Really dark Lower unit oil

[BIGcarpy50]

Picked up a nice little 9288D 1968 sportwin 9.5 and i went to drain the LU and the oil looks like syrup. It is really dark and oozes out. Can i just refill or should i try to clean it out. I'm hoping not to do a rebuild.

 

[raczekp1]

Re: Really dark Lower unit oil

hi.black oil that is very good sympotom. much much better than light capuucino colour.
Only refill new oill and run

 

[Rick.]

Re: Really dark Lower unit oil

That would indicate a tight gear case (no leaks) that has not had the oil changed in a long time. Glad to hear your getting it changed. Make sure you use new nylon washers on the drain and vent plugs. I would fill it with fresh oil run it for the season and then change it again in the fall. That will give it a good flush. Best of luck. Rick.

 

[BIGcarpy50]

Re: Really dark Lower unit oil

Thanks guys.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Really dark Lower unit oil

That's capuucino? I thought it was milk shake.

Yea, you're lucky there. No water intrusion. Someone has just ran gear oil in there for a long time, is all. A new change will help clean out the old oil and flush it out. Like Rick said, just change it out again, at the end of the season, before you put it away for the winter. This should be done every year, reguardless, because it is proper maintenance. Plus, you'll keep tabs on if or when the gearcase does develope a leak.