Just Changed Lower Unit Oil...

[turtle1173]

It was mostly uneventful. I noticed that it looked very black (just like used motor oil). The new oil that I put in was remarkably lighter. I couldn't see any water or any milky substance in it. I also didn't notice any metal particles. It smelled nasty though. I'm going today to test it out. The little dispenser that you screw on to the bottle of oil is a very nice touch. It worked great. I hope I don't ever have to try changing it without that <br /><br />Thanks again for all your help. You guys are great!<br /><br />Shane

 

[Pursuit2150]

Re: Just Changed Lower Unit Oil...

I think your in good shape, the black is normal wear for oil.

 

[Fouled Plug]

Re: Just Changed Lower Unit Oil...

Turtle, the nasty smell just comes with the territory on lower unit lube. Black is good, malted-milk color indicates water in the gears. Just change it annually (it's cheap insurance) and keep your lower in good shape. Remember to change the gaskets on the vent/fill screws at the same time.

 

[Ranger354]

Re: Just Changed Lower Unit Oil...

Hey guys,<br />I am going to change mine this week. If I remember it was a little lighter then normal. Forsome reason it didn't click that it might have water in it. But it was the first time I have changed it since I bought the boat. I know, I know, I should have changed it first thing when I got the boat home. But if it looks bad now I know I may have problems.<br /><br />Anybody have a particular brand they like better?

 

[Fouled Plug]

Re: Just Changed Lower Unit Oil...

Ranger354, buy a decent marine brand (not automotive stuff) that has the correct emulsifiers and viscosity. Most modern outboard lube will meet the specs. Inspect and change it often, it's cheap inurance! If you see what you think is water, change the lube and run it, then check again. (or pressure test LU if you can) Could be bad seals or as simple as bad gaskets on the fill/drain.

 

[reddog23]

Re: Just Changed Lower Unit Oil...

The key is the smell...<br />If it smells like burnt oil you probably have a bearing getting ready to go. if it smells like the new lube you just put in smells then you are probably ok.<br />Another trick is to let the lube you drained out sit overnight in a glass beaker and see if any water seperates out or any grunge sinks to the bottom.The newer synthetic lube emulsifies the water so when you drain it you don't always get the water seperated out.<br />It also depends on what lube you started with. OMC lube looks like honey but my current lube , Royal Purple , starts off dark.<br />Good luck<br />Reddog 23