Running boat in gear on land?

(loudsubz) · (loudsubz) **Join Date: Aug 2001** 10-10-2008, 3:56 PM

When I winterize my boat, I am going to change the oil and gear oil in the tranny. To do so I would want to run the engine in gear to heat up the tranny oil. Is it ok to run it in gear on land or will it cause any issues?

(07launch22ssv) · (07launch22ssv) **Join Date: Feb 2007** 10-10-2008, 4:00 PM

do you have a dripless shaft seal or do you have shaft packing?

(loudsubz) · (loudsubz) **Join Date: Aug 2001** 10-10-2008, 4:05 PM

Im not sure, Im running a velvet drive 1:1 on a Merc 5.7.

(chpthril) · (chpthril) **Join Date: Oct 2007** 10-10-2008, 4:05 PM

Dont do it as the strut bearing/bushing is water lubed/cooled.

Put back in the trans the same amount you take out, no need to run in gear.

(kylenautique) · (kylenautique) **Join Date: May 2008** 10-10-2008, 4:18 PM

Bad Idea! You can only run a direct drive/V-drive boat in gear in the water.

(loudsubz) · (loudsubz) **Join Date: Aug 2001** 10-10-2008, 6:02 PM

Thanks for the info!

walt 10-10-2008, 6:18 PM

Bad idea.

(rallyart) · (rallyart) **Join Date: Nov 2006** 10-10-2008, 7:12 PM

You're using ATF in the Velvet drive (I think) so it should come out pretty well even if it's cold

(dhcomp) · (dhcomp) **Join Date: Jun 2003** 10-11-2008, 11:19 AM

no reason to heat it up. Plus, the cooling system for teh trans fluid will heat it up if you heat up the motor.

(paublo) · (paublo) **Join Date: Jul 2002** 10-13-2008, 10:31 AM

I've seen a dealer do it very carefully with a fake-a-lake for engine and v-drive cooling and then someone else has a hose on the strut bearings. It can be put in gear and run a short time without the squeeling you hear otherwise. I would try it with someone helping and be ready to turn it off.

(etakk7) · (etakk7) **Join Date: Apr 2006** 10-13-2008, 10:37 AM

i wouldn't do it. But, my hand pump needs the fluid to be warm to be able to pump, so I have to do it on the water or just after being on the water myself.