Yellow outdrive trim fluid

[Capt Ralph]

1993 Merc 3.0 Alpha 1 outdrive.<br /><br />The fluid in the reservior is kind of a mustard yellow color. Everything works fine, and there is NO water intrusion. <br /><br />I did noticed however that the reservior level looks a little low, and I'd like to just top it off....Anyone know what kind of fluid this yellow stuff is?? <br /><br />Or should I just change the whole system out, and refill with 30W or ATF?<br /><br />Thanks,<br />-CR

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Yellow outdrive trim fluid

It is 30 wt. oil.Top off with the cylinders retracted as far as they can.There should be a dip stick or a fill line.

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Yellow outdrive trim fluid

Motor oil with a small amount of water in it can turn a mustard color. Just to be on the safe side I would flush the system and refill.

 

[Capt Ralph]

Re: Yellow outdrive trim fluid

I'll just take off the reservior & change out the fluid.....Just bought the boat last summer and I have no idea how long the fluid has been in there.<br /><br />-CR

 

[Bondo]

Re: Yellow outdrive trim fluid

Originally posted by Reel Poor:<br /> Motor oil with a small amount of water in it can turn a mustard color.

Ayuh..............

 

[Don S]

Re: Yellow outdrive trim fluid

Changing the oil in the reservoier is still going to give you the milky oil. The trim cylinders and lines hold as much as the reservoir. It may take many changes along with draining the cylinders a couple of times. Sounds easy, but is done by lifting the drive and putting it down to push the oil out of the cylinders. Make sure you catch the oil that comes out of the lines. And even with the lines disconnected the drive does not lift easly.

 

[Capt Ralph]

Re: Yellow outdrive trim fluid

Thanks for the info.<br /><br />I'm planning on changing it out this weekend<br /><br />-CR