Matt Can Catch Walleyes and Fix Boats!

Not changing, or at least checking your lower unit oil in your outboard motor before the season begins could lead to some costly repairs. Yesterday I changed the lower unit oil on my “new to me” 15hp Evinrude on the little lund. Changing the lower unit oil is quick and easy, so much so that even I could do it!  (Not to mention I saved myself $75.00 bucks from what the marina would have charged me). I think I spent more time trying to find the lower unit oil that I needed at the store than it took me to actually change it.

All that you need is some SAE 80 or 90weight oil, a large flat head screwdriver, and some elbow grease. I had no idea how long it had been since the last time the lower unit oil had been changed on this motor so i didn’ t know what to expect?

So, I removed the bottom drain screw and then the top vent screw and hoped for the best. I was pleased to see that there was no water or milky discharge that drained out. If his happens, you have water mixing in with your oil, freezing temps may have cracked your lower unit, this is not a good thing, consult your boat shop for some professional help. Likewise, if you see any metal shavings in the drained oil, you have a serious problem.

After draining oil, I inserted the tube of lower unit oil into the drain screw hole (bottom hole) and filled until the oil came out the vent screw (top hole). The oil that I used came in a tube similar to a super sized tube of toothpaste, so it was easy to use. I replaced the top screw first to create a small vacuum, next the bottom screw.  All that is left to do is properly dispose of your oil and wipe down any excess oil off of your outboard. Consult your outboards manual for specific directions, or at least for some pictures to stare at.

Will find out today on the water if i did everything correctly…..