Will white grease turn gear lube milky?

[tommr]

I recently resealed the gear case on my 40 hp Lark 1961. ( or at least tried to )
I used white grease to hold the pinion gears in place prior to re installing the pinion gear, just because that can of grease was handy.
I would estimate a teaspoon or so, maybe a bit more.
We took the boat for a short spin to test the seal job and when I drained a small bit of oil it was milky.
I wondered if the white lithium grease would cause the gear lube to look milky.

The viscosity was about that of gear oil so I hoped it was the grease and not water.

I thought I might flush the case with a few changes using some 50 weight oil and try it again.

 

[kodibass]

yes I often use lubriplate 105 engine assembly grease in my older outboards. it will turn the oil a bit milky looking....that being said so will water.. There is a great article on the duckworth website about older outboards, and why he puts some lubriplate 105 in his old outboards, its worth a read. basicly it states most older gear boxes do a bit of leaking, add about 1/4 lubriplate then top off with gear oil, change each season & motor on.

 

[kodibass]

yes I often use lubriplate 105 engine assembly grease in my older outboards. it will turn the oil a bit milky looking....that being said so will water.. There is a great article on the duckworth website about older outboards, and why he puts some lubriplate 105 in his old outboards, its worth a read. basicly it states most older gear boxes do a bit of leaking, add about 1/4 lubriplate then top off with gear oil, change each season & motor on.