I'm in the process of building a 18hp longtail. I'm wondering if I could just fill the whole drive tube with gear oil instead of having grease zerks at all the bushings. My drive tube is 1" ID with a .750 shaft, bronze oilite bushings. it wouldn't take much oil and it would be easy to change.. Any thoughts?? What are the advantages/disadvantages?

Thanks, Greg C.

The longtail manufacturers have been putting grease in them for years. There's probably a good reason why they don't use oil.


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Ya I'm sure this a reason I just wish I knew what it was! I hate to think of all that grease accumulating in the tube.


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Probably the viscosity of the oil. Grease is a lot thicker. Those seals let grease out even when in good shape. Oil would not fare as well


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I'm going to try the oil, I'm building a resevoir and goin with a double seal setup. I ordered Biodegradable gear oil. that is enviromentally safe. That way if I lose a little, I won't be polluting my favorite hunting spots. I'll post some pics of my build when I'm done.

Just get a backh20 glider kit. Then you don't have to worry about grease loss.