88 Johnson SPL - lower unit oil color

[savenelroy]

Just replaced the lower unit oil on my 1989 Johnson 88 SPL. Is this what used oil should look like? It's my second year owning a boat, and after the first season, it was milky and green. I brought it in and had the seals replaced. I used it all season but don't have anything else to compare this to other than images from a Google search. Everything I'm seeing looks a lot darker than this.

 

[flyingscott]

its fine

 

[tphoyt]

Looks ok
Be sure to replace the nylon washers with new ones.

 

[jerryjerry05]

That's NOT right, it shows it has water in it.
Drop the lower unit and then do a pressure test.

 

[racerone]

Motor just ran just before draining?----Then it looks like air in the oil.-----Tiny bubbles= no troubles !

 

[oldboat1]

That's NOT right, it shows it has water in it.
Drop the lower unit and then do a pressure test.

Agree. Got water. Need to locate source and correct (DIY job).

 

[iggyw1]

I will be draining mine tomorrow morning, and I am hoping mine is looking that good when it comes out!!!

 

[oldboat1]

I will be draining mine tomorrow morning, and I am hoping mine is looking that good when it comes out!!!

Moot point, as you will be refilling with clean oil anyway, and maybe doing pressure and vacuum tests as a precaution.

 

[savenelroy]

Looks ok
Be sure to replace the nylon washers with new ones.

Nylon washers replaced, thank you.

 

[savenelroy]

Motor just ran just before draining?----Then it looks like air in the oil.-----Tiny bubbles= no troubles !

Yes. I ran it for 5 minutes to warm up the oil so it would drain out better. Starting to get cold here on the east coast.

 

[havoc_squad]

Yes. I ran it for 5 minutes to warm up the oil so it would drain out better. Starting to get cold here on the east coast.

No need, this is not a motor oil change.

Put a jar to capture it under it with drip pan. Take out the vent and drain plug, go take a short nap or eat and then come back.

I never check/drain the lower unit lube condition afterwards on the same day it is ran. It's a good way to kneejerk worry about a problem that may not exist.

As racer said, the air bubbles/foam can occur. Those bubbles may get mistaken for water intrusion.

The only exception to not checking the same day will be is if there is a suspected/possible water intrusion, suspected loss of lube level, or checking the condition during freezing periods of the year.