Milky Lube

[davepnc]

Hi All,OK i'm not going to panic but why is the lube in intermediate unit on 82 stringer 400 look milky after running in driveway?is this normal,looks fine when cool and sitting for a while.thank you for any help.

 

[coupza]

Re: Milky Lube

I am new to this, but I have been doing a lot of research. Milky lube would suggest water is getting in, but I also read that this can also result from bubbles forming from the motion of the gears. If the lube returns to its usual viscosity after a while I suspect you are alright.

Also, water is denser then oil so if it sits for a while and you pull the bottom drain plug water would come out before lube (this is a quick check and make sure the top plug is in while you pull the bottom one).

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: Milky Lube

yeah, there's only a few ounces in the intermediate and two tapered roller brgs turning at engine speed, so it whips the lube up like a blender. You can pressure test the intermediate to 3-5 psi to test the ball gear seal if concerned, but don't give it a whole lot of pressure, as the top gasketed cover only has a few small screws holding it on as I recall.