Chris288

I was wondering the same thing,, if synthetic gear oil reduced temps. and a drive shower reduced temps,, is there a chance you could be running the drive TOO cool ??

Hydrocruiser

NO!!!

I called a very good outdrive specialist and asked him this very question. Fluids in a system that "shift" gears like a transmission is one thing and you do want to warm the unit up before use. Know how hot drives get? When you see "white chalk" on the drive it's because the drive boiled water around it and it formed deposits on the casing!!!


The most recent testing was done by Jim Wilkes for Hot Boat Magazine, and published in the April 2003 issue. Dockside magazine also tested the Summit Design and found a 50 degree drop in drive operating temperature and published their findings in the August 1999 issue. They also did a side by side comparison between the Summit Design and the Halo Design and found the Halo to cool the drive by an additional 8 to 10 degrees. Testing was also performed by the United States Customs Service. They found a 50 degree Fahrenheit drop in temperature.



Lower Unit Preventative Maintainance from a marine drive repair comapny:

"Lower unit oil should be changed a minimum of once a year. Done in the fall as a part of a maintenance program, lower unit freeze-up and cracked housings are eliminated. Our pressure and vacuum test devices for all lower units determine the condition of seals and gaskets in the lower unit well ahead of unit failure.
The propeller should be removed. The shaft can then be examined for fishing line (the #1 cause of seal failure). The shaft should be greased to prevent rusting and corrosion, then the propeller re-installed.

Mercruiser Stern drive recommends removal of the stern drive from the boat at least once annually. This is to check engine-shaft alignment with an alignment tool, and to grease the gimbal bearing and U-joints.

Bellows on outdrive boats should be inspected for cracks (from old age and sunshine) and punctures from sticks and twigs.

Sern drives will not expel water except in a vertical position and to prevent freeze up should be stored in a vertical (non-tilted) position for the winter. The bellows (rubber boots) of a stern drive will distort when stretched out for prolonged length of time and are reluctant to return to normal".

Chris288

I run a summit shower,,, and have heard 40-50 degree cooling,, and not only that, I highly doubt that the combination of synthetic gear lube and a drive shower would lower the temp. for a combined 100 degrees.. I have read the test about the guaranteed cooling effects of a shower,, but not of using synthetic,,, would be a good test to see how much just the synthetic lowered the o.d. temp and then also add a shower and test again..

PatriYacht

I'm using Redline Shockproof Heavy in my drives with 600+ hp behind a 43 Black Thunder. So far 2 seasons and no failures, knock on wood. You can order it from Jegs for 8.00 a quart.

asmith

iTrader: (2)

Red line shockproof heavy 725 hp blown 540,s in a cigarette 35 cafe racer with 100 hours of pure abuse. No drive failures. Blew the gimbal off of the back of the boat but dident break the drive. I swear by it.

Hydrocruiser

Why the big secret?


I talked a mechanic who says he uses Redline Shockproof Heavy and the drives last twice as long!