How often do these units need fluid added?
I changed mine at 75 hours, time sense new. I checked it tonight and it took about 4 to 5 pumps to fill. Dummy me didn't check the amount in the container before adding any because I really didn't think it would take any. Its been run 27 hours sense it was changed. I checked it a few hours after changing and it was full. So with a little math I figure it took 4oz. Is that a lot for so few hours in use? It's not leaking any.
Thanks,

are you absolutely sure it was full to begin with?

It should not use any.

Assuming you're talking about lower unit gear oil, You should never have to add any fluid to lower unit unless there is a leak, that part of the motor is sealed and doesn't consume any oil.
I replace the gear oil once a year just before I put the boat away for winter.
your owner's manual will tell you how much gear lube is required for your motor.

are you absolutely sure it was full to begin with?

It should not use any.

No, I'm not absolutely sure it was full after changing it because I didn't measure what went in. I raised and lowered the motor a few times and rechecked and it appeared to be full. I checked it again after running it to be sure and it was full, or it appeared so, anyway.
There is no evidence of a leak because I keep it in the garage and I would know. Besides it's always clean down there, too.
I hope I haven't damaged anything, or shortened its life by running 27 hours being 4oz low. There's no vibration or any other anomalies that would indicate damage. Four ounces is not much but I am concerned, to say the least. I learned a valuable lesson with this and you can bet yo az I'll measure 33.13 oz from hence forth, too.

Thanks

How often do these units need fluid added?
I changed mine at 75 hours, time sense new. I checked it tonight and it took about 4 to 5 pumps to fill. Dummy me didn't check the amount in the container before adding any because I really didn't think it would take any. Its been run 27 hours sense it was changed. I checked it a few hours after changing and it was full. So with a little math I figure it took 4oz. Is that a lot for so few hours in use? It's not leaking any.
Thanks,

I think you were prolly 4oz. low since new.
If you were leaking any out... water would be coming in and your lube would be milky.

You ARE filling it from the bottom UP ,,,,,right?

The only way to really "check" lower unit level is to open the top vent,hook up the pump on the bottom and start pumping until it comes out the top.

A lower unit will not "use" oil. If any is leaking out,water will also leak in and "levels" will probably not really change. It sounds like it just did not get filled completely. Though 4 oz is a bit much,it's permisable that after you are sure it's full, about an oz can be drained to allow for expansion. My old Merc manuals actually instructed to allow 1 oz to drain before capping off the bottom.

Sometimes after filling, it can be a real trick to get the pump off the bottom and the screw put in before a lot flows out. Here is a little trick that may help. After you are sure it is full, before you remove the pump from the bottom,cap off the top vent(s) just tight enough to seal the hole. Don't torque it down. Then remove the pump and replace the bottom screw. The sealed top vents will restrict the oil from gushing out the bottom by creating a vacuum. After you have sealed the bottom,then loosen and remove top vent screw(s) to release any vacuum and equalize the pressure. ( I actually leave mine sit open a few minutes to allow time for any air bubbles in the oil to get released.) Then replace and tighten everything up. Make sure you replace the vent screw O-rings anytime you change your oil. Do not over tighten,as you will crush the O-rings. Hope this helps.

Yes sir, filled it from the bottom. I put in all the pump would pick up from the quart. Emptied a 13 oz tube in the quart and added enough to overflow the top vent. I raised and lowered the motor a few times and let it rest until morning and checked it again. I ran the boat that weekend and rechecked it again on Sunday. It vented a little fluid so I figured it was full.
I never once looked at what I had left over from the 45 oz I bought until I had to add 4/5 squirts the other day :banghead: I see now I have just over 8 oz of the 45 left over so that works out to about 3 or so ounces it took, giving a little for waist.
I guess there was an air pocket and it never got full. Either way I learned that I'm not as through at things as I use to be :boohoo:

Sounds like you'll be fine. Does not have to be absolutely full. A little room for expansion is good. I myself don't bother to measure any amounts as I will always use excess. I usually keep filling it past overflow as a way to flush out any remaining old material,as well as assure no air is left.

If you live in a cold climate,and put your boat up for the winter,you should really change it again before lay up. That is the recommended usual routine. If the fluid you drain looks good,no milky color,no metal in the oil and hardly any on the magnet, then refill it,new O-rings and you will be all set for spring and shouldn't even have to worry about it again until NEXT winter. Unless you see some evidence of an oil leak,etc, no real reason to be overly concerned about it. Just periodically pull the prop during the season,and check for fishing line wrapped around the shaft.That can burn up the seal and cause problems.

I agree with Mark. I think you are worrying way too much about it. I fill mine the same way, just put the stuff in, if its a few oz short I would never know anyway. Never had an issue with low oil.

I would also imagine the spec is with for a totally dry case, you will never get all of the oil completley out of it when you drain it, i would not worry about 4 oz.

Just keep an eye on it, Im sure you will be fine.

I still think it may have not been completely filled to begin with as Tmac concourred

I agree, it probably wasn't filled when I changed it. I was just surprised to find it low and wanted to know if it was common and needed to be watched. I learned the hard way that prevention prevents cure.
I bought an I/O once with an invoice from an overhaul with warranty. I checked the fluid when I bought it. Four months later I was paying for an overhaul that I could have prevented if I'd only have checked it after running it a while.
Thanks for the help, guy's