lower unit

[Montgomery]

250 Pro xs
Serial number 2B735281

So went out Friday heard some noise coming from the motor when it was in gear. pulled out and seen this it is only on one side. Motor has 320 hrs on it has been serviced regularly.

[5keepers2]

Hard to tell what I am looking at! Looks like lower unit lube coming out of a hole in the lower housing. Am I seeing correctly?

[Montgomery]

No sir all of the paint just popped off in that area. not a spot of oil anywhere.

[5keepers2]

I would take it to your dealer!

[EuropeanAM]

As discussed through email, looks like something came loose and lodged under the edge of the FWD gear (tooth from a gear, part of the clutch-dog mechanism, etc).

Usually results in a new gearcase with that type of damage.

[Montgomery]

Don
I appreciate your help on this
Thanks

[Montgomery]

Just want to give a thumbs up to Bowden Marine for handling everything on this issue. I go pick up the new one mercury sent this week

[Jasonrs]

Just want to give a thumbs up to Bowden Marine for handling everything on this issue. I go pick up the new one mercury sent this week

Was it replaced under warranty?

[Montgomery]

yes it was

[Jasonrs]

yes it was

Glad to hear!

[Montgomery]

William at Bowden's handle everything. The local mercury rep came and investigated and once it was determined it was no fault of mine a new one was ordered. I think it took about a month to get the new one

[mactlman]

these 4S lowers are borderline too light duty for these engines!!

[EuropeanAM]

these 4S lowers are borderline too light duty for these engines!!

Probably has more to do with inadequate lube than anything. If care isn't taken to make sure the new lube makes it all the way past the gears/bearings to the front of the case, rechecking and topping off at least 3 times (can even trim up and wait 1-3 minutes between checks), the level may be extremely low.

Pretty impressive gear and clutch set in these, compared to the predecessors.

[Montgomery]

Probably has more to do with inadequate lube than anything. If care isn't taken to make sure the new lube makes it all the way past the gears/bearings to the front of the case, rechecking and topping off at least 3 times (can even trim up and wait 1-3 minutes between checks), the level may be extremely low.

Pretty impressive gear and clutch set in these, compared to the predecessors.

Don
With this being said this lower unit was always serviced by an authorized Mercury shop. Does Mercury send out directions to their shops on how they should be doing the lower unit gear case lubricant?
Thanks

[thommo59]

Probably has more to do with inadequate lube than anything. If care isn't taken to make sure the new lube makes it all the way past the gears/bearings to the front of the case, rechecking and topping off at least 3 times (can even trim up and wait 1-3 minutes between checks), the level may be extremely low.

Pretty impressive gear and clutch set in these, compared to the predecessors.

Has your stance changed on this Don? There were posts a year or 2 back where you suggested not to do this but only use the level fill method until it trickled out

[EuropeanAM]

Yes- though it STILL needs to be at the correct level. I don't recommend trying to "cram" additional lube into the case by filling it when trimmed up (believe that was what was being suggested back then).

I personally will fill to the vent hole, tilt up 20 degrees and rotate propshaft several times, then let it sit for 1-2 minutes.

Return to level, if no fluid at vent, add until it reaches vent.

Repeat above cycle at least two times (by which point there is usually oil at the vent when it's returned to LEVEL position, indicating case is filled to correct level).

[mike464]

That's a great tip! Thanks Don

[Triton19x2]

That's a great tip! Thanks Don

X10......Thanks for the detailed explanation Don!

[Montgomery]

Don
Thanks for explaining.