What Type of Grease for the Lower Unit of a 1977 55 HP Evinrude?

Engine Model 55772

• The Evinrude 55772D is a gasoline outboard boat motor with an electric starter producing 55 horsepower. The 55772 has a standard length shaft of 15 inches. When new in 1977, it had a retail price of $1,700, according to the NADA Price Guides. At the time of publication, the price of a used 55772 is between $55 and $65. The fuel/oil mix for the motor is 50:1.

Engine Model 55773

• The Evinrude 55773D is the same gasoline outboard boat motor as the 55772 with an electric starter producing 55 horsepower. The 55773 has a longer length shaft of 20 inches, differentiating it from the 55772. When new in 1977, it had a retail price of $1,700, according to the NADA Price Guides. At the time of publication, the price of a used 55773 is between $55 and $65.

Grease

• You can use either one of the Johnson and Evinrude UltraHPf or the HiVis gear oils in the lower part of a 55772 or 55773 Evinrude. Evinrude recommends using TCW-2 oil in any Evinrude motor older than 1992. It's also widely acceptable to use regular or synthetic oil from any well-known brands. Check with a boat dealer or other Evinrude expert for any particular recommendations. Engine grease can be purchased in bottle or tube form. Evinrude recommends replacing the lubricant after every 300 hours of use or every three years, whichever occurs first.

Procedure

• Plan on a thorough lower engine drain that takes an hour or longer, since boat engines drain slower than car engines. Make sure there is just the normal amount of metal filings in the old oil. The normal amount looks like sparkles in the oil. Metal chunks are a problem, and must be addressed by an Evinrude service authority. Fill the new grease from the bottom hole in the engine, filling, adjusting, then filling more. The procedure varies depending upon the whether the new lubricant is applied via a tube of grease or a bottle and pump.