Outboard Gearbox Oil Adaptor

[steve_roach]

Hi Guys,

I want to change the gearbox oil on a small outboard. Do I need to get an adaptor (a tube with a screw fitting to connect the new oil bottle to the gearbox) or can I use the type of bottle with a filler spout (for example; this at Whitworths) and kind of jam the spout in the lower filler hole?

Cheers

Steve

[ggray]

The latter will work on smaller capacity lower units. Gets a little messy on larger.

[Uncle Bob]

Originally Posted by steve_roach

Hi Guys,

I want to change the gearbox oil on a small outboard. Do I need to get an adaptor (a tube with a screw fitting to connect the new oil bottle to the gearbox) or can I use the type of bottle with a filler spout (for example; this at Whitworths) and kind of jam the spout in the lower filler hole?

Cheers

Steve

Works well. Just remove both plugs to drain, wait half hour or so to allow all oil out, stuff tapered spout into lower hole and squezze bottle until oil starts to dribble from top hole, insert plug into top hole and tighten, then remove bottle and replace lower plug. Wipe leg to remove any stray oil, stand back and open beer. Simple really.

[steve_roach]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for that, I'll give it a go and report back.

Those are good answers - I was trying to source the adaptor in Sydney and there don't seem to be many outlets available. Buying one on the net would have cost an extra $12 delivery.

I saw the pic of the oil bottle and though; that may just fit. I guess it doesn't need to make a perfect seal, just a good enough for a while one.

Now, anyone know where to get those fibre washers that seal the oil filler / vent screws? I suppose this can be a generic part. But who sells them?

Cheers

Steve

[Pete7]

Steve, you are probably better off just paying for the right one. With the oil it does get messy so prep a couple of tubes of oil ready to go and buy more than you need because it will spill. A drip tray is essential.

Pete

[motion30]

Those washers are avaliable from your outboard dealer sometimes from the marine store cheap

[Ian R]

If your impeller is due for a check,remove the leg and refill oil with leg laying on it's side.

[Uncle Bob]

Originally Posted by steve_roach

Hi Guys,


Now, anyone know where to get those fibre washers that seal the oil filler / vent screws? I suppose this can be a generic part. But who sells them?

Cheers

Steve

Steve this is one of those occasions that one buys the genuine part. one REALLY wants to keep the water on the outside.
Cheers.

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by Uncle Bob

Steve this is one of those occasions that one buys the genuine part. one REALLY wants to keep the water on the outside.
Cheers.

A fibre washer is a fibre washer. Yamaha et al buy them from the same vendors that supply your friendly auto parts store (eg Repco or Supercheap). These are not "marine quality" items.

Generally, if the old washer isn't chewed up it can be reused a few times. This isn't rocket maintenance...

Cheers,

[steve_roach]

Hi Guys,

Tend to agree with the generic washer part. Actually, rather than go and get a load of washers, I was thinking about getting a sheet of the washer material and making my own. I would need a hole-punch for the inside and scissors / knife for the outside. There is a local supplier of 'vulcanised fibre' - this stuff swells in water and is therefore good for plumbing / wet applications. This will also help with my long term aim of being able to do basic repairs on virtually any small outboard far from civilisation.

I was going to wait until the impeller fell apart before doing something about it but I suppose it really should be swapped out every year. I'm a little daunted at this job but I'll see how that goes.

Cheers

Steve

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by steve_roach

I was going to wait until the impeller fell apart before doing something about it but I suppose it really should be swapped out every year. I'm a little daunted at this job but I'll see how that goes. Cheers
Steve

Something inbetween I think. Annually is a bit over the top, but if you leave them too long and they break up the bits go into the water channels in the block and its a devel of a job to strip them down and clear the water ways.

Watched a friend strip a V6 Yamaha 2 stroke block down 3 times before he got all the bits out.

If your going to that level, take out the termostat and check it in a mug of hot water too. chances are it will want a clean anyway as they collect salt crystals because they don't open when you give them a freshwater flush after use.

Final thoughts, should be some brass screws on the bottom of the carbs. Remove and drain them down to remove any bits. Check the fuel pump membranes and re grease the prop shaft.

Pete

[steve_roach]

Hi Guys,

Well, that went OK. Thanks for all the advice and help. Here's a link to my blog page that documents the whole process - not trying to promote my blog, I just find it a better format for this sort of stuff.

In answer to the 2 main questions here:

- Stuffing the oil tube in the oil filler hole worked a treat.
- I reused the original washers - but I will be getting hold of the material to make new ones.

Cheers

Steve