Lower unit lube

[Regalrunner]

I just drained my lower unit. The oil was lime green. I have seen other units drain white which indicates water. <br /><br />About a month ago I had a replacement skeg welded on. Could this by the cause? <br /><br />Oil was also very very thick. <br /><br />Any ideas

 

[tommays]

Re: Lower unit lube

i dont know what oil went in but merc synthetic oil is a green color<br /><br />its pretty cold so that would be a big factor in flow rate<br /><br />the oil should come out how it went in any big change is a sign of a problem like turning milky from water<br /><br />tommays

 

[Don S]

Re: Lower unit lube

Merc's Hi Performance gear lube is a clear dark green in color. If it is milky, it indicates water. White sounds more like a Volvo drive that uses regular motor oil, it turns white when water is in it.<br />Yes, welding could have overheated a seal and caused it to leak. <br />Water in the lube will make it thicker also. <br />You need to drain the drive and do a pressure and vacuum check to locate the leak. And ALWAYS use new gaskets on the drain and vent plugs.<br />Could you let us in on what type of drive it is????

 

[Regalrunner]

Re: Lower unit lube

Mercury Alpha 1. Used penzoil synthetic oil. Went in yellow in color,was bright lime coming out. <br /><br />I will put new gaskets on the plugs. <br /><br />Sounds like seals eh?

 

[imported_wildcat]

Re: Lower unit lube

DonS,<br />Are you saying that the O-ring seals on the Alpha I Mercruiser sterndrive around the drain and vent plugs for the gear lube should be changed every time you change the gear lube in the sterndrive?

 

[POINTER94]

Re: Lower unit lube

wildcat1<br /><br />It is my understanding that yes, you should the gaskets every time and that they changed the o-ring/gasket color to blue.<br /><br />Just bought two, $1.38. It is good practice to change gaskets as they cannot be recompressed and provide the same sealing proporties.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Lower unit lube

Originally posted by POINTER94:<br />[QB] $1.38. QUOTE]<br /><br />Put it this way...not a smart place to save a $

 

[imported_wildcat]

Re: Lower unit lube

I already ordered new "blue" o-rings. The dealer said they keep a drawer full. This will be the first time changing the gear lube and I was just planning on following the manual. They should recommend that the seals be replaced in the book. I am sure glad that I read this thread, could have saved me alot of money.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Lower unit lube

Sounds like the welding of the skeg may have ruined the seals.I would take it to get pressure checked and vacuum checked to be sure.Charlie