1996 Mercury Force 25 HP Service Manual 90-830894 895, Page 11Get this manual
4Inspect gear lubricant for metal particles (lubricant will have "metal flake" appearance)Presence of fine metal particles (resembling powder) on the FILL plug bar magnet indicates normal wearThe presence of metal chips on the FILL plug bar magnet indicates the need for gear housing disassembly and components inspection5Note color of gear lubricantWhite or cream color indicates presence of water in lubricantGear lubricant which has been drained from gear housing recently in operation will have yellowish color due to lubricant agitationaerationThis is normal and should not be confused with the presence of water6Presence of water in gear lubricant indicates the need for disassembly and inspection of oil seals, seal surfaces, O-rings, water pump gaskets as well as gear housing components for damageIMPORTANT: Never add lubricant to gear housing without first removing VENT plug, as trapped air will prevent housing from being filledFill gear housing only when outboard is in operating position7With outboard in operating position, insert lubricant tube into fill hole8Fill gear housing until excess lubricant flows from VENT hole9Install VENT plug and washer (a)10Install FILL plug and washer (b)SALT WATER CORROSIONGEAR HOUSING BEARING CARRIER AND COVER NUT Salt water corrosion buildup can be sufficient to split gear housing and destroy an entire lower unitTo protect against such damage, therefore, it is recommended that the gear housing bearing carrier be lubricated on regular basis, as follows: Service first at the 20-hour inspection, then on an annual basisRemove the entire bearing carrier to adequately clean corrosive deposits and dried-up lubricant from both ends of the bearing carrier, as well as the gear housingApply liberal amount of Quicksilver Special Lubricant 101; or 2-4-C Marine Lubricant to the ends of the bearing carrier, then reassemble and torque to specificationsRefer to gear housing disassembly and reassembly (Section 6) Periodic Inspection