How to check lower unit oil for water

[thedillybar]

After reading about the drive bellows and how quickly it can take out U-joints, gimbal bearing, etc. I'm going to make a point of checking the bellows and lower unit oil for water every couple of trips to the lake.

What's the easiest way? Drain a little and look for milky oil, take the top cover off and have a look?

I'm not sure you would see it through the dipstick. Or if the bellow goes will enough water get in that it will gush out of the dipstick hole when you open it?

 

[Deanrw3]

Re: How to check lower unit oil for water

It says in my service manual that if you have an oil res. in the engine compartment then look in that for milky or discolored oil. If not and the drive has sat for a couple hours, pull the bottom drain plug and take a small sample.

Look for white oil, discolored oil or water.

This is how i do it on my Alpha 1 gen 2. I am unsure of what type of drive you have. Please let us know and we can tell you for sure how to check.

BTW, i also check mine every other time i am on the water.


GL
Dean

 

[thedillybar]

Re: How to check lower unit oil for water

Alpha 1 (gen 1)