Quicksilver Gear Lube

Why Quicksilver Gear Lube Is the Marine Standard

When it comes to protecting the lower unit of an outboard or sterndrive, not all gear lubricants are created equal. Quicksilver, the lubricants brand backed by Mercury Marine's OEM engineering expertise, has built its reputation on formulating products that go beyond what standard automotive gear oil can offer in a demanding marine environment. For boaters who want factory-grade protection, Quicksilver gear lube is the benchmark.

There is no industry-wide standard for marine gearcase lubricants, making it essential to use products specifically tested for marine applications — and Quicksilver Gear Lube's specialized additive package is engineered to outperform automotive gear oil in exactly these gearcase applications. That difference matters most when your engine is running hard: the gearcase is where horsepower gets converted into performance, and Quicksilver gear lube — formulated with advanced additives — is designed to outperform automotive gear oil in marine conditions and help prevent horsepower loss when gears reach high temperatures.

Quicksilver Gear Lube Product Lines

Quicksilver offers distinct gear lube formulations matched to different engine horsepower ranges and application types:

• 80W-90 Premium Gear Lube: Engineered for outboard applications below 75 HP, this premium formula has been extensively tested to protect against corrosion and wear, and is specifically formulated to help prevent failures due to water entering the gear housing.
• SAE 90 High Performance Gear Lube: Engineered for sterndrive and outboard lower units above 75 HP, this high-performance formula protects against corrosion and excessive wear, with extreme pressure synthetic additives that protect gears from metal-to-metal contact.
• 85W-90 Extreme Performance Gear Lube: Recommended for use in high-performance gearcases used in marine, powersports, and motorsports applications, this formula provides maximum protection against water intrusion, wear, and horsepower loss, and is engineered to protect at high operating temperatures.

Marine-First Engineering from an OEM Manufacturer

Based in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, Quicksilver has been the premier supplier of Mercury Marine original-equipment parts and accessories since 1950. That OEM lineage gives Quicksilver gear lubes a distinct advantage: Quicksilver is the trusted choice of enthusiasts who demand the most from their equipment, and as the only marine brand in the aftermarket manufactured and recommended by an original-equipment manufacturer, its lubricants are engineered, tested, and manufactured by experts who understand performance and protection.

Quicksilver gear lube is formulated for reliable performance in both freshwater and saltwater environments, engineered to perform across a wide temperature range while maintaining its viscosity and protective qualities in conditions typical of marine use. Vessels with sterndrives from MerCruiser and outboard lower units from Mercury, Mariner, and Force can use Quicksilver premium gear lube to protect their warranty coverage.

Maintenance Intervals

Quicksilver recommends the gear lube be changed at least once per year — prior to storage — or every 100 hours of operation. Staying on this schedule helps ensure the lower unit remains free from water contamination and wear-induced damage, keeping your drivetrain ready for the next season on the water.