Filings in Gear Oil. How much is not a problem?

[Condor1970]

When I got my boat, first thing I did was a egar oil change. I did notice some filings on the magnet, and some settled in the pan after draining. How much should one expect out of one of these Alpha One Gen 1 outdrives from a year of hard use?

 

[tpenfield]

None would not be a problem

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... A tiny bit of "Fur" on the drain plug is no cause for alarm,.... Silver clouds in the drain pan,..?? Ya might wanta start savin' some of yer beer money for a new SEI replacement drive,.... It's cheaper than havin' yer's fixed,...

 

[Condor1970]

I suppose if I hear a small knocking sound, that's not going to just be the upper bearing, will it?

I've inspected the gear teeth, and they look good. No rounding off. No chips or missing teeth. Is it possible to ehar some knocking in the upper half when not loaded like this? It's weird.


Bondo, I just thoguht of something. Remember in my other thread I took the lower off to grease the U-joints? I mentioned I noticed a little 1/8" forward and aft play in the shift linkage. Is it possible for that to vibrate around enough to be making it bump the clutch?

If that's the case, why would it sound like the noise is right at the top of the case cover where the upper shaft bearing and gears are?