Bravo 3 Gear Lube - will trapped air work out?

[Loneranger]

I changed my Bravo 3 stern drive lube yesterday. I first drained the gear lube reservoir, the drained the drive. I then pumped new lube back into the drive from the bottom until it ran out of the vent hole. I then plugged the vent hole and the bottom drain hole. Then I filled up the reservoir tank. I ran the boat a short ways without a problem and did not notice any drop in the lube reservoir level.

Then I read the manual that states to continue to fill the drive from the bottom until lube runs out of the vent hole. Then close the vent hole and continue to pump in lube until you have about an inch of lube in the reservoir. So I likely have air trapped between the vent hole and the reservoir. Will this air bubble work out?

Thanks.
John

 

[FYN409]

Now that the reservoir is hooked up you could pump some more oil in from the drain hole in the drive and it should force out the air. Just make sure your reservoir is not too full when you start or you could end up with a mess...... :thumbsup:

-Ryan

 

[Fishnut]

If you have air in the line it should drop fairly soon. I would loosen the cap a little so you don't have a vacuum. Mine dropped about have the resevoir the first time I did mine. Keep some on hand and check frequently the first few times you take it out.

 

[Loneranger]

Thanks for the info. I will loosen the cap, although I think there is a vent that allows air to flow into the reservoir to prevent such a vacuum.

I thought about putting more in through the bottom but it is PITA to get to my stern drive since I have it stored in a lift and I have no trailer for it. I bring around my inflatable "workboat" to get to the stern or I have an extendable alluminum plank that I lay across the pier at the stern.

I was not too worried about it and so far the concensus seems to be that it will "burb".

John

 

[skolbe]

I always changed mine at the end of the season - a merc mechanic told me just to fill it until it comes out the top hole and then fill the reservoir to the top of the container - not the full line - come spring - it will be sitting where you want it to be - the full line.

 

[Loneranger]

"burb" is "burp" when you are typing on your phone

John

 

[skibum]

nevermind...