Outdrive Fluid Odor

[rwidman]

I checked the fluid in my 2003 Volvo SX drive today and noticed an odor a little like rotten eggs. The fluid was replaced about nine months ago and has about 50 hrs of use. Is this normal? An indication of a problem? What problem?

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Outdrive Fluid Odor

Gear oil is pretty stinky even when it is fresh....
Without knowing what type of gear oil you are using, it's hard to say....
But, if it looks clean (not milky) or discolored you are probably OK.........JK

 

[JUSTINTIME]

Re: Outdrive Fluid Odor

what color is it?

 

[Don S]

Re: Outdrive Fluid Odor

IF you have the Volvo gear lube in it. GL-5 Synthetic gear lube, it should be a clear yellow color when new. If it gets burned from overheat or drive problems, it will turn black and smell like that.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Outdrive Fluid Odor

IF you have the Volvo gear lube in it. GL-5 Synthetic gear lube, it should be a clear yellow color when new. If it gets burned from overheat or drive problems, it will turn black and smell like that.

Great News! :'(

I don't know what's in it, I paid to have a pro do the Volvo 100 hr service. For what I paid, I should have the "real stuff".

I don't abuse it, run WOT, etc. I'll check the color next chance I get.

Thanks.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Outdrive Fluid Odor

Ron, I don't know which pro you used and it doesn't matter.If you checked the oil and didn't like the smell ...... change it again.

Clean oil does not stink or smell.



DHP

 

[rwidman]

Re: Outdrive Fluid Odor

IF you have the Volvo gear lube in it. GL-5 Synthetic gear lube, it should be a clear yellow color when new. If it gets burned from overheat or drive problems, it will turn black and smell like that.

Well, it's a medium to dark grey when spread on a piece of white card stock so I guess that's "black".

I don't see how it could overheat unless it happened when they test drove it after servicing it (last spring). What drive problems could cause this? Should I just replace the fluid myself and see if it happens again?