Is there a cheaper alternative to Merc lube? Its an Alpha 1 drive, what
weight gear oil should it take?

Thanks,
Rich

I am sure there is but here are my thoughts.
1. You might save $10.00
2. You change it once a year assuming normal use (not commercial).
3. You should change it at the end of the year during winterization to
ensure no water in the gearcase.
4. Why take a chance on ruining a very expensive lower unit to save $10.00
a year. You spend a lot more than that for insurance that you hope you
never need. If you really want to save money - don't buy insurance.

Just my thoughts.

--
Tony
my boats at http://t.thomas.home.mchsi.com

"Rich" wrote in message
. com...
Is there a cheaper alternative to Merc lube? Its an Alpha 1 drive, what
weight gear oil should it take?

Thanks,
Rich

If you're worried about buying $20 worth of lube then you shouldn't own a
boat!

"Rich" wrote in message
. com...
Is there a cheaper alternative to Merc lube? Its an Alpha 1 drive, what
weight gear oil should it take?

Thanks,
Rich

Maybe this didn't come out the way I intended. What I intended to say was,
auto parts stores are much more convenient for me to get to... And Merc oil
probably isn't anything "special". Its just about guaranteed that it is a
standard weight gear oil. Why can't Merc just give the spec. instead of
making us take a trip to the boat store?

Rich


"Woodchuck" wrote in message
...
If you're worried about buying $20 worth of lube then you shouldn't own a
boat!

"Rich" wrote in message
. com...
Is there a cheaper alternative to Merc lube? Its an Alpha 1 drive, what
weight gear oil should it take?

Thanks,
Rich

The spec for the oil isn't much different than the standard 80-90w gear
lube. What the concern is if you get a few drops of water inside the
gearcase which may cause problems. The "marine" lube has additives to help
the drive last if water gets in. Try places like Boater's World, Bass Pro
shops, West Marine, etc for lube which is slightly cheaper.

"Rich" wrote in message
. com...

Maybe this didn't come out the way I intended. What I intended to say
was,
auto parts stores are much more convenient for me to get to... And Merc
oil
probably isn't anything "special". Its just about guaranteed that it is a
standard weight gear oil. Why can't Merc just give the spec. instead of
making us take a trip to the boat store?

Rich


"Woodchuck" wrote in message
...
If you're worried about buying $20 worth of lube then you shouldn't own
a
boat!

"Rich" wrote in message
. com...
Is there a cheaper alternative to Merc lube? Its an Alpha 1 drive,
what
weight gear oil should it take?

Thanks,
Rich

If I'm going past the boat shop the day I need it, or have to buy something
else there anyway, I buy it there. Otherwise, lots of hardware or
anywalmart / Target/Fred Meyer type store all sell certified marine lower
unit lubes of various brands. You don't have to buy an automotive
substitute to save money or (more importantly) convenience.
While I agree that a few $$ difference between buying a product for cheap
vs. the boat store offering is truely insignificant, to me, convenience is
everything and the boat shops in my town are neither convenient locations
nor convenient hours of operation.
Cam

"Woodchuck" wrote in message
...
The spec for the oil isn't much different than the standard 80-90w gear
lube. What the concern is if you get a few drops of water inside the
gearcase which may cause problems. The "marine" lube has additives to help
the drive last if water gets in. Try places like Boater's World, Bass Pro
shops, West Marine, etc for lube which is slightly cheaper.

"Rich" wrote in message
. com...

Maybe this didn't come out the way I intended. What I intended to say
was,
auto parts stores are much more convenient for me to get to... And Merc
oil
probably isn't anything "special". Its just about guaranteed that it is
a
standard weight gear oil. Why can't Merc just give the spec. instead of
making us take a trip to the boat store?

Rich


"Woodchuck" wrote in message
...
If you're worried about buying $20 worth of lube then you shouldn't
own
a
boat!

"Rich" wrote in message
. com...
Is there a cheaper alternative to Merc lube? Its an Alpha 1 drive,
what
weight gear oil should it take?

Thanks,
Rich

I noticed your email is sc.rr.com there is a Boaters world or westmarine or
both in Columbia if its not too far. If your near Charlotte there is a
boaters world in Pineville and a WestMarine in Charlotte and Bass Pro shop
in Concord if that helps.

--
Chris




"Woodchuck" wrote in message
...
The spec for the oil isn't much different than the standard 80-90w gear
lube. What the concern is if you get a few drops of water inside the
gearcase which may cause problems. The "marine" lube has additives to help
the drive last if water gets in. Try places like Boater's World, Bass Pro
shops, West Marine, etc for lube which is slightly cheaper.

"Rich" wrote in message
. com...

Maybe this didn't come out the way I intended. What I intended to say
was,
auto parts stores are much more convenient for me to get to... And Merc
oil
probably isn't anything "special". Its just about guaranteed that it is
a
standard weight gear oil. Why can't Merc just give the spec. instead of
making us take a trip to the boat store?

Rich


"Woodchuck" wrote in message
...
If you're worried about buying $20 worth of lube then you shouldn't
own
a
boat!

"Rich" wrote in message
. com...
Is there a cheaper alternative to Merc lube? Its an Alpha 1 drive,
what
weight gear oil should it take?

Thanks,
Rich

Rich wrote:
: Is there a cheaper alternative to Merc lube? Its an Alpha 1 drive, what
: weight gear oil should it take?

: Thanks,
: Rich

I've been using the Wal-Mart gear lube in my OMC for over 10 years without
adverse effects (Lubrimatic, I believe). Prior to that I used Sta-lube.
Company brand products are often high markup products. Yes, there's probably
some risk in using another brand but in my case, I can't see a difference
from a reliability perspective (and the drive's a 1982 vintage).

b.