Mattag02 Posted March 10, 2013 Share Posted March 10, 2013 Hello all. I bought new a 2008 224 Sunesta with a 5.7 and DPS lower unit. I finally got fed up with the 4 week, $XXX engine/lower unit oil changes by my local boat mechanic and decided to do it myself. All went well with the engine and fuel filter but the lower unit is a different story. I bent the tool VP requires to remove the front prop but after buying a steel rod, managed to remove. The screw which is the drain plug will not come out. I've tried WD40, screwdrivers, drills (battery and electric) and it won't budge. I finally decided to take off the housing that contains the screw (figuring it would be easier to work with on my workbench) and did drain the gear oil but still can't remove the screw. Another concern and to my surprise, the gear oil was solid black, not the golden color described above. Two questions for everyone: 1) I know the color should be golden when going in but is anyone's gear oil black coming out after a season? 2) any ideas on how to remove the screw? You can assume where this is going...have I been paying for 4 years for a lower unit oil change and it has never actually been done? Thanks in advance for the help. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
PJJ248XL Posted March 10, 2013 Share Posted March 10, 2013 You might try a impact driver on the screw. Good luck. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Richard W Posted March 10, 2013 Share Posted March 10, 2013 I have no better idea but while you are waiting for one ...Just dunk the part in WD40 so the screw is submerged and give it a day or two. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Baum's aweigh Posted March 10, 2013 Share Posted March 10, 2013 An impact driver is the best tool for that application.Al Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Iggy Posted March 10, 2013 Share Posted March 10, 2013 An impact driver is the best tool for that application.AlYep! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Malcolm Posted March 10, 2013 Share Posted March 10, 2013 Yep manual impact driver should do the trick. The oil should be golden coming out too. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mattag02 Posted March 11, 2013 Author Share Posted March 11, 2013 Appreciate the help. Bought the manual impact driver and it finally came loose. Now I have to figure out why the oil was black and if its ever been changed. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
flyinverted Posted March 11, 2013 Share Posted March 11, 2013 I have tried to get mine off too. I'll try the impact driver! Thanks for the tip guys. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
delaney Posted March 11, 2013 Share Posted March 11, 2013 post some pics of your setup if dont mind., I have done a few youtube searches for lube oil changes and watching those the oil appeared dark brown to black as well. i imagine your mechanic just overtightened the screw. you should also replace the o-ring as well. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
fwb Posted March 12, 2013 Share Posted March 12, 2013 I do my own maint. each season. Dark or black oil after a season (approx. 50 hours) is normal for my DPS. Have never had a problem removing drain plug. One thing I have noticed is that it take "forever" for the oil to drain. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Centralontboater Posted March 13, 2013 Share Posted March 13, 2013 I do my own gear oil changes myself and I have never had a problem getting the drain screw out. When I drain my gear oil at the end of the season it is black, so no worries there. Maybe its a Volvo thing. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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