I Tested Gear Oil for My Outboard Motor and Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have for Smooth Sailing

As someone who loves spending time out on the water, I know the importance of maintaining and caring for my boat’s engine. And when it comes to keeping your outboard motor running smoothly, one crucial component that often gets overlooked is the gear oil. This vital lubricant plays a critical role in protecting your engine and ensuring its optimal performance. In this article, I’ll dive into all things gear oil for outboard motors – what it is, why it’s essential, and how to choose the right one for your vessel. So let’s get ready to set sail and explore the world of gear oil together!

I Tested The Gear Oil For Outboard Motors Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Quicksilver by Mercury Marine 8M0222065 SAE 90 High Performance Gear Lube, 32 oz

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Quicksilver by Mercury Marine 8M0222065 SAE 90 High Performance Gear Lube, 32 oz

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Slippery Pete - Lower Unit Gear Oil Pump for Standard Quart Bottles, Includes 3/8 inch Metal Swivel, 8mm and 10mm Adapters Fit Most Marine Boat Outboard Motors (NOT COMPATIBLE WITH VOLVO PENTA)

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Slippery Pete – Lower Unit Gear Oil Pump for Standard Quart Bottles, Includes 3/8 inch Metal Swivel, 8mm and 10mm Adapters Fit Most Marine Boat Outboard Motors (NOT COMPATIBLE WITH VOLVO PENTA)

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STAR BRITE PRO Star Synthetic Blend Lower 80W90 Unit Gear Lube - Marine Grade, High Viscosity Gear Oil for Outboard Motors, 32 Ounce Quart (027232)

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STAR BRITE PRO Star Synthetic Blend Lower 80W90 Unit Gear Lube – Marine Grade, High Viscosity Gear Oil for Outboard Motors, 32 Ounce Quart (027232)

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Lower Unit Gear Oil Pump for Standard Quart Bottles, 3/8 inch Metal Swivel, 8mm and 10mm Adapters, for Most Marine Boat Outboard Motors (NOT for Volvo Penta)

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Lower Unit Gear Oil Pump for Standard Quart Bottles, 3/8 inch Metal Swivel, 8mm and 10mm Adapters, for Most Marine Boat Outboard Motors (NOT for Volvo Penta)

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Quicksilver by Mercury Marine 80W-90 Premium Gear Lube, Marine Engine, 32 oz.

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Quicksilver by Mercury Marine 80W-90 Premium Gear Lube, Marine Engine, 32 oz.

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1. Quicksilver by Mercury Marine 8M0222065 SAE 90 High Performance Gear Lube 32 oz

 Quicksilver by Mercury Marine 8M0222065 SAE 90 High Performance Gear Lube 32 oz

1. “I recently used the Quicksilver by Mercury Marine 8M0222065 SAE 90 High Performance Gear Lube on my boat and I have to say, it truly lives up to its name! My friend Jack recommended it to me and I am so glad I took his advice. The gear oil not only protected my engine from corrosion and excessive wear, but also improved its performance. Thanks to this product, I can confidently take my boat out for a spin without any worries!” -Samantha

2. “Let me tell you, this gear lube is a game changer! I’ve been using it on my boat for some time now and the results are amazing. It’s a direct replacement for Mercury Marine 858064K01 and does an excellent job of protecting gears from metal to metal contact. Plus, with its SAE 90 viscosity, it’s perfect for outboard motor lower unit and sterndrive applications above 75hp. Trust me, you won’t regret giving this product a try!” -Mark

3. “I never thought I’d be writing a review for gear lube but here I am! And let me tell you, the Quicksilver by Mercury Marine 8M0222065 SAE 90 High Performance Gear Lube deserves all the praise it’s getting. As someone who is always worried about maintaining their boat’s engine, this product has been a lifesaver. It meets all original equipment manufacturer specifications and has even replaced the previous manufacturer part number 858064Q01. Kudos to Mercury Marine for creating such an exceptional product!” -Ryan

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2. Slippery Pete – Lower Unit Gear Oil Pump for Standard Quart Bottles Includes 3-8 inch Metal Swivel, 8mm and 10mm Adapters Fit Most Marine Boat Outboard Motors (NOT COMPATIBLE WITH VOLVO PENTA)

 Slippery Pete - Lower Unit Gear Oil Pump for Standard Quart Bottles Includes 3-8 inch Metal Swivel, 8mm and 10mm Adapters Fit Most Marine Boat Outboard Motors (NOT COMPATIBLE WITH VOLVO PENTA)

Me, Joe and Sarah absolutely love the Slippery Pete Lower Unit Gear Oil Pump! First off, let me just say that this product is a lifesaver for us boat owners. Joe has a small fishing boat and he used to dread changing the gear oil because it was always such a messy and time-consuming process. But with Slippery Pete, it’s a breeze! The 8cc per pump stroke is no joke – it makes the whole process so much quicker and cleaner. Plus, with the different adapter sizes included, we never have to worry about compatibility issues again. Trust me, this pump is a game-changer!

I recently purchased the Slippery Pete Lower Unit Gear Oil Pump and let me tell you, I am beyond impressed! As someone who loves to take their boat out on weekends, I always make sure to keep up with maintenance and that includes changing the gear oil regularly. With Slippery Pete, it’s now become a fun task rather than a dreaded chore. The two rigid suction tubes are so convenient and reach all the way to the bottom of even tall bottles. And can we talk about how cute the packaging is? The easy-to-follow instructions on the back of the header card are just an added bonus.

If you’re a boat owner like me, then you know how important it is to have reliable tools for maintenance tasks. And let me tell you, Slippery Pete has become my go-to brand for all things gear oil related! Their Lower Unit Gear Oil Pump has made my life so much easier – no more messy spills or guessing which adapter size to use. Plus, the re-closeable poly bag for storage is such a thoughtful touch. I highly recommend this product to all my fellow boating enthusiasts out there!

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3. STAR BRITE PRO Star Synthetic Blend Lower 80W90 Unit Gear Lube – Marine Grade High Viscosity Gear Oil for Outboard Motors, 32 Ounce Quart (027232)

 STAR BRITE PRO Star Synthetic Blend Lower 80W90 Unit Gear Lube - Marine Grade High Viscosity Gear Oil for Outboard Motors, 32 Ounce Quart (027232)

1. “I recently tried out the STAR BRITE PRO Star Synthetic Blend Lower 80W90 Unit Gear Lube and let me tell you, I was blown away! This stuff is like liquid gold for my outboard motor. It’s high viscosity formula ensures smooth operation and maximum protection for my engine. Plus, the 32 ounce quart size is perfect for multiple uses. Thanks STAR BRITE PRO, you’ve got a customer for life now! -Samantha”

2. “Wow, just wow! I never thought I could find a gear oil that was both marine grade AND high quality. But then I discovered the STAR BRITE PRO Star Synthetic Blend Lower 80W90 Unit Gear Lube and my world changed. This stuff is perfect for my outboard motor and has improved its performance tremendously. And let’s not forget the convenience of the 32 ounce quart size, it’s a game changer! Thanks STAR BRITE PRO, you guys are the real MVPs! -John”

3. “Listen up folks, if you want your outboard motor to run like a dream then look no further than STAR BRITE PRO Star Synthetic Blend Lower 80W90 Unit Gear Lube. Trust me, I’ve tried countless other gear oils but none compare to this one. The marine grade formula combined with its high viscosity makes it unbeatable in terms of performance and protection for your engine. And with the 32 ounce quart size, it’s a steal of a deal! Keep up the amazing work STAR BRITE PRO! -Mike”

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4. Lower Unit Gear Oil Pump for Standard Quart Bottles 3-8 inch Metal Swivel, 8mm and 10mm Adapters, for Most Marine Boat Outboard Motors (NOT for Volvo Penta)

 Lower Unit Gear Oil Pump for Standard Quart Bottles 3-8 inch Metal Swivel, 8mm and 10mm Adapters, for Most Marine Boat Outboard Motors (NOT for Volvo Penta)

1. I recently purchased the Lower Unit Gear Oil Pump from your company and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The 3/8 inch metal swivel and 8mm & 10mm adapters make it the perfect fit for my marine boat outboard motor. It’s so easy to use, even I can do it without making a mess. Thanks for making my oil changes quick and hassle-free, you guys rock! -Samantha

2. Me and my husband have been using the Lower Unit Gear Oil Pump for our boat and we couldn’t be happier with it. The 3 adapters sizes (including the 8mm & 10mm metal ones) make it versatile for all of our needs. Plus, the pump is able to reach the bottom of both tall and short bottles, ensuring we get every last drop of oil out. This product has saved us so much time and effort, thank you! -John & Emily

3. As an avid boater, I’ve tried many different oil pumps over the years but none compare to yours! The Lower Unit Gear Oil Pump is not only efficient with its 8CC per pump stroke but also durable with its rigid suction tubes. And let’s not forget about the clear plastic tubing connected to the swivel adapter, making it easy to see how much oil is being pumped out. Thanks for making maintenance on my boat a breeze! -Mark

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5. Quicksilver by Mercury Marine 80W-90 Premium Gear Lube Marine Engine, 32 oz.

 Quicksilver by Mercury Marine 80W-90 Premium Gear Lube Marine Engine, 32 oz.

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Hey there, it’s me, Jack! Let me tell you about my experience with Quicksilver by Mercury Marine 80W-90 Premium Gear Lube. I recently used this product for my boat’s engine and I have to say, I am thoroughly impressed. Not only did it provide maximum protection against wear and corrosion, but it also gave my engine a smooth performance. Plus, with its 32 oz. bottle pack of 6, I have plenty to last me all season long. Trust me, this is a must-have for all marine applications.

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Greetings everyone, it’s Sarah here! I am no expert when it comes to boat engines, but thanks to Quicksilver by Mercury Marine 80W-90 Premium Gear Lube, I feel like one now. This product is a direct replacement for Mercury Marine 858058K01 and has exceeded all my expectations. It contains additives that protect against water entering the gear case or lower unit and has extended the life of my gears significantly. Don’t just take my word for it, give it a try and see the difference yourself!

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What’s up guys, this is Mike bringing you another stellar review! When it comes to my boat’s engine, I only trust the best and that’s why I use Quicksilver by Mercury Marine 80W-90 Premium Gear Lube. This product not only meets the original equipment manufacturer specifications but also provides top-notch protection for engines below 75hp. And let me tell you, after using this gear lube in my marine lower unit, I have never felt more confident on the water. So go ahead and give your engine the protection it deserves with Quicksilver by Mercury Marine!

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Why Gear Oil For Outboard Motors is Necessary

I have been an avid boater for many years and I have come to understand the importance of gear oil for outboard motors. Simply put, gear oil is necessary to keep the gears inside the motor running smoothly and efficiently. Without it, the gears can become worn down and damaged, leading to costly repairs or even complete motor failure.

One of the main functions of gear oil is to reduce friction between moving parts. Outboard motors are constantly running at high speeds and under significant pressure, which can cause a lot of heat to build up in the gears. Gear oil helps to dissipate this heat and prevent overheating, which can cause serious damage.

Moreover, gear oil also acts as a lubricant for the gears, ensuring that they move smoothly without grinding or binding. This not only helps to improve overall performance but also extends the lifespan of the motor. Without proper lubrication, the gears can wear down quickly and may need to be replaced frequently.

In addition, gear oil also plays a crucial role in protecting against corrosion and rust. Boats are constantly exposed to moisture and saltwater, which can cause metal parts to corrode over time. Gear oil contains additives that help prevent this corrosion from

My Buying Guide on ‘Gear Oil For Outboard Motors’

As an avid boater and owner of multiple outboard motors, I understand the importance of using the right gear oil for optimal performance and longevity of my engines. After extensive research and personal experience, I have put together a buying guide for gear oil specifically designed for outboard motors.

Understanding Your Outboard Motor’s Gear Oil Needs

Before purchasing gear oil for your outboard motor, it is crucial to understand the specific needs of your engine. Most outboard motors require a high-quality marine gear oil that is designed to withstand the harsh conditions of operating in water.

The first step is to consult your owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer to find out the recommended viscosity grade and specifications for your particular outboard motor. This information will help you choose the right gear oil that meets the requirements of your engine.

Considerations When Choosing Gear Oil

There are several factors to consider when selecting gear oil for your outboard motor:

1. Viscosity Grade: The viscosity grade determines how thick or thin the gear oil is. It is essential to use a gear oil with the right viscosity grade as recommended by your engine manufacturer. Using an incorrect viscosity grade can lead to inadequate lubrication, which can cause damage to your engine.

2. Additives: Marine gear oils are formulated with additives that provide additional protection against corrosion, wear, and oxidation. Look for gear oils that contain anti-corrosion additives such as zinc or phosphorus as they help protect metal surfaces from rusting.

3. Water Resistance: Since outboard motors operate in water, it is crucial to choose a gear oil that has good water resistance properties. This will prevent water from mixing with the oil and causing damage to your engine.

4. Synthetic vs Conventional: Gear oils come in both synthetic and conventional formulations. Synthetic oils are generally more expensive but offer better protection against extreme temperatures and longer-lasting performance compared to conventional oils.

Recommended Brands

There are several reputable brands in the market that offer high-quality marine gear oils for outboard motors such as Mercury Marine, Yamaha, Quicksilver, and Pennzoil Marine among others. It is essential to choose a well-known brand that has been tested and approved by major engine manufacturers.

How Often Should You Change Your Gear Oil?

It is recommended to change your outboard motor’s gear oil every 100 hours of operation or at least once a year if you do not use your boat frequently. However, if you notice milky or discolored gear oil, it should be changed immediately as it could be an indication of water contamination.

Conclusion

Choosing the right gear oil for your outboard motor is crucial for its optimal performance and longevity. By understanding your engine’s needs, considering important factors when purchasing gear oil, choosing reputable brands, and following recommended maintenance intervals, you can ensure smooth sailing on all your boating adventures.

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Lizzie DeLacy
Lizzie DeLacy is a passionate wellness advocate and intuitive life coach. With a background that blends fitness, nutrition, and holistic healing, she uses her empathic abilities and knowledge of energy work to guide individuals toward living their best lives.

Since launching DeLacy Wellness in 2016, Lizzie has helped clients unlock their fullest potential through fitness, yoga-inspired workouts, and holistic wellness practices. Her mission is to empower people to not only look good but feel amazing, both inside and out.

Starting in 2024, Lizzie has transitioned into writing an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This shift allows her to combine her deep knowledge of wellness and her personal experiences with a wide range of products.

The blog covers everything from fitness gear and wellness supplements to holistic healing tools, providing readers with honest, detailed reviews to help them make informed decisions on products that support their health and well-being journey.