gearcase lubin??? What coloor is bad when its drained?

[Big-HE]

I am a fairly new boat owner. I'm learning things from this site. I just found out about lower unit lubing. When I pulled the plugs the lube that ran out was a dirty milky substance. Did I do damage not changing it since I got it? About a year and a half ago...who knows when the last time the previous owner changed it. Oh yeah, should it stink

 

[wilde1j]

Re: gearcase lubin??? What coloor is bad when its drained?

How long had motor been sitting when you drained it? Milky usually means water in the oil, which is NG. If the motor had sat for a number of hours before draining, water would have separated from the oil. I would fill it w/ new oil and check in a few weeks for water by pulling bottom plug for a second or two after motor sat overnight. Water would be on bottom, if there's any.<br /><br />Oh, it does have a distinctive smell.

 

[Ted S.]

Re: gearcase lubin??? What coloor is bad when its drained?

Also look for any small metal particles as you drain it out. This is really bad because it indicates wear somewhere in the gearcase. Flushing it out would buy you some time but it should be overhauled if this is the case. You should, as wilde suggests, check the condition every so often during the season. If you are getting water ingression then you need to reseal the unit.

 

[Big-HE]

Re: gearcase lubin??? What coloor is bad when its drained?

It does have a pretty distinctive smell. It had been 2 days since the last time I ran it before I drained it. I also had a small amount of metal shavings on the magnetic drain plug. When you say reseal what do you mean the whole lower unit or the gasket around the drain plugs?

 

[Ted S.]

Re: gearcase lubin??? What coloor is bad when its drained?

Do both. that way all the bases are covered.

 

[Ted S.]

Re: gearcase lubin??? What coloor is bad when its drained?

Sorry, to clarify about the shavings, a few is no problem, just watch out if its full of shavings. You will find the color silvery from the tiny particles all through it . if this is the case the lower unit is junk and needs to be overhauled or replaced ...

 

[Big-HE]

Re: gearcase lubin??? What coloor is bad when its drained?

cool thanx for all the help!