Metal Filings in Lower Unit

[VanillaGorilla]

Hey guys. Concerned ... I have a 2000 Johnson 130 HP and just changed the lower unit gear oil. Problem is when I pulled the drain/fill and vent plugs, I had a small amount of metal filings sticking to the plugs. I believe the plugs are magnetic hence the filings sticking to them. I proceeded to change the gear oil and wipe all metal filings from the plugs. My question is: Is this normal wear and tear or does the lower unit need to be rebuilt? Thanks in advance.<br /><br />-Mike

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Metal Filings in Lower Unit

Yes the plug has a magnet to collect these filings.<br /><br /><br />as long as you can squeeze these filings between your fingers,and no chunks,no problem.<br /><br />DHP

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Metal Filings in Lower Unit

Powdery = normal <br />Slivers = you have a stainless prop <br />Chunks =

 

[VanillaGorilla]

Re: Metal Filings in Lower Unit

OK I think we have good news then ... they are slivers (very small) and no chunks. Thanks to both of you for the response. WillyBWright, I have a question ... what does having a stainless prop have to do with this condition? The prop is definitely stainless. Thanks ... again!

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Metal Filings in Lower Unit

The added mass. It's a lot harder on the shift engaging surfaces and gears to get that heavier stainless prop spinning. But somehow it doesn't seem to take them out, even over an extended time. I'm not real sure exactly where the slivers come from. But I often see them on boats with stainless props and rarely on boats with aluminum ones. Make sure you dump it into gear rather quickly. Easing into gear wears things something awful.

 

[VanillaGorilla]

Re: Metal Filings in Lower Unit

Ah I see. Thanks again for the info!

 

[swade28]

Re: Metal Filings in Lower Unit

I too am having the same problems but the filings are very few and you cant even feel them when you touch them...very very fine and few. However the lube seems milky what color should it be and if a seal were leaking would water come out first when lower plug is opened? No water comes out by itself but the fluid seems yellow...more consistent not really a clear golden color after even one day of running. Should i pull the lower and check seals? Thanks, Scotty

 

[tabbott]

Re: Metal Filings in Lower Unit

It would seem that you have a leaky seal. I would replace all seals just to be on the safe side. Mine is always clear. Water mixed in oil would produce a milky color. Only after an extended down time or in large quantities would water escape the drain hole first. Lets see what others think. You might want to start a new post and get feedback that way.