V6 Lower Unit Oil Colour

[Riley C]

Hi All,

I dropped the lower unit oil after a year of use and pretty busy ski season. In anticipation for summer in Queensland, doing the service now.

I have put 40 hours on her since the last change.

i freaked out because it’s a coffee brown and not the usual dark colour. it was consistent brown nothing really separation.

I have swapped lower units until I know and get someone to pressure test. As I don’t have a gear case pump.

the gear seals look fine, no lines. I replaced the gaskets to plugs last change also.

See pics below. Does it look like full water intrusion?

Thanks guys

 

[alldodge]

Usually when the lube gets dark its from heat, maybe need a drive shower

 

[dingbat]

I wouldn’t worry about the color, mine is worst than that after a season, but not looks like you have a it of water laying on top.

 

[Riley C]

Thanks for the replies guys.


so for me to understand, the colour wouldn’t mean a lot of water intrusion. Mainly wearing or heat? There was nothing on the magnets. We do fly at WOT a lot lol.

Yes there is some water at the top level in one jar. Might be from me just running on muffs prior and alittle water running down from the outside.

I might try to a pressure pump test with the compressor. Time to get the OMC manual out again.

 

[393Clevor]

if there is any water separation in the jars it will be on the bottom..

 

[Riley C]

I have pressure tested to 10psi, holds well. Until you turn the drive shaft slightly to the side.

The shaft “wobbles” or has some free play in it. Even with the plate down and housing, you can hear the air his out when turning the shaft. You can see the wear on the shaft itself where rubbing on housing. Would this mean the bearing or the shaft seal PN341280?

 

[Riley C]

[No message]

 

[racerone]

So is this a 2 piece driveshaft, yes , no or no clue ?----A 1 piece shaft would not wobble.---A 2 piece shaft does and is normal ~

 

[Riley C]

So is this a 2 piece driveshaft, yes , no or no clue ?----A 1 piece shaft would not wobble.---A 2 piece shaft does and is normal ~

Thanks for that. I assume two piece per photo from manual.

I didn’t know.

So I assume the wobble is or movement at the seal I ok? Just trying to make sure there’s no issues before filling with gear oil again.

Is the wear on the shaft normal also?

 

[393Clevor]

if it's leaking it's not normal I would think.. sounds like it should come apart and be check/rebuilt..

 

[Riley C]

if it's leaking it's not normal I would think.. sounds like it should come apart and be check/rebuilt..

Thanks,

I have ordered some new seal regardless.

When comparing to my other unit, from the photo below I swear the prop shaft is missing a seal, or it’s been pushed way further back.

 

[racerone]

I agree it appears seal is missing.------So easy to remove that bearing carrier for inspection.

 

[Riley C]

I agree it appears seal is missing.------So easy to remove that bearing carrier for inspection.

Looking into the history now. When I bought the boat last year and swapped to the other prop for skiing.

I noticed the prop rubbed on inner lip of the gear case. I thought it was paint On the prop being in as new condition. I filed the lip alittle on the prop which stopped the rub. However, now I’m thinking the prop may have always been misaligned or something and this has thrown the shaft out slightly while it was running. As result eating at the first seal or coming loose. I never saw the remains it though.

I have swapped the props and spun it, no rubbing it shaft seems aligned. However wouldn’t know with getting someone to check it for me at a workshop.

Either way I will fit a new seal. If it gets eaten again with the alternate prop. I’ll take it to a shop and get the shaft taken out.

Please let me know if I’m wrong Race.

 

[racerone]

Read post #12----So easy to remove that bearing carrier for inspection.

 

[Riley C]

Read post #12----So easy to remove that bearing carrier for inspection.

Yes, I will have to make up a puller.

Thanks again.