Alpha one 3.0 light green gear lube

ScAndal

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jun 12, 2004
Messages
31
I drained my gear lube today and the green lube had turned light green. I have read that if it gets milky that water is getting in the drive. Is it normal for it to turn a little bit lighter, or does this mean there is a bit of water entering the drive? <br /><br />Thanks, <br />ScAndal
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
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Apr 17, 2002
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71,093
Re: Alpha one 3.0 light green gear lube

Ayah,<br />Sure Sounds like you're getting Water.......
 

ScAndal

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Joined
Jun 12, 2004
Messages
31
Re: Alpha one 3.0 light green gear lube

Is it possible for the water to enter the upper unit rather than the lower unit? The reason I ask is the lower unit is brand new.<br /><br />ScAndal
 

achris

More fish than mountain goat
Joined
May 19, 2004
Messages
27,468
Re: Alpha one 3.0 light green gear lube

The 2 units are inter-connected as far as the oil is concerned. If water gets in one, it'll contaminate both. Was the oil just lighter in colour, but still clear, or was it 'milky'?<br /><br />Chris.............
 

ScAndal

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jun 12, 2004
Messages
31
Re: Alpha one 3.0 light green gear lube

Its was just a bit lighter green not really milky. I put new gear lube in two days ago though, so it could be slowly taking water.<br /><br />The lower unit is brand new so I'm assuming the upper unit is taking in a bit of water. Is it a major job for a Mercruiser service guy to redo all the seals in the upper unit? Has anyone had this done before? Whats a ballpark time/price estimate?<br /><br />Thanks everyone,<br />ScAndal
 

Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
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Mar 25, 2004
Messages
28,100
Re: Alpha one 3.0 light green gear lube

ScAndal, The only seals that keep the water out of the uppergearcase are the o-ring on the top end the driveshaft, the small O-ring on the oil passage between upper and lower gearcase, and if your outdrive is a Gen II, the seal on the bell housing for the gearlube resevoir. Why not seperate the gearcases and replace them? If it is a Gen II, you will need to pull the outdrive off the bellhousing and replace the gearlube resevoir seal as well. <br /><br />PS The seals between the upper and lower gearcases are contained in the impeller replacement kit, and the rest of the seals are contained in the outdrive mounting gasket git.
 

Rhadley

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 20, 2003
Messages
227
Re: Alpha one 3.0 light green gear lube

I was quoted something like $500 to reseal both upper and lower. I also saw a post recently in which someone was quoted $550.
 

achris

More fish than mountain goat
Joined
May 19, 2004
Messages
27,468
Re: Alpha one 3.0 light green gear lube

Seals in the top box are a breeze to do if you have the tool to remove the bearing pack. If you don't, get a shop to do it.<br /><br />Chris........
 

ScAndal

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jun 12, 2004
Messages
31
Re: Alpha one 3.0 light green gear lube

Wow you guys have been a great help. I love getting this type of feedback before going to a shop so I don't get screwed.<br /><br />I'll start calling today for quotes on resealing the upper unit.<br /><br />Thanks again,<br />ScAndal
 
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