Draining And Inspecting Gear Lubricant; Propeller Removal - Mercury 40 Service Manual

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 - Vent Plug/Washer
b - Fill/Drain Plug/Washer
2. Inspect gear lubricant for metal particles (lubri-
cant will have a "metal flake" 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. Note color of gear lubricant. White or cream color
indicates presence of water. Gear lubricant
drained from a gear case assembled with Special
Lubricant 101 or a gear case recently in operation
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.
90-852572R1 JANUARY 1998

Propeller Removal

If gear housing is not removed from outboard,
before attempting to remove or install the propel-
ler, remove (and isolate) spark plug leads from
spark plugs to prevent outboard from starting.
1. Bend tabs of tab washer away from nut.
a
b
a - Tab Washer
b - Nut
2. Use a block of wood to prevent propeller from ro-
tating. Remove nut and pull components from
shaft.
a - Block of Wood
WARNING
a
a
LOWER UNIT - 6A-9
b
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