Draining And Inspecting Gear Housing Lubricant; Propeller Removal - Mercury 5 SERIES Service Manual

GEAR HOUSING

Draining and Inspecting Gear Housing Lubricant

1. Remove "OIL" (fill) plug and "OIL LEVEL" (vent) plug. Let gear housing lubricant drain
into clean drain pan.
NOTE: 2000 model year and later outboards have upper and lower water drain holes.
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b
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2. Inspect lubricant for metal particles. Presence of a small amount of fine particles (resem-
bling powder) indicates normal wear. Presence of larger particles or a large quantity of
fine particles indicates need for gear housing disassembly and component inspection.
3. Note the color of lubricant. White or cream color indicates presence of water in lubricant.
4. Check drain pan for water separation from lubricant. Presence of water in lubricant indi-
cates the need for disassembly and inspection of oil seals, seal surfaces, O-rings, gas-
kets and gear housing components.

Propeller Removal

To prevent accidental engine starting remove and isolate spark plug lead from
spark plug before removing gear housing, place a block of wood between the anti-
ventilation plate and propeller, to protect hands from propeller blades while turning
propeller nut.
1. Remove cotter pin.
2. Place a block of wood between anti-ventilation plate and propeller blade.
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b
Page 6-8
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56387
- Fill Plug
- Vent Plug
- Water Drain Holes
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56388
- Cotter Pin
- Block of Wood
WARNING
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56389
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90-857138R1 MAY 2000