milky white oil

[Tmacular]

from what i know its water in it. what caused this and what should i replace.. should i just get a new LU? and is this a fairly easy job for a novice? its a 59 evinrude 35hp
thanks in advance for help
tony

 

[iwombat]

Re: milky white oil

#1 cause of water intrusion is not replacing the drain plug seals after each lube replacement. If that was done, you probably want to pressure test the LU and see where it's leaking.

 

[F_R]

Re: milky white oil

If it is a '59, it is probably leaking all over the place. So if it is leaking in one place, tear it completely apart and replace all the seals.

 

[wbeaton]

Re: milky white oil

Exactly what FR said. Its rare to find a 1950's OMC with good original LU seals. Don't get lazy and just do the easy seals either. The shift shaft seal is probably the next likely to fail after the vent screw seals.

 

[SAGINAWLOST]

Re: milky white oil

Does it leave oil on the ground if it sits awhile?. If not and the drain plug was not it, then I would assume its the seal for the shift linkage and/or upper driveshaft. As for ease of doing the seals. That depends on your mech. skill. I think they are quite easy but I have done this many times.

 

[Tmacular]

Re: milky white oil

the oil is not leaking from anywhere i just checked it the other day and it was milky color. but the LU is not leaking oil. so what could be the cause there? thank you

 

[Scaaty]

Re: milky white oil

Shift seal..driveshaft seal..a corroded shaft (D/S) toast a seal pronto..all topside L/U
Yank it..rebuld so cheap (and easy DIY) make ya wonder ya why they last so long, but not forever.....

 

[Tmacular]

Re: milky white oil

so a whole new LU should do it?

 

[wbeaton]

Re: milky white oil

You don't need a new lower unit. Just a seal kit (about $30) and a couple hours of your time. If you buy another 1950's lower unit it will probably have bad seals too.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: milky white oil

you are not going to find a new lower unit. used one may be in worse shape then the one you have. rebuild as recommended. have you ran the motor to make sure it shift properly and does not come out of gear, when it has a load on it?

 

[Solittle]

Re: milky white oil

Before you go ripping into it replace the o rings or gaskets for the fill & drain plugsa as IWOMBAT suggests, refill with gear oil, run it and then check again.

 

[jspringator]

Re: milky white oil

How long will it take before you would expect to find water intrusion after you changed the drain and vent gaskets and that wasn't the problem?

 

[HighTrim]

Re: milky white oil

Depends on the seal where the water is intruding and the severity of the breach. The water will sit on the bottom of the oil, so removing the drain plug for a second and inspecting the first bit that comes out will give you an indication of the condition of the lu oil.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: milky white oil

Do the drain screw seals/washers.. ...run it in a G-can for a half hour..drip a bit out ..OK, move on..milky...a total rebuild...parts cheap, process simple..

 

[richoj]

Re: milky white oil

Do the seals around the propeller shaft come into consideration ????

 

[wbeaton]

Re: milky white oil

Yes, when re-sealing the lower unit you need to replace the o-ring around the gear head and the prop shaft seal.