cableguy1979

Here's the thing I just bought a crownline and has a bravo one it's a 1996 model. When I got the boat the lower unit was separate from the upper unit which is mounted on the boat so I put the lower unit on and pressure tested it and there's a leak so obviously I need to take the upper and lower off and find out where the leak is. But I would like to take the boat to the ramp and start up the engine with the outdrive on it . And the boat will only run for about 20 to 25 minutes while I look for leaks in the transom and to make sure that the engines high rpm will settle down. My question is can I run cheap gear oil in the bravo for a 20 to 25 minute idle without harming anything. It doesn't even have a prop on it and I will only put it in and out of gear to make sure it doesn't need a shift cable. The outdrive is a lower pick up only lower. And I don't want to buy a flush kit or the high dollar v nose muffs if the transom leaks. It will then be a parts boat if it does. If the high-performance oil didn't cost $50 I would just use it. Since it will not leave the trailer and it will only go in and out of gear once or twice I don't really see the harm in using cheap gear oil but I'm not an expert with bravos if this was an alpha I would say heck yes. If everything checks out I will bring the The boat back home and promptly drain the gear oil. I'll do a seal job and pressure test the drive off the boat this time instead of trying to figure out if the leak is somewhere between the out drive and reservoir....yes I did clamp off that line. I just need to get a baseline of what all the boat needs. It's too cold outside to be doing much work on a boat but I can rest easy if the transom is good and the engine doesn't have a gasket leak.

Ryan00TJ

iTrader: (8)

I don't see a problem doing what you describe. Grab some 75w90 SuperTech from Wallmart

cableguy1979

Freaking genius....that's probably cheaper gear oil than I would have bought but that's what I'm talking about.

underpsi68

I wouldn't, but that's me. I don't like mixing oil. Merc oil is $11-12qt at Wal-Mart. It holds less than 3 quarts. How much are you really saving?

cableguy1979

Well I already bought some high performance oil which cost me $45 the cheap stuff is $15 and I don't have to use the good oil 20 minutes of idle time and maybe a couple of revolutions. The drive is empty now and when I'm done I will empty the cheap crap reseal the drive and put in the good stuff. I was worried about the shifting capabilities.

AllDodge

iTrader: (1)

Your not putting a load on the drive so you can use straight 30 or 40W oil. You can also put mobile 1 SYN W90 and use it for full out operation

cableguy1979

I didn't know they made gear oil in 30 and 40 weight.

minxguy

30 or 40 weight is a motor oil rating.
Comparative viscosity in a gear oil is 30 weight is an heavy 80w or light 85w 40 weight is a heavy 85W or light 90

Look up comparative viscosity chart, spells it right out for you.

Ken

Knot 4 Me

Teague was running 10W40 Amsoil engine oil in his #6 drives in his race boat.

cableguy1979

What that's crazy!!!!