Bought one of the drive pressure testers off ebay that was mentioned in a recent thread. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Outd...QcmdZViewItem
It is designed apparently to go in the upper vent plug hole. A note about the quality. Nice piece except it is a shame that the shraeder valve part was cross threaded into the body crooked. Hope it is sealed.

Do I need to do something to seal the drive oil reservoir before putting some pressure to the fitting? Is 15lbs about right? Was thinking the pressure would just push up into the reservoir.

I normally apply 12psi to the drive, but it isnt on the boat. You could put a small pair of vise grips on the hose going to the bottle, so you dont have any accidents in the bilge..
I let the drive set for several days and notice any changes, but then I use a 3.5" gauge and measure vaccum on the drive also...

Hope this helps.

Dick

Thanks for the response. How much vacuum? Is there a simple cheap way to apply the vacuum other than a pump?

Real simple,

I dont use the one you mentioned I use a stevens presure tester and a stevens vacum tester as im shure you are aware some seals are designed the hold pressure(keep oil in) and some are sesigned to hold vacum ( keep water out) so just press testing is only half the battle.

any way merc recomends 5 lbs for 10 min I ussually go 10 lbs for about 15 min if it holds that long with no deviation you should be fine

Oh, the drive should be empty ( no oil in it ) !!!!

Thanks. Wow, buyers remorse now. That looks like a better mouse trap

Zahandok,
I use a brake system vaccum pump to pull a few inches of vaccum.. some where in the range of 15". You can remove the fittings on your unit and adapt what ever you need to apply psi or vac. I would recommend a fuel psi/vaccum gauge, cant remember the brand, but it was $25 or so. It is 3.5 in so you can see slight variations in psi..
Just my way of doing things...

Dick