Lower Unit Oil-Yamalube

I’ve always run Yamalube lower unit oil in my Yamaha outboard. Do I need to keep paying for the brandname or is there a cheaper alternative with the same performance?

For my yamalube two-stroke oil, my shop lets me bring in the empty jug and they refill it from the big barrel in the shop. Saves a decent chunk and I still get the product I know and trust. Might be worth asking.

AK Guy wrote:

I’ve always run Yamalube lower unit oil in my Yamaha outboard. Do I need to keep paying for the brandname or is there a cheaper alternative with the same performance?

No, unless it is important to you to keep Yamaha profits as high as possible, there’s no reason to keep buying overpriced, rebranded oil.

Guys get way, way too hung up on brands. Yamaha doesn’t make oil. Lower unit oil is just multi weight gear oil. Changing frequency and inspection for contamination are way more important than boutique brands.

At 12$ a quart I wouldn’t say buying yamalube gear oil is exspensive. I use mobil 75w90 synthetic but it’s actually more then yamalube. If you only use a quart or 2 a year I’m not sure really how much you can save. Just make sure what you buy is meets GL-5 requirements.

Gear oil is not something usually used in enough quantity to show much of a savings but like others have said I use whatever fits the specs. Of all the lubricants, gear oil is usually the one I worry least about except bar oil for my chain saws.

It’s pretty low cost in the first place. Not to much savings to be had.

I use Amsoil. Amsoil garantees protection even with 10% water in the lower unit. Also cheaper than Yamalube.

MX1825 wrote:

I use Amsoil. Amsoil garantees protection even with 10% water in the lower unit. Also cheaper than Yamalube.

I also use amsoil, for every thing really.

Yes it actually is quite cheap. I drain it the 1st time, then after that, i just let a little drain out to make sure there is no water in it and top off. Every 3 yrs or so i would do a full drain again. At $13 youre not going to save a whole lot by using a fifferent oil.
Just remember the kicker uses a different oil.

If it’s in warranty I would stick with yamalube. If it’s out of warranty it’s up to you. It takes such a small quantity I don’t see the savings.

Mine keeps changing color after repeated use. Nothing separates out though. It goes from green to brown. When do I break down and reseal the gearbox?

I would think if it’s brown there is water there.

I would use it every time but they don’t sell it anywhere I frequent. Only places that claim to carry Yamaha lubricants are boat dealers or bike shops which is frustrating. Gander used to carry it but don’t have those around me. I been going off eBay lately. pain in the ace if anything.

Musky Ed wrote:

I would think if it’s brown there is water there.

Water would turn it grey and milky.

MX1825 wrote:

I use Amsoil. Amsoil garantees protection even with 10% water in the lower unit. Also cheaper than Yamalube.

That guarantee sounds like the one in the movie Tommy Boy.

Ripjiggen wrote:

That guarantee sounds like the one in the movie Tommy Boy.

Tell ya what, you could get a good look at a t-bone by sticking your head up a butchers *ss, no wait…

Bearcat89 wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>MX1825 wrote:</div>
I use Amsoil. Amsoil garantees protection even with 10% water in the lower unit. Also cheaper than Yamalube.

I also use amsoil, for every thing really.

Same here. Harley, wheeler, boats, snow blower, etc.
DT

Three different pics of water in oil. Not always the same color, also could be a milky gray look or I’m sure others, but will not look like the oil you put in. Could actually drain out as water I guess, but I have never seen that.

Attachments:

1. 

   oil-a.jpg
   

2. 

   oil-b.jpg
   

3. 

   oil-c.jpg
   

Ripjiggen wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>MX1825 wrote:</div>
I use Amsoil. Amsoil garantees protection even with 10% water in the lower unit. Also cheaper than Yamalube.

That guarantee sounds like the one in the movie Tommy Boy.

I’ve thought the same thing but that is stated on the label.