Summer for most of the country has been super hot. Temperatures
well above 95 degrees were the norm for most of the Midwest and South the
entire summer. With hot temperatures, boat parts can show more wear and tear
than usual, and it’s important to make sure proper maintenance schedules are
followed. Some areas that are occasionally missed are bearings and moveable
parts that need grease to perform at peak efficiency. They get very hot and can
break down lubrication rapidly. Hubs, spindles, bearings and other moveable
parts can wear and failure is a result. Proper lubrication can prevent costly
repairs in these extreme conditions.
Twice a year, it is our standard practice to grease all
fittings on the outboard, wheel bearings on the trailer, and we even take the
prop off for inspection and grease the prop shaft as well. With hotter than
normal temps we may do our checks even more. That too is an excellent time to check seals
and make sure that you haven’t picked up any line or have any leaks. Greasing
the prop shaft makes it easier to change the prop out if you have a failure and
it also prevents rust.
We recently changed out a prop, needed to grease the prop
shaft and while preparing it noticed the old grease gun was leaking badly. The
grease in the gun had divided oil from the grease and the first squeeze was
like old faithful. Grease and oil dripped everywhere. The old grease gun needed
a replacement cartridge, cleaning and a solid wipe down. Rather than cut
corners we decided rebuild the gun and use Lucas Marine Grease for this
application.
Lucas Marine Grease is a premium quality, heavy duty
lithium formulation with unique Lucas additives recommended for severe marine
operating circumstances, including salt water. Lucas Marine Grease contains
adhesion properties that allows it to stay put. On a prop shaft that is super
important. It also won’t break down like the old grease did and can stand temps
up to 550 degrees. It’s an NLGI No. 2 grease and is environmentally friendly while
preventing rust.
Greasing the prop shaft is easy. Squeeze a small amount
of Lucas Marine grease out of the gun on your finger or a clean cloth. Wipe the
entire shaft to the seals with a light cost of grease, not too much, so the
shaft has a glistening look. It’s also good to take a small amount on your
finger and place it on the splines inside the prop itself before putting the
prop back on. Slide the prop back on and you are ready to go.
Grease all fittings on the motor and put a touch of it on
the ends of the hydraulic shafts used for raising and lowering the motor too.
It will quiet trimming and take creaking out when raising and lowering the
motor. Check manufacturer’s specifications for proper amounts and grease type
before adding.
Keeping your boat properly lubricated is more than
putting 2 cycle oil in the reservoir and can save you big bucks on repair
costs.
To learn more about Lucas products go to
Click here to check out Lucas Oil Products.”>Lucasoil.com.
