Do I have a problem if I mix lower unit lubricants?

[DBreskin]

I changed the lubricant in my lower unit today; it's the third time I've done this but of course there's always something new to learn. I know to drain from the bottom but fill from the middle.

I drained the old lube; it came out almost transparent, and the color was the same golden color as when I last filled the unit. I guess my drive is in good shape since there wasn't any evidence of metal shavings or dust except for a light coating on the magnetic plugs.

After I finished draining I began to fill. I am using West Marine High-Viscosity Lower Unit Lubricant (80W-90). I had an almost-full bottle left over from a few months ago so I pumped that in first; when that was empty I pump in a second bottle. Just a few more ounces of lube needed now... I open the third bottle (the second and third bottles were purchased together last week). As I pump in the lube from the third bottle, I am very surprised to see it's a bright green color instead of the golden color of the other bottles.

My main concern is whether or not I have a problem. It's obvious the lubricant in the third bottle is different from the other two since the color is so different. The labels on both of the recently purchased bottles are identical except for the lot codes.

Do I need to drain and refill the drive with lube that's only one type/color?
Do I complain to West Marine (assuming I have a problem)?

 

[Don S]

Re: Do I have a problem if I mix lower unit lubricants?

Don't mix different kinds of oils. If you don't know what's in it, replace it.

 

[ncnjeremy]

Re: Do I have a problem if I mix lower unit lubricants?

That is a bit strange.... Did you say the bottles are all the same brand, and weight? If so I would defiantly call West and tell/ask them about it. For whatever reason it could be bottled wrong. Did one seem thicker/thinner then the other?

 

[DBreskin]

Re: Do I have a problem if I mix lower unit lubricants?

That is a bit strange.... Did you say the bottles are all the same brand, and weight? If so I would defiantly call West and tell/ask them about it. For whatever reason it could be bottled wrong. Did one seem thicker/thinner then the other?

The outside of the bottles were IDENTICAL except for the lot codes (which I didn't check until I found this issue.) There was no visible difference in viscosity.
I'll drive back to West Marine tomorrow. My guess is the counterperson will tell me it's not a problem, but I doubt he'll put that in writing. I'm not going to take a chance on my drive based on his word. I'll probably have to purchase three more quarts at my expense. Maybe I need to find a different marine supplier.

 

[DBreskin]

Re: Do I have a problem if I mix lower unit lubricants?

Don't mix different kinds of oils. If you don't know what's in it, replace it.

If it's a problem to mix different kinds of oils and I replace what's in there now, do I need to worry about flushing the drive? Will the remaining green lube coating the drive after it's drained be enough to cause a problem?

 

[ncnjeremy]

Re: Do I have a problem if I mix lower unit lubricants?

If you do end up changing it out, just the small about thats in there won't hurt anything

 

[ncnjeremy]

Re: Do I have a problem if I mix lower unit lubricants?

The outside of the bottles were IDENTICAL except for the lot codes (which I didn't check until I found this issue.) There was no visible difference in viscosity.
I'll drive back to West Marine tomorrow. My guess is the counterperson will tell me it's not a problem, but I doubt he'll put that in writing. I'm not going to take a chance on my drive based on his word. I'll probably have to purchase three more quarts at my expense. Maybe I need to find a different marine supplier.

Yeah, I'm sure he will say its no problem. But that really don't sound right at all. The lot # was the only difference in the bottles and it was different color. I wouldn't go for that if it was me. West Marine is top of the line in most so I would keep with them. Just make them MAKE it right. Good luck. Let us know what they say.

 

[HCMQA]

Re: Do I have a problem if I mix lower unit lubricants?

It is most likely not a problem.

Either their new vendor uses a different color dye or but not likely the bottle got mislabeled.

I worked for an oil manufacturer and as long as you are pretty certain the new color is in fact gear lube you will be fine mixing it.

 

[DBreskin]

Re: Do I have a problem if I mix lower unit lubricants?

I hope to get back to West Marine tomorrow. I'll let you all know the result.

It is most likely not a problem.

Either their new vendor uses a different color dye or but not likely the bottle got mislabeled.

I worked for an oil manufacturer and as long as you are pretty certain the new color is in fact gear lube you will be fine mixing it.

Pretty certain isn't good enough for me, considering the cost of a tow and drive replacement if I have a problem. I want to be absolutely certain.

 

[ncnjeremy]

Re: Do I have a problem if I mix lower unit lubricants?

I hope to get back to West Marine tomorrow. I'll let you all know the result.

Pretty certain isn't good enough for me, considering the cost of a tow and drive replacement if I have a problem. I want to be absolutely certain.

I would no doubt take it serious. Get back t West Marine. If they are as nice as they are here then I'm sure they will make it right. Or explain whats wrong.

 

[Bridar]

Re: Do I have a problem if I mix lower unit lubricants?

Most gear oil manufacturers (particularly the main brand names) state "Do NOT mix with high performance gear lube or any other lubricants", and warn against mixing high performance gear lube with conventional lubricants.

This is not a marketing ploy. I've done the research and it's a case of the synthetic additives (and base oils) incompatibility with other additives and base oils. With all the research and new formulations of various oils, the old addage "oil is oil" no longer stands true. You don't need to take my word for it... you can read for yourself: http://www.machinerylubrication.com/Read/235/mixing-lubricating-oils

 

[DBreskin]

Re: Do I have a problem if I mix lower unit lubricants?

I realized I never closed the loop on this thread.
I called West Marine's supplier, Starbrite. The technician had a quick response, which gave me confidence in his accuracy. The tech said the amber and green lubes were identical except for the pigment used, and I shouldn't be concerned about mixing them. The color change from amber to green was made at the request of Mercury Marine.

Just one more step toward obsolescence for my trusty OMC drive.

 

[HCMQA]

Re: Do I have a problem if I mix lower unit lubricants?

Yup it was a dye issue/change.

We used to change dye colors all the time even for end users so their employees wouldn't mix the wrong stuff together.