Water in my outdrive oil

[CPT_Rob]

Hi everyone,

I could use some advice here...I was changing the oil in my outdrive today (Alpha 1) and immediately knew something was wrong when it came out as sludge....I picked up this boat last season and have only used it maybe 4 times...I was curious so I took off the top plate and noticed that 3 of the 4 bolts were just a lil past hand tight...would that be a reason for the water or is it most likely other seals that need to be replaced? Obviously I'd like to do any repairs I can do myself, but I foresee a trip to a mechanic...Is there anything I can do to rule things out prior to taking it in and maybe saving some money?

I appreciate your help!

Thanks!

 

[NHGuy]

Re: Water in my outdrive oil

Sludge? Is it possible it's cold gear oil? So did it come out as just thick lubricant? If so it might be the temperature and viscosity. It might be OK.
Was there really water in there? If so, that's a problem. If there was water you need to do a pressure test to determine where any leak is.
If there was just lube, you have a couple of choices. Refill and give it a shot. Or do the pressure test just to make sure.
There are a few folks on e-bay selling pressure testers or you can make one yourself. If the leak is where the lower and upper join together that's an easy repair. The seal between the upper and lower is quite cheap and simple to change. It's normally changed with the impeller.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Water in my outdrive oil

Hi everyone,

I could use some advice here...I was changing the oil in my outdrive today (Alpha 1) and immediately knew something was wrong when it came out as sludge....I picked up this boat last season and have only used it maybe 4 times...I was curious so I took off the top plate and noticed that 3 of the 4 bolts were just a lil past hand tight...would that be a reason for the water or is it most likely other seals that need to be replaced? Obviously I'd like to do any repairs I can do myself, but I foresee a trip to a mechanic...Is there anything I can do to rule things out prior to taking it in and maybe saving some money?

I appreciate your help!

Thanks!

Howdy,


You probably need to be a little more specific. "Sludge" can mean many things..... Is it GRAY? (water contamination) is it BLACK (old)?


Also, you need to know that you should be changing the oil BEFORE you put it away for the winter. .......this way, if there IS water in the oil, it doesn't sit ALL WINTER with water where it can damage internal parts.


If the oil is just black, change it and run it. inspect for water after running for a few days. If it's GRAY, you need to pressure/VAC check the drive to determine where it's leaking.


Regards,


Rick

 

[Bondo]

Re: Water in my outdrive oil

and immediately knew something was wrong when it came out as sludge....

Ayuh,... I'm with Them,... Define Sludge,...??

 

[CPT_Rob]

Re: Water in my outdrive oil

well, when i initially took out the drain screw, clear water (like an eye dropper squirts worth) came out and then the oil....I guess sludge might have been an exaggeration, but it was definitely thicker than it should have been at first. Not sure if the temp. had anything to do with it, it was over 80 today. The oil wasn't black like the engine oil i pulled out the other day...it was brown, sort of a milk chocolate color. Since I saw water coming out, should I even bother with a pressure test?>

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Water in my outdrive oil

I picked up this boat last season and have only used it maybe 4 times.

Hmm....What did the drive oil look like when you got the boat?