Lower end oil is clowdy.

[Nicholas]

The oil I drained fron the lower unit of my 5 hp (I think) Sea king is clowdy (like a light mustard color). I assume that there is some water getting into the unit. I read that there is a possibility that it is not water, but rather air (in some engins). 1. How can I tell if it's water or air? 2. If it turns out to be water in the lower unit is it bad for the engine if I keep using the unit and repaire in in the fall without causing additional dammage?

 

[Brew]

Re: Lower end oil is clowdy.

Air creating the "cloudy" oil would be a new one on me. You would think that the most air would do would be create tiny bubbles in the oil.<br /><br />I would start by getting some new washers for the lower unit screws (ie. both the vent screw and the oil fill/drain screw), change the lower unit oil, run it a while, and recheck oil. If the oil is still water free, you have solved your problem for a couple of bucks.<br /><br />While running the motor with oil in the lower unit is never a good idea (ie. big time wear and tear on things), you get a really big problem if you live somewhere where it gets real cold in the winter. If your don't change the oil and that water freezes in your lower unit, kiss it goodbye.<br /><br />Good Luck!

 

[Hooty]

Re: Lower end oil is clowdy.

You can check for water in the oil by putting a few drops on a hot exhaust manifold. If there's water present, it will bubble up and bounce around like spit on a hot iron. If it just spreads out and no bubbles, it's all oil.<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[Brew]

Re: Lower end oil is clowdy.

Oops!<br /><br />I meant to say "water in the oil" is not good. I would imagine most would agree that oil in the lower unit is a good idea!!!<br /><br />Cheers,