outdrive black oil, what does it means?

[djmakko]

87 mercruiser 260/350 5.7 Alpha 1 gen 1,
long story short , i got this outdrive from a guy at my marina, he said it works and he did a pressure test and replace water pump and it only needed oil , this is 4 years ago i put oil in it 4 years ago but never put it in the water, sat there for 4 years , im installing a new engine and i was ready to install the outdrive but i said to myself i better do a pressure test just in case so i drained the oil to proceed but the OIL CAME OUT BLACK. Took it apart and of course he never serviced the lower , it had sand and the housing was in very bad shape , So before i go and buy the water pump kit to replace it I need to know what the black oil mean, it was fresh and new when i put it in.
Also if anybody can tell me if its even compatible with my engine I know is an alpha 1 but not sure the ratio. here's the serial # OB663011


As always Thanks in advance.

 

[djmakko]

Re: outdrive black oil, what does it means?

well i looked in the stickies and all the gear info , but i couldnt find my serial Number I more confused than ever, Theres no OB 663011 or similar anywhere.

 

[Don S]

Re: outdrive black oil, what does it means?

Yes, it will work with your engine. It is a 1987 drive with a 1.50 Gear ratio.

The black oil means it's burned or just old and dirty. As long as there is no metal sparkles, it will probably be fine. Milky oil would indicate water. When you replace the pump, be sure to pressure check the drive before refilling.