milky lower unit oil, damage?

[71whaler]

I just finished winterizing my 1983 Evinrude 75HP outboard that I bought back in May. The lower unit oil was milky brown in color, which from previous posts, I know is caused by water intrusion. I replaced the nylon gaskets and put new hivis OMC oil in. The old seals looked shot. There was a small amount of metal shaving on the magnet but nothing major. My questions, could there have been major damage done to the lower unit and is there anything else I should do?

 

[Laddies]

Re: milky lower unit oil, damage?

if the unit functions allright it's probably alright but you should pressure test it or reseal it before spring

 

[87Aggie]

Re: milky lower unit oil, damage?

More than likely the "shot" nylon gaskets allowed the water intrusion. It doesn't sound as if you have done any major damage however. Since you've winterized you'll have to wait till you get it out again to check for further water intrusion and if present a potential seal(s) replacement may be in order.

 

[JB]

Re: milky lower unit oil, damage?

Ditto 87Aggie.<br /><br />If those gaskets aren't replaced EVERY time oil is changed water intrusion is almost guaranteed. Like spark plug gaskets they are intended to be crushed one time only.<br /><br />Chances are good that you have already solved the problem.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[71whaler]

Re: milky lower unit oil, damage?

Thanks guys. Now I know. The old gaskets had deep indents from the drain plugs so they were probably used multiple times by the previous owner. The motor ran fine on the last trip so hopefully everything is ok. Come spring I will take the boat out for a test run and then change the oil again and look for water. I'll make sure I change the gaskets. Thanks again.