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!

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.

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

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

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

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

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!

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.

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...

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