Water in lower unit?

Chryslerman123

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Nov 18, 2016
Messages
87
1971 Chrysler 20hp-I drained the lower unit today and the oil coming out of the drain hole was dark brown but when it hit the drain pan it was solid gray. It had been sitting for two days undisturbed and before I drained it I pulled the drain plug and no water came out first, just dark brown oil. The drain pan had used engine oil in it about a1/4 inch deep. Does it not mix well with used engine oil?
There was no milky streaking in the pan, it was just solid gray colored. Also the LU oil has been in it for 25-30 years as it has been sitting unused for that long. I filled it with new oil and will check it after the next time I run it.
 

jerryjerry05

Supreme Mariner
Joined
May 7, 2008
Messages
17,923
You should have done a pressure test??
As far as mixing?? The viscosity would stop them from mixing for a brief time then they should go together.

​Depending on how much use the drive got "when it was used and the amount of
water intrusion the brown color is probably just a small amount of water?

​The seals? were they plastic or fiber washers?
The plastic ones are generally a 1 time use only.
The fiber ones can be used again.
 

Chryslerman123

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Nov 18, 2016
Messages
87
You should have done a pressure test??
As far as mixing?? The viscosity would stop them from mixing for a brief time then they should go together.

​Depending on how much use the drive got "when it was used and the amount of
water intrusion the brown color is probably just a small amount of water?

​The seals? were they plastic or fiber washers?
The plastic ones are generally a 1 time use only.
The fiber ones can be used again.

It did mix together after a while. It had plastic washers but I replaced them with new washers before I put it water because they were cracked. Don't know how to do a pressure test.
 

jerryjerry05

Supreme Mariner
Joined
May 7, 2008
Messages
17,923
Look up pressure testing an outboard on u-tube.
​There is a search box towards the top of the page.
Put in pressure test and all kinds of things pop up.
 
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