Refilling Mercruiser Bravo 3 Outdrive with Reservoir

[Captain's Treasure]

Does anyone know the proper way to refill a Merc Bravo .3 Outdrive with the reservoir? I filled it from the bottom drain plug leaving the top plug in the
out. Filled it with gear lube til it came out the top plug. I believe I tightened the top plug beforem filling the reservoir which has created an air pocket in the drive.
I did this same thing last year and the air pocket eventually worked itself out but I would like to know the right way for next time I change the Lower Unit Oil.
What's the best way to get the air out now?
I'd appreciate any help!

[cunuck]

I do mine the same way but when I put the top plug in I keep filling till it fills about 1/4 of the reservoir bottle.Then I know the air is out and top it off hope this helps

[tjwieseler]

X2

[shrew]

Ditto, the pocket is nornal and works itself out. You are doing it the correct way. The key, as stated, is to fill from the bottom until it comes out of the top hole. (I think this is called the gear lube monitor). replace the screw. Continue filling until it starts to enter the bottom of the gear lube resevoir. Then wait a while. It will continue rising and the air pocket will work itself out. you might try raising and lowering the drive once or twice. If you fill up to the max. line, it will most likely overflow very slowly. Once the level stops rising, then top it off. Then wait again, and monitor the level, it will most likely drop again as the last of the air makes it's way out. Then top off and you should be all set.

This is how my Merc mechanic showed me how to do it.

[Captain's Treasure]

Thanks for the help guys, next time I will fill it just as u both explained. I think I can pump some of the fluid back out of the reservoir and then fill from the bottom plug some more until it comes up into the reservoir.

Thanks again, I really appreciate it!