Winterizing-Lower unit

[Huskie]

Winterizing my 70hp Johnson (1990) for the first time myself, drained the lower unit. I picked up a quart of lower unit grease/oil, but I don't have a pump type. On other threads it says to fill from the bottom, can I do that without a pump? Just have a plastic container,like a quart of oil, not a squeeze tube. Or can I put the lower screw plug in and fill from the top. Also, how much does it hold? Thanks

[JEV]

Well, I'm not familiar with outboards but I've done quite a bit of work on my I/O drive on my boat. If outboards are anything like I/O's DO NOT fill it from the top plug hole. They have to be filled from the bottom. This pushes out excess air and makes sure the entire lower unit is full of oil. It would be best if you went and picked up one of those hand pumps. They aren't expensive and will last forever. Trying to get the oil in without one is going to be a messy job.

JEV

[Wishin2BFishin]

With the engine down take the lower plug out then the upper one. After the lube has drained put the tapered cap that should have come with the quart of lube on and stick it in the lower hole and squeeze the container till the lube comes out the top hole. Then put the top plug in and quickly remove the container and put the lower plug in. best of luck...

[Valv]

If you don't buy the little pump (which is just 5 or 6 bucks at walmart) you might need more than 1 or 2 bottles of oil on your 70hp.

It has to be filled from bottom, to avoid air pockets.

[Wavey Davey]

I use just the plastic tubes without a pump all the time.

My 65 HP Johnson uses just under 2 tubes. I have a 7-1/2 HP Merc that uses less than 1 tube. So, the bigger the motor the more lube needed. Play it safe and have plenty on hand.

As said, a little messy.

[BarryG]

Those little pumps cost $5 or $6 bucks and the longer you use them the less the cost per year, and easier than using the tubes. They are also quite abit quicker, if you might be like me and forget to check your lower unit until 9pm the night before you leave for LOW from MO.

[fish2live]

i hope this is not the wrong way i use amsoil and i fill from the top there is a vent screw so you can do this.i use a syringe and fill until when i pull it out the oil runs from the oil fill hole then i let it set about an hour so the air can make it's way out, then come back and top it off. less mess this way

[Animal]

I have a pump that screws on to a gallon jug. It has a fitting and fill tube that that screws in the the bottom hole. Fittings are available for different makes and models. See a dealer. No fuss or mess. I never could get those tubes to work without dumping 1/2 the oil all over my hand.

[Northlander]

I also use Amsoil and bought their 1 quart pump because their bottles are bigger at the top than most. I fill from the bottom and thats the way it should be done. Once trhe lube comes out of the top screw hole hold bressure there and put the top screw in. Next take out the pump nipple from lower screw hole and put your finger in the hole til ya get the bottom screw tightened in. Make sure both screws are tight and your golden. Spend the $5 to $9 on the pump cuzz its easier and less messy. Like said before the more you sue it ( twice a year for me) the better ya get with it. Probably saves me a buck every time because I have way less waste.

[Huskie]

What type of hand pump do I ask for at Wal-Mart or Cabela's to inject the oil? It sure sounds like that will make it a lot easier, thanks.

[Northlander]

Im guessing any pump that fits the bottle you will be pumping out of and that has a fitting that will hold in the lower plug hole on your lower unit should work. I got 1 of mine at Bumper to bumper and the other right from Amsoil in Superior Wi.

[Wave Runner]

If you look where they sell the lower unit lube itself, Lubrimatic makes the pump with a short hose and a plastic threaded fitting on it that screws into the lower unit...

[BarryG]

Alot of times they come in a pack together, oil and pump in the same pack.

[Animal]

I've used the the plastic connector and the steel threads on the female side (motor) cut right through them. Better to stick with steel.

[Valv]

It's actually aluminum, and you don't have to tighten it, just turn it enough not to have it fall down, and...don't crossthread the plastic....