Johnson Gear Lube Capacity Guide

Keep Your Johnson Outboard Running Strong with Proper Gear Lube Care

Routine gear lube changes are essential to maintaining a smooth, reliable performance from your Johnson outboad. Over time, old or contaminated lube can lose its protective qualities, leading to increased friction, rust, and wear inside the lower unit. Replacing it regularly ensures the gears and bearings stay properly lubricated and protected in all conditions.

For the best protection, use Johnson geuine marine gearcase lube. BRP's XPS gear lube is specifically formulated for Johnson outboards, this premium lubricant provides superior wear protection, resists foaming, and guards against water instrusion in demanding marine conditions. Its advanced formula ensures long-lasting lubrication, helping you get the most out of every run.

Shop all Johnson Gear Lubes Here

Benefits of Using Genuine Johnson Gear Lube

Johnson's XPS gear lube is engineered specifically for Johnson outboards, providing superior protection that meets and exceeds National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) standards. Formualted to handle the unique demands of marine operation, Johnson gear lube offers exceptional lubrication, corrosionb resistance, and long-term protection for your outboard's lower unit.

The gearcase in your Johnson outboard operates under intense pressure, heavy loads, and constant exposure to water. Using proper OEM gear lube is essential to safeguard gears, bearings, and seals against wear, rust, and water instrusion. This helps your outboard run smoothly and efficiently season after season.

Johnson offers both standard and high performance gear lubes designed for different boating conditions. Standard gear lube provides reliable protection for everyday use and moderate loads, while high-performance gear lube is formulated for larger or high-output outboards operating at hgiher speeds or in extreme conditions. Choosing the right formuyla ensures optimal protection and performance, no matter how or where you run your Johnson outboard.

Proper Johnson Outboard Gear Lube Maintenance Schedule

Maintaining your Johnson outboard's lower unit with fresh gear lube is essential for reliable performance and long-term protection. Here's the maintenance milestones that Johnson recommends:

20 Hour Break In Service

For brand new Johnson outboards, you should change the gear lube after the first ~20 hours of operation or within the first month, whichever comes first. 

Doing this removes small metal particles generated during break-in and prevents easrtly wear on gears and bearings.

End of Season

When the season is over and you begin to winterize your boat for storage, you should always replace your gear lube.

Old gear lube can accumulate water, debris, and contaminants over the season, this can cause corrosion or lower unit damage that can lead to costly repairs down the road. Fresh lube ensures your Johnson gearcase is fully protected until the next season.

Every 100 Hours of Use

For the year round boaters, Johnson recommends changing your gear lube every 100 hours of run time. Regular service ensure proper lubrication, reduces stress on lower unit components, and maintains smooth shifting, and performance.

Johnson Outboard Gear Lube Capacity Chart

Please note that the capacities listed below are approximations and it is recommended to check your service manual for engine specific information.

Click here to download a PDF of the chart below

Model Year Capacity (Oz.) Recommended Gear Lube
1.5 1968-70 1 BRP XPS Gearcase Lubricant 0779480
2 1971-85 2
Colt©/Junior© 1986-91 2
2.0, 2.3, 3.3 1991-Thru 3
2.5 1987-88 3
3 1952-72 3
3 1990-Thru 3
4 (8110) 1969-82 4
4 (90) 1973-Thru 3
Ultra 4 Excel 4 1987-91 3
4 Deluxe 1986-Thru 11
4 4-stroke 2003 7
4.5 1980-83 11
5 1965-68 3
5 1988 6.4
5.5 1954-64 9
6 1965-79 9
6 1984-Thru 11
6 4-stroke 1997-Thru 11
7.5 1951-53 4 BRP XPS Gearcase Lubricant 0779480
7.5 1954-58 9
7.5 1980-83 11
8 1984-Thru 11
8 4-Stroke 1995-Thru 9
9.5 1964-73 10
9.9 2-stroke 1974-Thru 9
9.9, 15 4-stroke 1995-01 9
9.9, 15 4-stroke 2002-Thru 6
10 1956-57 9
10 1958-63 10
14 1951-52 10
45 Comm 1986-Thru 22
48 1987-88 22
48 1989-Thru 16
40, 50 4-stroke 1999-Thru 21
50 1958-59 35
50 1971-72 Electric 1971-74 26
50 1975-88 22
50 1989-Thru 16
50 Comm 1977-79 26
50 3 cyl. 56 Cu. In 1995-Thru 22
55 Electric Shift 3 Cyl 1968-69 26 BRP XPS Gearcase Lubricant 0779480
55 1976-79 22
55 Comm 1980-Thru 22
60 Std 1964-67 20
60 Heavy-Duty 1964-67 35
60 Electric Shift 1970-71 26
60 1980-85 22
60 1986-Thru 22
60 4-stroke 2002-Thru 19
65 Standard 1968 20
65 Heavy Duty 1968 35
65 1972 Electric 1972-73 26
65 Comm 1984-Thru 22
70 1974-Thru 22
70 4-stroke 1998-Thru 19
75 1960 22
75 Man. Shift 1961-65 20
75 Ele. Shift 1962-65 18
75 15" Small G/C 1975-88 22
75 20" 1975-84 25
80 Man. Shift 1966-67 20
80 Heavy-Duty 1966-67 35 BRP XPS Gearcase Lubricant 0779480
80 Ele. Shift 1966-67 18
85 Man. Shift - Std. 1968 20
85 Elec. Shift 1968 18
85 Elec. Shift 1969-71 27
85 1972 Elec. Shift 1972-76 28
85 20" 1977 29
85 25" 1977 35
85 1978 38
85 1979-80 27
85 1991-Thru 26
88 1987-Thru 26
90 Elec. Shift 1964-65 18
90 Cross V4 1981-Thru 26
90 60V4 EL, Sl 1995-Thru 31
90 60V4 EX, SX, V6 G/C 1995-Thru 34
90 4-stroke 2003-Thru 36
100* Elec. Shift 1966 28
100 Elec. Shift 1967-68 38
100 Elec. Shift 1971-72 27
100 1979-80 27
100 1988-Thru 26 BRP XPS Gearcase Lubricant 0779480
100 Comm. V6 G/C 1984-Thru 34
110 1986-89 26
112 1994-Thru 26
115 Elec. Shift 1969-70 27
115 1973-76 28
115 20" 1977 29
115 25" 1977 35
115 1978 38
115 1979-85 27
115 1990-Thru 26
115 4-stroke 2003-Thru 36
115 60V4 EL, GL, SL 1995-Thru 31
115 60V4 EX, SX, V6 G/C 1995-Thru 34
120 V6 G/C 1985 34
120 1986-1993 26
120 20" 1994 26
120 25" V6 G/C 1994 34
125 Elec. Shift 1971-1972 27
130 V6 G/C 1995-Thru 34
135 1973-74 28
135 1975-76 29 BRP XPS Gearcase Lubricant 0779480
140 1977 35
140 1978 38
140 1979-84 27
140 4-Stroke 2003-Thru 36
140 V6 G/C 1985 34
140 V4 Loop 1986-87 26
140 20" V4 Loop 1988-94 26
140 25" V6 G/C 1988-94 34
150 1978 43
150 1979-82 29
150 V-6 Cross 1983-91 34
150 60V6 1991-Thru 34
150 DI 1997-Thru 34
150 Comm. 1993-Thru 34
155 Comm. 1984-90 77
155 Comm. 1991-92 34
175 1977 44
175 1978 43
175 1979-82 29
175 1983 34
175 V6 Cross 1986-91 34 BRP XPS Gearcase Lubricant 0779480
175 60V6 1991-Thru 34
175 DI 1998-Thru 34
185 1984-85 34
200 1976-77 44
200 1978 43
200 1979-82 29
200 1983 34
200 V6 Loop 1986-Thru 34
200/225 4-stroke 2004 37
225 V6 Loop 1986-Thru 34 V6 Coro 31
235 1978 43
235 1979-82 28
235 1983-85 34

Johnson Gear Lube FAQs

► How do I know if my gear lube needs changed?

Gear lube should be changed at least once a season. Milky or discolored lub indicates water intrusion and should be serviced immediately.

► Should I replace the drain and vent plug gaskets during each survice?

Yes, replace the gaskets to ensure a proper seal and prevent leaks or water instrusion.

► How often should I change the gear lube in my Johnson outboard?

Johnson trecommends changing the gear lube on new outboards after ~20 hours, at the end of the season, or after 100 hours of runtime. Heavy use, sandy/shallow water, or saltwater boating may require more frequent changes.

► How do I know how much gear lube my Johnson outboard needs?

Gear lube capacity varies by engine size and model. Always refer to your Johnson owner's manual or our gear lube capacity chart up above.

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