Milky liquid in the tilt/trim reservoir.

[babikov]

I checked the liquid in the tilt/trim reservoir and it looks strange. It is not clear; it has some kind of a whitish milky color. Does anyone know what this is? The trim works perfectly, goes up and down as far as needed in all conditions, on the trailer and on the full speed in the water.

I know that many different liquids can be used for the trim/tilt, starting with the simplest and cheapest motor oil (SAE 10W30), going through synthetic oils and transmission liquids, and ending with the most expensive specialized power trim liquid. Can it be that the previous owner has used something non-standard? Does anyone know what that could be?

Or can it be that water somehow happened to penetrate into the system? I see no leaks whatsoever. Not even a sign.

I talked to one mechanic and he suggested that I try to flush the system with cheapest SAE 10W30 motor oil, by pumping the existing liquid out, pouring in the 10W30, raising/lowering the unit several times for the old and new liquids to mix, pumping that staff out again, and repeating this procedure several times until the liquid is clear. The oil is cheap. Would this work?

My engine is 1993 4.3LX/V6 Alpha One Thunderbolt Ignition, serial number OF0244564. I got this boat earlier this year but found this condition just recently.

Thank you.

 

[bemdur]

Re: Milky liquid in the tilt/trim reservoir.

It could be water getting in making it foamy and pink. I discovered that my lift pistons were retracting in too far allowing the piston to get in past the seals. I have not figured out yet why this is happening. I have a 89 Yamaha 90 HP. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[brianvolt7]

Re: Milky liquid in the tilt/trim reservoir.

I had a little different problem but the same symtoms. When I had a leak in my outdrive on my Bluewater with Alpha One the oily was a milky brown color. I had to have it rebuilt and new seals installed. It sounds like water to me.

 

[jtybt]

Re: Milky liquid in the tilt/trim reservoir.

Could be bad fitting or corrosion around the fitting allowing leaking...or cap seal bad.

 

[bemdur]

Re: Milky liquid in the tilt/trim reservoir.

Well we all seem, so far, to agree it is water infiltration. The easiest first check is the seal or gasket in the reservoir filler. I should be so lucky. Now can anyone tell me why my lift pistons retract in too far actually going past the seals and letting water in? 90HP 1987 Yamaha OB In the chart I see parts 49 and 50 which are rings and retainers. Do these limit the travel? Perhaps mine are dislodged or broken.

 

[Don S]

Re: Milky liquid in the tilt/trim reservoir.

bemdur

Why are you posting your question here? This thread belongs to babakov and his Mercruiser. You should be posting your Yamaha questions over in the Yamaha outboard forum. And start a new thread of your own, don't just hijack someones elses question with yours.