6-10 - LOWER UNIT 90-826148R2 MARCH 1997
Draining and Inspecting
Gear Lubricant
WARNING
If gear housing is installed on outboard, discon-
nect (and isolate) spark plug leads from spark
plugs before working near the propeller.
1. With gear housing in normal running position,
place a clean pan under housing and remove
vent plug and fill/drain plug (with gaskets).
a
b
a - Vent Plug/Washer
b - Fill/Drain Plug/Washer
2. Inspect gear lubricant for metal particles (lubri-
cant will have a “metalflake” appearance). Pres-
ence of fine metal particles (resembling powder)
on the drain plug magnet indicates normal wear.
Metal chips on the magnet indicate the need for
gear housing disassembly and component in-
spection.
3. Notecolorofgearlubricant.Whiteorcreamcolor
indicates presence of water. Gear lubricant
drainedfromagearcaseassembledwithSpecial
Lubricant101oragearcaserecentlyinoperation
will have a yellowish color due to lubricant agita-
tion/aeration. This is normal and should not be
confused with the presence of water.
4. Presence of water indicates the need for disas-
sembly and inspection of oil seals, o-rings, gas-
kets and components for damage.
Propeller Removal
WARNING
If gear housing is not removed from outboard,
beforeattemptingtoremoveorinstallthepropel-
ler, remove (and isolate) spark plug leads from
spark plugs to prevent outboard from starting.
1. Bend tabs of tab washer (a) away from nut (b).
51119
a
b
2. Use ablock ofwood (a)to prevent propellerfrom
rotating. Remove nut and pull components from
shaft.
50552
a