Does anyone ever change their fluid in their sea water pump? I think it calls for HP lower unit oil. I checked it at the filler screw and it's full. Boat is a 98 w/170 hrs on it. Change it or let it ride?

I changed mine this season and I'm glad I did. It had a gas smell to it and ran out very thin. It's probably a good idea to change it every season. I'll take a look at the manual and see what they say. I did use the HP outdrive fluid.

Bob

My manual shows a fill/check plug and a lower drain plug. When I checked the fluid, I only noticed one plug. Maybe it drains from the bottom? I'll have to stand on my head and take a closer look. Motor is a HP500.

The drain plug is right under the fill plug.

According to the higher powers that be, some pumps only have one plug (for fluid level check). This forces the disassembly of the pump for inspection. I'm not too familiar how the fuel pump is tied into this. I guess if a diaphram ruptures, it will seep into the sea water pump portion and contaminate the fluid. I also thought that if a diaphram did rupture, it would fill up the clear check tube to indicate this problem. Since the tube is clear, and the fluid does not smell of gas, I am going to leave it alone. Anymore input on this subject would be great.

Bob Oneil...

Didn't see in your post where you changed the fuel pump... The viscosity and smell of gas is most likely an issue... Unfortunately gasoline in to a very good lubricant so you may want to give it another check...

Tnx, Karl