Originally Posted By: supercity
Most consumer grade products wouldn't be anything special. Stern tube lubes are historically very basic, cost wins. There is a movement towards biodegradable lubes more than water tolerant ones. Water tolerance may sound like a good idea to the enthusiast however it's rarely a feature.
I totally disagree.
Mercury Marine markets their oil as being "tacky" this stuff really is, it attaches itself to everything and if water intrusion into the lower unit, it will still protect the gears as best as possible.
I myself, ONE time in my life got cheap and bought Pennzoil Marine Gear Lube. I knew when I was putting it into the lower unit that it was not the same, felt like water compared to the Quicksilver and was easy to wash off my hands. I changed it out in less then a week or two and back to Quicksilver because I couldnt get it out of my mind.
All one has to do is buy a quart of Quicksilver Gear Lube and 1 quart of any other gear lube, your choice. automotive or marine to do the following test.
Here is the test:
1. Open Quicksilver Gear Lube and Open other Gear Lube.
2. Have someone pour a little bit of each gear lube on your two different hands.
3. Go to sink, try to wash off both types of gear lubes from your two hands.
4. Post which gear lube washed off your hands and which one will not!
Without question, Mercury Marine Gear Lube has a tackiness to it unlike anything I have ever experienced. Its really cool and its more then just words that it is designed to protect the lower unit in the event of water intrusion. I know for sure it will do that better then others, IF you get water in your outdrive, if not, then anything will work I guess.