funny smell in lower unit oil

[bobjoe1]

Just changed my oil in lower unit. It came out grayish in color but it felt like gear oil but had a really funny if not nasty smell to it. I did not notice any water until later, it seemed as though some drops of water had separated from the oil. My ? is could this be a synthetic oil and I should not be concerned. The Evinrude dealer changed the seals 2 years ago and never said anything about putting in synthetic.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: funny smell in lower unit oil

What did it smell like ???
Rotten eggs ???

 

[HighTrim]

Re: funny smell in lower unit oil

I always use synthetic and have not noticed a rotten smell other than one I changed that was full of water that had been sitting for about 10 years.

 

[bobjoe1]

Re: funny smell in lower unit oil

what about the color being grey. What color is synthtic oil. I figured it would be whitish in color if leaking. Also wouldn't the water come out first and kind of be separate from the oil.

 

[jonesg]

Re: funny smell in lower unit oil

Grey oil is emulsified with water.
Change the drain screw seals every time, thats the most common source of water intrusion.

if it smells like sulphur its old oil.
if its black its burnt.