1969 lower unit oil yellowish?

[captain spike]

have a 1969 115 jonny with elec shift changed out the lower unit oil and it was a yellowish tan color unit works great but the fluid has me a little concern .did the same thing last year and it was the same color.havent had a problem in three seasons but i know the type c oil has changed color from a clear to this color.should i be concerned?what do the fine people of iboats recommend?any input would be great thanks.<br /> <br /> *** 1971 18' winner 1969 115 jonny ***

 

[ddaigle]

Re: 1969 lower unit oil yellowish?

I have the same problem with my 71 60 horse, most likely water intrusion through seals on driveshaft under waterpump. But I am looking for answers too as it is a strange color..

 

[rwise]

Re: 1969 lower unit oil yellowish?

about the only thing I have seen turn oil yellow was brass flacks. If thats it it can't be good.

 

[ddaigle]

Re: 1969 lower unit oil yellowish?

The electric shifts use a different oil(type c) than regular LU. I have taken mine apart and I dont think theres any brass in it. Im assuming water turns it yellow instead of white. But like I said Im looking for confirmation on this. Captain Spike, did you run your unit the whole season like this? I have been changing my fluid regularly but this is becoming expensive. I guess I need to take a break from fishing and fix it right. The problem of living on S.Padre, 365 days of fishing per year.

 

[Namcali]

Re: 1969 lower unit oil yellowish?

If so, I can't think of anything other than water!<br /><br />You may want to take it apart and rebuid it. I did mine and it works great.<br /><br />Nam

 

[captain spike]

Re: 1969 lower unit oil yellowish?

i bought the motor in the begining of 2003,went the hole summer no problems.changed the fluid at the end of 2003 for its winter nap.noticed the yelowish/tan colored fluid said hmmmm that cant be right.then i was hoping the last owner never changed the fluid or maybe did and didnt change the washers and some aqua got in there.put in nice new clear type"c" installed new washers nite nite.2004....went the hole summer again no problems shifting in and out of gears fishing ,trolling watersking,tubing or cruising.went to change fuid this saturday pass and the same yellowish/tan fluid i figure it must be a bad seal but was wondering if i change it regularly if it will hurt the lower unit(sounds like it might)i have a great shop manuel and im not afraid to use it.is this a "hard"job?any special tools.any help would be great!!!thanks guys. <br /> ***1971 18 'winner 1969 115 jonny***

 

[BugEyes]

Re: 1969 lower unit oil yellowish?

Just get a seal kit and do it over the winter, take your time. Use the shop manual and ask the good people here for advice. You can do it!

 

[akakool]

Re: 1969 lower unit oil yellowish?

Type C Lower Unit Oil for Electric Shift:<br />(or use OMC Premium Blend)<br /><br />Lubrimatic Premium Type C<br /><br /> http://shop.boatersworld.com/product/303848.htm <br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/products/7/2371_lubrimatic_reg_type_c_gear_lube.html <br /><br /> http://www.outdoorsuperstore.com/st...urer~LUBRIMATIC~model~PREMIUM+TYPE+C+LUBE.htm

 

[djzyla1980]

Re: 1969 lower unit oil yellowish?

I have a 70 evinrude 115... same yelowish color in lower unit, I had 2 bolts above the seleniod come loose which was letting water in... Changed the fluid but it was still yellow, I'm believing there is still some water/oil left in when I changed and I have to Work it out with multiple changes, My issue reguarding the motor is the electric shift gave me nothing but foward, Which if the L/U is low or has water mixed in the seleniod will not work properly. Find the source... and Fix the problem

 

[Woodbark]

Re: 1969 lower unit oil yellowish?

One way to confirm whether it's water contamination, Put a few ounces of new oil in a glass container and add water from your regular boating area. A small spray bottle should work ok for this purpose. It probably won't chamge immediately, maybe a bit of heat would help speed up the process.

 

[c903]

Re: 1969 lower unit oil yellowish?

I once had a Merc that caused me concern when I observed the gearcase oil was more "yellow" colored than I recall it being in other engines I had owned. Mechanic told me that some lower unit oils will have a “yellowish” appearance due to the oil being churned and aerated. <br /><br />I am not sure how as to what degree of “yellow” you are observing, and I am not saying that the color you are seeing is not an indication of a mechanical problem, but you might being seeing what is the norm.