white lower unit oil?

[merc20076]

I've changed the lower unit oil on my Evinrude Lark 8 40 HP (Electric Shift)and it was pretty white but not liquid. Is this what they call milky oil?

If yes, for this very good running 45 yrs old outboard, how can I change the seals? Sierra still manufacture them but I'd preffer if possible BRP. I think this is what destroyed the electric shifts unit, water inside the gearcase and mine dindn't feel slippage yet.

 

[mstahl1171]

Re: white lower unit oil?

super easy to do....and yes...thats milky oil. Seals are still available...try fairwinds.com....call them and ask for Rick. He has all the seals in stock. Just give him the model number and he can put a kit together for you and ship. Mine cost $40.00. Also get the plastic whasers for your fill and vent screws...they should be replaced also...and cheap.

No special tools needed...takes about and 2 hrs to do...get yourself a manual. Also...when you drop the lower unit...check the seal around the coil wires...mine had a small leak there also....clean the area around the wiring pass through and used blue rtv to seal...works great and no leaks

 

[merc20076]

Re: white lower unit oil?

When you mean dropping off the LU, is it the same steps then if you replace the water pump impeller? You also talk about to verify the seals in coils? That means I have to open all the gearcase. I will get for sure a manual for this job. The Sierra Kit on Iboats for a electric shift is about 42$.

I also checked on boats.net and most of the LU parts are still available but some are very expensive.

My lark is still in decent condition for it's age, 100-105 PSI compression, still push my boat at 30 MPH but it's normal after a big season that there's a few things to fix on it.

 

[mstahl1171]

Re: white lower unit oil?

Yeppers....just like doing a water pump impeller. You also remove the prop and then 4 screws to remove the gear case head. Replace prop shaft seal and replace the large o-ring for the gear case head. Also...there are 4 o-rings for the gear case head screws. Also...check your stud gaskets...make sure they are not cracked and leaking

 

[F_R]

Re: white lower unit oil?

Merc, you said it was white and not liquid. That says to me that somebody filled it with the wrong lube. The Type C, replaced by BRP Premium Blend is very thin, about as thick as automatic transmission oil or 10W-30 motor oil. But don't use that stuff either.

Maybe they put that thick stuff in there because it is leaking. Maybe they were just ignorant. Maybe it isn't leaking at all. Why don't you just refill it with the right stuff. That will help flush it out and if it is leaking you will know where you stand, instead of diving into a major repair job without proper diagnosis.

 

[mstahl1171]

Re: white lower unit oil?

I used Type C in mine and when it leaked....my was off white in color and like King Syrup...now after resealing my stays a nice golden brown color. Was your thick and white merc??

 

[merc20076]

Re: white lower unit oil?

Merc, you said it was white and not liquid. That says to me that somebody filled it with the wrong lube. The Type C, replaced by BRP Premium Blend is very thin, about as thick as automatic transmission oil or 10W-30 motor oil. But don't use that stuff either.

Maybe they put that thick stuff in there because it is leaking. Maybe they were just ignorant. Maybe it isn't leaking at all. Why don't you just refill it with the right stuff. That will help flush it out and if it is leaking you will know where you stand, instead of diving into a major repair job without proper diagnosis.

I did put type c oil in it since I have it for a year now!
Also can I use BRP Premium Blend oil to fill in?

 

[F_R]

Re: white lower unit oil?

Certainly. Premium blend replaces the obsolete Type C.