OMC SX Upper Volvo SX-M Lower?

[billkoller]

Last fall I had my OMC SX 1:51 Lower go out. (1995 5.8 OMC Fuel Injection) I purchased a Re-maned Volvo SX-M Lower and had my local marina put it together. I used the boat twice and no issues, I pulled out for the winter and noticed Black Burnt Oil coming out of what I think are the exhaust ports on the near the seam of the 2 halves. Does anyone have an idea of what could have caused this? Was this installation error or is the upper failing and this is a result? Did I buy a lower that would not work with my upper? Any ideas/input would be greatly appreciated!

 

[bruceb58]

Pull the dipstick on the drive and see what the gear oil looks like.

Your sx-m lower is fine for your upper.

 

[Lou C]

Did the oil smell like gear oil? It normally has a very pungent odor like sulfur. Could it be oil from another source? Like power steering fluid leaking into the exhaust water from a leaky ps cooler for example.

 

[billkoller]

It is Black, smells and looks like burnt Gear Oil. Guessing when it leaked out started overheating the upper

 

[bruceb58]

Pull the dipstick and/or let a little out the drain plug and see if its the same color.

Every time I use my boat, I always check the gear oil to make sure it is at the correct level. Good habit to get into.

 

[billkoller]

Resolved, turns out the New Lower had a groove for an O-Ring and my old upper also had a Groove for the O-ring. These 2 units were not compatible. Ended up having to get a new Upper to Match the lower I purchased. Luckily I found a local guy that knew his stuff and had a compatible upper.