Gear lube question

[UWDiver]

I've got a new (to me) 1997 Ocean Runner 225 that I'm winterizing for the first time. I drained the lower unit oil and it's a milky green/yellow and smells burned like creosote. There doesn't appear to be any water in it. Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Chris

 

[rockyrude]

Re: Gear lube question

Any kind of milky look to the lube is usually a sign water is mixed in, the lube should be translucent to almost clear with whatever color the manufacturer used .

 

[UWDiver]

Re: Gear lube question

Where's the first place to start looking for a water leak?
Thanks,
Chris

 

[wilde1j]

Re: Gear lube question

To find a seal leak, you need to pressure/vacuum test the LU. Procedure covered in an OEM shop manual.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Gear lube question

Could be as simple as the seal washers on the plugs.
Any chance of a photo of the lube ???
I am just draining mine now, looks clear again.
I will post a photo later when it has finished draining.

 

[UWDiver]

Re: Gear lube question

I went to the local marina and talked to the mechanic. Showed him a gear oil sample and he said he'd seen a lot worse. I bought some new nylon washers for the plugs and replaced the gear oil then sealed it up. I'll run it a few times next year and then change the oil and see what it looks like.

Another question:
What's wrong with installing the bottom plug and filling from the top rather than pumping it up from the bottom?

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Gear lube question

If you fill from the top, you will not be able to force the thick gear oil into the gearcase due to the seals of the gearcase. You will therefore need to let the gear oil drip in. It will take forever, due to the small fill hole, and you will leave air bubbles and voids in the gear oil.

 

[UWDiver]

Re: Gear lube question

I tried it this afternoon and didn't seem to have any problem. The gear lube was thin enough to flow in just fine.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Gear lube question

I tried it this afternoon and didn't seem to have any problem. The gear lube was thin enough to flow in just fine.

You using the correct gear lube ???
Did you get enough in ???
Do you know the recommended capacity ???
How much did you manage to get in ??
I certainly would not fancy filling mine from the top.

 

[UWDiver]

Re: Gear lube question

You using the correct gear lube ???
Did you get enough in ???
Do you know the recommended capacity ???
How much did you manage to get in ??
I certainly would not fancy filling mine from the top.

I believe so. I used West Marine 80W90 "for all modern outboards..."
33 oz. Capacity
I got 32 oz. in. (the whole bottle)

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Gear lube question

Ok, well it is your gearcase.....

If it were mine, I would still try to fill it from the bottom.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Gear lube question

Ok, well it is your gearcase.....

If it were mine, I would still try to fill it from the bottom.

Hear Hear !!!!