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Dave R · 07-23-2008, 07:57 AM

I agree that the drive should be removed, the coupler greased and the alignment checked every year (and it's vastly easier and faster than you'd ever think possible). But...

I don't know about Volvo Penta couplers, but I am certain Mercruiser couplers have 2 zerk fittings that allow greasing without pulling the drive. If you operate at idle speed often, the coupler grease takes a beating and should be replenished more often than once a season. I lay on top of my engine and use a 24" hose and a swivel head on my grease gun to get to the coupler fittings. I've had excellent results with Mobil 1 grease, but any grease is better than none. You cannot accidentally damage anything with too much grease in this application. 3 or 4 good pumps will replenish it nicely. My rule for coupler grease: not enough=not enough, just right=not enough, too much=just right. If you cannot find the zerk fittings on the coupler, bump the engine over a 1/4 turn with the starter and look again. The coupler spins with the crankshaft and the fittings can be hidden. You only need to grease one of the two fittings. There's two only to increase the odds that you'll find one without having to turn the engine over.

07-23-2008, 07:57 AM	#5
Dave R Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 2,985 Thanks: 246 Thanked 744 Times in 444 Posts	I agree that the drive should be removed, the coupler greased and the alignment checked every year (and it's vastly easier and faster than you'd ever think possible). But... I don't know about Volvo Penta couplers, but I am certain Mercruiser couplers have 2 zerk fittings that allow greasing without pulling the drive. If you operate at idle speed often, the coupler grease takes a beating and should be replenished more often than once a season. I lay on top of my engine and use a 24" hose and a swivel head on my grease gun to get to the coupler fittings. I've had excellent results with Mobil 1 grease, but any grease is better than none. You cannot accidentally damage anything with too much grease in this application. 3 or 4 good pumps will replenish it nicely. My rule for coupler grease: not enough=not enough, just right=not enough, too much=just right. If you cannot find the zerk fittings on the coupler, bump the engine over a 1/4 turn with the starter and look again. The coupler spins with the crankshaft and the fittings can be hidden. You only need to grease one of the two fittings. There's two only to increase the odds that you'll find one without having to turn the engine over.