Merc Hipo gear lube VS. Amsoil severe gear 75W-110

eichhoma · 10-08-2009, 08:19 AM

I know there are a lot of threads about gear lubes but am curious who switched from the Merc gear lube to Amsoil, why, and how the results have been? I have new XR outdrives on my boat, and after 40 hours of use, we just changed the fluid and it has a burnt smell to it. no metal flakes in the oil and it still has the green color to it but am concerned if I am getting the best protection I can for it. Expensive oil is still a lot cheaper than a rebuild or a new drive. Would my drives benefit from going to amsoil? I have read some reviews and amsoil seems to rate higher but would like some feedback from members who switched and what your opinions are on it. Thanks!

Z06 · 10-08-2009, 04:35 PM

I use the AMSOIL Synthetic Marine Gear Lube SAE 75W/80W-90 with very good luck running a full season (80 hrs) without changing the oil. The outdrive oil gets very hot and I think the synthetics hold up better to the heat. I have Bravo X drives and I've heard that usually the Amsoil is used in higher HP applications but as you said, the oil is cheap compared to repairs.

c_deezy · 10-08-2009, 06:46 PM

From what I've priced out the last couple days, the AMSOIL is better and is actually less expensive than Merc green.

Strip Poker 388 · 10-08-2009, 06:49 PM

Racerngr1 is a dealer for Amsoil.he can drop ship it to ya

DiamondPerformance · 10-08-2009, 07:35 PM

We are also an Amsoil dealer and have had great succes with there Marine gear lube.
http://www.amsoil.com/redirect.cgi?z...551&page=index

Boomer35 · 10-08-2009, 07:46 PM

i'm sold on amsoil, the other stuff might as well be green death

bob · 10-08-2009, 08:54 PM

I run Amsoil in some #5's. Put 200 hrs on them, after several poker runs etc. We normally do the runs at 70+ so there is ample opportunity to put some load on the components. TNT found nothing wrong internally, nothing needed replacement. We did some lowere bearings as a preventive step as well as reversing some gears. I am sold on the stuff!

Griff · 10-08-2009, 11:28 PM

40hrs is too long between gear lube changes with 600hp+ that you have in a heavy boat. I would try to change it every 25hrs or so.

Greenkeeper · 10-12-2009, 08:02 PM

I use Merc Hi Perf. Keep in mind the stuff stinks new.. I've made several drive oil changes to my drive w 165 hrs. Remenber your warranty if merc. sniffs out the Amsoil they might void your warranty if you need to fall back on it. I've lived this down w/ auto warrantys and they look for any reason to void if possible... Although Amsoil Kicks Ase My 2 cents...

Back4More · 10-14-2009, 12:24 PM

Are you running drive showers? Halo style are the only ones that really work keeping the drive temps down.