Water and oil separation

[Macattack]

I was always told that water in the lower unit will separate from the oil. On another forum one poster stated that lower end oil is formulated to obsorb water - 25%. Is this true? Thanks Bill Mc

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Water and oil separation

It all depends on the lub. Some is better at absorption than others. In some cases the water and oil separate. If it comes out milky its being absorbed.

 

[jim dozier]

Re: Water and oil separation

"Absorbed" probably isn't the best term, I would think "emulsified" would be a better term. The "milk" is water emulsified in oil kinda like mayonaisse.

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: Water and oil separation

Most gear oils seperate quickly from water. <br />Between 4 hours and 4 days.<br />Hygroscopic is the term used for some fluids' ability to "absorb" water, or stay in an emulsive state. (DOT3 brake fluid for example, though it is not oil, but a glycol based fluid)

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Water and oil separation

Got some sitting on the "experiment". Water in oil, brown, but not milky. A month later, no change

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: Water and oil separation

I have a kit at school with 24 glass jars of industrial oils and brake fluids, 12 jars are 25% water. We shake em after ID, etc. and I keep checking back... I have one ATF that takes almost a full year to split

 

[jim dozier]

Re: Water and oil separation

Robby6950 if the water and oil are just sitting there they will never do anything with one sitting on top of the other (different densities). Put them in a blender (analogous to a gearcase) and stir it up for 10 minutes and then let it set for a month.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Water and oil separation

Am I the only one who uses old L/U oil mixed with water for a drill lubricant? Or are you all too high minded for that?

 

[BillP]

Re: Water and oil separation

hystat,<br />I like what you are doing. Are you experimenting with automotive oils, gear oils, TCW-3 oils?<br /><br />Bill

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: Water and oil separation

Originally posted by Paul Moir:<br /> Am I the only one who uses old L/U oil mixed with water for a drill lubricant?

My LU doesn't leak

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Water and oil separation

All the more reason to check your lower unit oil regularly, its easy to do, and it can save you a bundle. The main reason for changing the lower unit oil in the fall when you put your boat away is to displace "ANY" water that may be there that you may not even be able to see.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Water and oil separation

 

[steamboatwilly]

Re: Water and oil separation

Paul Moir ,I use used L-U oil and used motor oil for a coolant when turning stainless and aluminum on metal lathe.New oil works good on aluminum,but not on stainless or common steel.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Water and oil separation

Originally posted by jimd:<br /> Robby6950 if the water and oil are just sitting there they will never do anything with one sitting on top of the other (different densities). Put them in a blender (analogous to a gearcase) and stir it up for 10 minutes and then let it set for a month.

Read my post again.......they are mixed...real life mix too. 3 hp Johnny with a bad seal

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Water and oil separation

Originally posted by James Williams:<br /> Paul Moir ,I use used L-U oil and used motor oil for a coolant when turning stainless and aluminum on metal lathe.New oil works good on aluminum,but not on stainless or common steel.

Run stainless slow and hard (pressure)with carbide. Use a GOOD cutting fluid. Run aluminum with kerosene...(21 years machinist)