Marine Grease Compatability

[DaleW]

Hi Guys,
I love reading this forum, but sometimes I get me a headache trying to keep up with you. So after some searching, I thought I'd just ask.

When I bought my boat (2004 four-winns with volvo-penta outdrive) I also bought a tube of grease for the gimbal bearing. I am pretty sure it was Evinrude branded grease. It is a real dark blue color. I could drive out to the dealer again and buy another tube again, but I see that an auto-shop near here has Lucas Greases on sale.

Would the Lucas Marine Grease be compatible with the Evinrude brand?

Thanks

Oh, and let me throw this out there. I can find Mobile-1 synthetic too. Would that be ok on the gimbal bearing (and trailer wheel bearings) if you do not recommend the Lucas Marine?

 

[john_pifer]

The Mobil 1 grease won't be as waterproof as marine grease.

 

[fins]

This is what I have used for the past 20 years........

http://www.boatersplus.com/lubrimatic-gr...paign=shopzilla

Lubrimatic Marine Grease

 

[Donald]

I would get marine grease. I am sure Walmart sells it as does NAPA, AZ, etc.

 

[FZ1]

I prefer the OMC Triple Grease you got at the dealer.

 

[edwardh1]

thats what I use too the tripple guard,
dealer has used it for 25 years or so, but $10 a tube/cartridge.

 

[cchase]

Correct me if I'm wrong but I don't think you can grease the gimbal bearing with the outdrive on the boat, even though there is a zerk fitting.

 

[Donald]

Originally Posted By: cchase
Correct me if I'm wrong but I don't think you can grease the gimbal bearing with the outdrive on the boat, even though there is a zerk fitting.


At least on a Mercruiser there is a zerk on the outside of the outdrive for the gimbal bearing. But you still need to grease the u-joints and spline shaft. The drive needs to come off for that.

 

[cchase]

Interesting. Something is making me remember from my VP repair manual that even though it has a zerk fitting, the grease won't actually get to where its needed if the outdrive is on the boat, which I remember because it made the grease fitting seem pointless.

I'd be happy to find out that isn't the case...

 

[Donald]

With an Alpha One, you pull the drive every other year, replace the water pump, grease spline shaft and u-joints.

 

[Donald]

Also keep in mind, that marine grease is only needed for the two zerks that grease the pivot point for tilting the outdrive, the prop shaft and trailer bearings. If you are getting water into the gimbal bearing or other bearings, you have big troubles.

 

[Silverado12]

If you have a newer Mercruiser, you don't need to pull the drive. It has sealed U-joints and they work well (mine has them and it's a 1999).

 

[lars11]

yep, depends on drive. I have a DPS drive and there is a zerk on the outside connected to the bearing via a plastic(?) pipe. Watch out so that you don't bend that zerk out, I know it can be done...
The bearing should not be exposed to water, if so, you have other things to worry about before grease.
Good question though, because some "marine" greases are incompatible with bearing grease causing them to thin out badly just pour out of the bearing.
Check manual for right type, I don't think it will be the same as the prop shaft grease or gimbal grease.