Got Milk?

[jtuoti]

Newbie boat owner here - bought a 1996 Sea Ray 190 Bow Rider last year with the 5.7L Mercruiser Alpha One sterndrive. We (me, the wife, and 3 kids) took the boat out last season about 6 times and I stupidly didn't winterize the boat. Thought we would go again but then life happened, etc. <br />Anyway, now it's approaching the season again and I've been reading up on what to do (this site is fantastic!) so today I drained my gear oil. It was green (and so is the new stuff I bought) but there was a little trace of milky stuff (very small amount) that appeared in the oil. Also, there were some metal slivers on the bottom plug that I could see (it must be magnetic, right?) but none that I could feel.<br /><br />To make a long story short, my plan is to take it to a nearby lake and run it for about 1/2 hour, then bring it home and drain the oil again to see if there's any water signs. Does this sound like a sound plan? I'm a shadetree mechanic (just completed my big block rebuild for my '69 Camaro) but this "sterndrive" stuff is completely new. I welcome any help/advice you can provide. Thanks in advance - Jon<br /><br />PS. There was about 3/4 tank of gas in it when I stored it back in September. The dealer gave me some engine stabilizer to dump in the tank. Will this suffice or should I drain the tank and start fresh?

 

[Kuni]

Re: Got Milk?

yes the bottom plug is magnetic and the general rule is the grey fur on the end is ok if when rubbed between your fingers doesn't feel gritty it will disappear sort off.<br />how much milky stuff came out??<br />can't help you much with your winter stuff down here in new zealand winter is so mild we keep fishing and when we can't its only a month or so before we can again and its not that cold ,doesn't snow in most places.<br />still is great place!

 

[jtuoti]

Re: Got Milk?

Hey Kuni - thanks for your help. Regarding how much milky stuff came out, I was staring at the oil pan and when the oil was drizzling on the top of it and running into the hole in the middle of the container there would be a really thin "stream" that was surrounded by green oil. I'd guess that about 98% of the oil was green with 2% being whitish. Sorry for not being able to describe it better - I should have grabbed the digital camera. This is probably one of those instances where a picture is worth a thousand words. Again, thanks...Jon

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Got Milk?

Considering this is a somewhat new boat to you .. a few things to consider. Condensation inside the lower unit could attribute to the milky oil or maybe the presious owner checked it and water got in. You are on the right track to change it and change it again. Make sure you use specific lower unit oil and NOT gear oil. Depending on the outdrive it will depend on how much it will take. Don't bother buying lower unit oil in the tubes...too exspensive, buy it by the jug and buy the pump...well worth the $$$.<br /><br />The Stabil you put in the gas tank should have been okay. I would top off the tank with fresh gas and go out determined to use it up. I would also recommend you install a new fuel filter after that tank of gas.<br /><br />Bob

 

[jtuoti]

Re: Got Milk?

Thanks for the fuel filter tip Bob - makes sense. Appreciate your help and advice. Jon

 

[Kuni]

Re: Got Milk?

sounds like your ok but definately do as bob says and do a recheck after running,common sense will usually prevail!<br />good luck.

 

[Spidybot]

Re: Got Milk?

Scandinavian advice:<br />I'd say all you describe sounds perfectly normal.<br /><br />We know winter and my best comment is that you are very well off following the advice given. The tasks described in your owners manual will keep you out of trouble next winter(s). Remember to charge your batteries, look over your electrics and add WD40/Marine Lube/Grease or so where needed.