How long will water stay mixed?

[Don Hansen]

Took the lower unit on my 1980 Evinrude 35 hp apart to check for wear. Replaced the O-rings. Now just to be careful I will be checking often for water in the lube. My question is this. How long will the water make the lube look milky before it separates?

DLH

 

[Sea Rider]

Assume water won't separate from lube as long engine is being frequently used. Once milky probably won't ever fully separate.

Happy Boating

 

[robert graham]

I believe it'll always look like a chocolate milk shake...never to separate.

 

[Don Hansen]

Thanks. Nice to know I don't need no check it the instant I shut the motor off.

DLH

 

[UncleWillie]

I will look bad for weeks to months at the top surface.
If you are checking it by draining a little out of the bottom hole; The water sinks, and it will be the first thing that comes out.
If the bottom looks like Good Lube, the rest of it will look even better.

 

[bwkre]

Just remember water still freezes so check & change at the end of the season if your temps drop below freezing.

 

[BillP]

I had a bad seal on an omc and the water would trickle out of the fill hole after sitting an hour or so. That was with omc and lubriplate lube.. I did this several times after replacing the lower prop shaft seal and chasing the problem. Finally found it was at the wp..a corroded drive shaft ate the seal.