PRESSURE LUBRICATION
A pressure lubricator shown on the previous page is mounted on the upper end of the
drive tube and features a spring loaded piston which creates a small amount of grease
pressure inside the drive tube. This grease volume lubricates the prop shaft, lower bronze
bushing, and lower seals. During assembly the lubricator is intentionally oriented so that
the factory grease fitting is inaccessible. Lubricate ONLY the grease fitting mounted
adjacent to the lubricator to ensure that grease is fed into the drive tube and not just into
the lubricator. Pumping grease through this fitting will fill both the drive tube and the
lubricator.
• Visually inspect the position of the lubricator piston before and after each use.
• The lubricator should be kept about ¾ full so that grease consumption can be easily
monitored. The lower drive system should use up very little or no grease at all when
functioning properly.
• If the grease level does not seem to change after several hours of run time, pump grease into
the drive tube until the piston starts to rise. This ensures that the lubricator piston is not “stuck”
and giving a false impression that the tube is full. If the lubricator and drive tube are properly
filled, the piston should move upward after only a few pumps of grease.
• The lubricator cannot be damaged by over-lubricating the drive unit. The lubricator is
designed so that grease will expel from under the cap if over-filled.
• ATTENTION: The lubricator piston will not reach the bottom of the cup. When the piston
is at its lowest position, the visual grease column will be approximately 3/8” high. When the
piston reaches this level it will no longer supply grease to the tube. In order to insure proper
lubrication, the piston must be kept above this level at all times.
• IT IS THE CUSTOMER’S RESPONSIBILITY TO CHECK AND INSURE THAT THE
LUBRICATOR IS WORKING PROPERLY!! Remove and clean the lubricator yearly to ensure
that it is working properly and the piston is not stuck. If working properly, it should expel
grease from the bottom hole when removed.
• Do not clean the lubricator with a petroleum solvent such as gasoline, varsol, kerosene,
thinner, or carburetor cleaner. Petroleum solvents will destroy the plastic components. Wipe
excess grease with paper towels and clean components with mild dishwashing liquid.
SEAL AND BUSHING WEAR
As the lower and/or upper seals start to wear, the unit may start to consume more grease.
It may be time to replace the seals if the lubricator ever becomes empty after a normal
operation period or requires 10 pumps or more from the grease gun to fill on two
occasions. DO NOT DELAY THIS PROCEDURE!!! If the drive unit is run without grease,
premature wear on the prop shaft and lower bushing will occur and will elevate the cost
of repair. The life of the lower seals is determined by how the shaft is lubricated and how
abrasive the material is that the engine is run in, such as mud, sand, and silt. Under
extensive or commercial use, especially in brackish or salt water, the lower seals should
be replaced annually.
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