I might have mixed fluids in trim

[Bill Hancock]

1995 5.7 efi mercruiser.
I topped up my trim reservoir with motor oil as reccommended by the Seloc book. Now I'm reading in another manual that it may be transmission fluid. Am I in trouble? What should I do now?
Thanks,
Bill

 

[Zackman]

Re: I might have mixed fluids in trim

Bill, you can use either, but not necessarily at the same time. What was the color of the existing fluid?

 

[Bill Hancock]

Re: I might have mixed fluids in trim

Zackman,
I didn't really look as I thought I was doing the right thing.
It was dark in colour - that's about all I know.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: I might have mixed fluids in trim

Even mixing trans (hydraulic oil) and regular oil won't hurt it a bit.

Both are compatible with the O-rings and pump..... And mixing them won't cause spontaneous combustion or something!!

It's a good idea to use trans oil because when it leaks, it's red so it's easy to identify.


Even better would be to use THIS for leak detection in the trim pump and trans fluid in the power steering. This way if it's red it's power steering, if it's amber it's trim pump and if it's somewhat black or dark it's engine oil (unless you just changed it!!)


Cheers,

Rick

 

[beezee28]

Re: I might have mixed fluids in trim

I used 30 weight oil on my boat trim. No problem at all.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: I might have mixed fluids in trim

If you need to suck out the oil, I recommend a primer bulb and a length of fuel line. You can just pump the oil into a conainer and refill with the fluid of your choice. Alternatively you can use a gearlube pump.

 

[Robj]

Re: I might have mixed fluids in trim

The trim is a simple hydraulic system. I knew guys who would mix in ATF into their hydraulic oil so they could see the level better on the sight glass. I really see no problem mixing tranny oil with engine oil for the trim pump.

Have a great day,

Rob.

 

[Bill Hancock]

Re: I might have mixed fluids in trim

Thanks for the replies everyone.
Looks like I don't have to lose any sleep over this one.
The trim is still working fine for now.
Bill