Gray Lower Unit grease?? Wasn't before...

[fishhedz]

1976 Johnson 135h outboard:<br /><br />I checked the lower unit prior to using it this year. The fluid was a dark "evinrude" blue color... I ran it once, pulled the top screw (curious for some reason)and now the lube is a "putty" gray color. It is NOT a milky or creamy color like what I would expect to see when water is in the oil, but concerning none the less.<br /><br />I am unable to get the drain screw out of the lower unit... it is a little chewed due to the previous owner using a too-small driver on it... ANY suggestions as how to remove it w/o buggering it up more?

 

[phototom1]

Re: Gray Lower Unit grease?? Wasn't before...

fishhedz<br /><br />See my orig post down the page some titled "vent screw all messed up". There is some suggestions that might help from others. I finally had to take mine to the shop as it was Bad. The mech. said he did not have to drill it out as I thought they might, he said he had a real long handled screw driver so he could really get ahold of it. I don't understand why people will not stop short of really messing the heads of screws up and get the proper tools. hang in there.<br /> Tom H.

 

[ob]

Re: Gray Lower Unit grease?? Wasn't before...

If you own a dremel tool with a small cutting wheel you can try to cut a more sure footed slot and then try using an impact driver to coax out the drain screw.<br /><br />I think that gray color you are seeing is indeed emulsified water in the gear oil and judging by the condition of the screw the previous owner had for a drain screw,I suspect your intrusion source to be the screw seals.

 

[Marc J.]

Re: Gray Lower Unit grease?? Wasn't before...

I'm sure you guys got it covered, but I thought I'd add my two cents worth. I took the biggest screwdriver I own and filed the tip until it fit snugly in the slot, no wobble. Then I leaned into it while turning the shaft of the screwdriver with a cresent wrench. The file made all the difference.