Man, did I have a disaster on my hands today.

I tried, for the first time, to change the lower unit oil in my Mercury and I had oil all over the place.

I called a buddy of mine who gave me some great tips on how to do it but if you all have any tips please let me know.

I smell like a lower unit now, too.

Thanks a million.

I've got one of those big round oil collection containers from Wal-Mart that has a dished surface. I put it under my motor and slowly lower the motor done over it. (Remeber to remove the plug that covers the collection hole.) Loosen the top hole screws, then remove the screw in the drain hole, then remove the top screws. Little muss, little fuss. Have some paper towels handy to wipe off excess old and new oil. You're in business.

Thanks for the tips.

I figured it out and changed out the old lube and put in the new yesterday afternoon.

It was a mess but I got it done.

Thanks again.

yep, screw the screw back in after fill the lower unit up is the messy part.

Just have to quick as possable and remember not to cross thread.   bigger problems then.  

Was you using a pump or squeez tubes? The pump makes less mess if your not used to messing with the tubes. You can buy the pump at WalMart for about $10. Also, be sure you put the top screw back in and snug it after filling and before remover the tube/pump from the bottom. You did fill it from the bottom didn't you, because the proper way is to pump/squeez it into the bottom hole until it comes out the top. Putting the top screw back in first keeps it from getting air and won't let it run out the bottom so fast when you're trying to put the bottom plug in.

I usually don't loose over a table spoon full when I change mine.

I was using the pump tube that screws into the lower unit plug.

I don't think I could survive doing it with a tube!

Thanks for all the feedback.

Sam