Black oil in lower unit

[eyecatcher]

I have a e-Tec 75 hp and changed the lower unit oil and it was black any thing to be concerned about? Evinrude says to change every 3years or 300 hours i dont have that many hours but it is the 3rd year. Anybody with input.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Black oil in lower unit

The black in nothing more than old oil. Of more concern would be that you have not changed the oil in 3 years.

Yes, E-Tec claims 3 years between changes but the reason why everyone else recommends changing the oil at least once a year, preferably winter lay-up. The reason is to make sure there is no water in the lower unit.

Not only does the water cause lubrication problems, you also risk the possibility of the water freezing and cracking the lower unit housing.

 

[Shizzy]

Re: Black oil in lower unit

Ditto. I check mine at least once in the middle of the season and it gets changed evry fall.