few on this forum, too.

I see you're on a lift - how will you drain the fluid? If you only need to "top off", that is done through the remote reservoir.

 

[A-Div]

This kind of thing wouldn't be in a typical Sea Ray spec sheet - those are simply 'features and benefits', not maintenance items. This would located in the Mercruiser owner's manual or a service manual. However, this is easily found through searching either on this website or the internet, in general. There is A LOT of info on this out there. But, quick and to the point, use Merc Hi-Perf lube... filling is done at the outdrive through the lower drain screw. When you search for info, ANY info you find about filling an outdrive - whether Alpha or Bravo III - will pretty much apply to your situation, regardless of the boat the engine is in. There are literally hundreds of "how to's" on the 'net... and quite a few on this forum, too.

I see you're on a lift - how will you drain the fluid? If you only need to "top off", that is done through the remote reservoir.

THANKS for your reply. Just getting use to this board and will do more research beforehand next time. The boat is now hauled out at a marina between uses. There is a remote reservoir at the front of each engine with tubing running aft so I assume that is the outdrive reservoir. Each needs topping off.

 

[A-Div]

There is an open container of SAE 90 gear oil in the engine compartment. Didn't want to assume that was the right stuff until checking.

 

[Lazy Daze]

This is one those topics that's been pretty much talked about to death. But I also understand that you're likely new to outdrives and probably have tons of questions. If you happen to have the manuals that would have come with the boat from new, there is actually quite a lot of good information in those - both the Sea Ray and the Merc manual and are worth the time to read through. You can download the SR manual from their website - there's good info on Merc's website, too.

It's normal for that reservoir to drop in level after a gear oil change as air bubbles work their way out. But it should settle out within a few hours of use. If it continues, you may want to have the system checked.

Does the bottle (Merc brand?) mention that it's the hi-perf version?

 

[A-Div]

This is one those topics that's been pretty much talked about to death. But I also understand that you're likely new to outdrives and probably have tons of questions. If you happen to have the manuals that would have come with the boat from new, there is actually quite a lot of good information in those - both the Sea Ray and the Merc manual and are worth the time to read through. You can download the SR manual from their website - there's good info on Merc's website, too.

It's normal for that reservoir to drop in level after a gear oil change as air bubbles work their way out. But it should settle out within a few hours of use. If it continues, you may want to have the system checked.

Does the bottle (Merc brand?) mention that it's the hi-perf version?

Yes, it is hi-performance and you are correct - I am new to outdrives. The manuals I have are for the original Mercs and am not sure if they replaced the outdrives as well. No service records, unfortunately, because there was a buyer in between me and the owner who did the repower and records were not obtained. But, I am going to have a mechanic go through this with me after the holidays to get the right manuals. Meanwhile, didn't want to add the wrong oil to the outdrives. Once I get those together I should be good. This is a great site and have learned a lot already. Appreciate the time you guys put into it. Have a wonderful Christmas/New Year.

 

[Lazy Daze]

You're welcome! You have a nice boat - with those 6.2's and outdrives, it's great performer, too! Must be a pretty beefy lift!

Merry Christmas!!!

 

[KevinC]

This kind of thing wouldn't be in a typical Sea Ray spec sheet - those are simply 'features and benefits', not maintenance items. This would located in the Mercruiser owner's manual or a service manual. However, this is easily found through searching either on this website or the internet, in general. There is A LOT of info on this out there. But, quick and to the point, use Merc Hi-Perf lube... filling is done at the outdrive through the lower drain screw. When you search for info, ANY info you find about filling an outdrive - whether Alpha or Bravo III - will pretty much apply to your situation, regardless of the boat the engine is in. There are literally hundreds of "how to's" on the 'net... and quite a few on this forum, too.

I see you're on a lift - how will you drain the fluid? If you only need to "top off", that is done through the remote reservoir.

+1 on the Merc/Quicksilver High Performance Gear Lube. BTW its usually available at Walmart in quarts.

-Kevin