Milky lower unit oil...

[BassmanIU]

emoBang

So I changed my lower unit oil today. I noticed that the oil coming out was a tad milky. I could see through it but it had a couple of slight milky streaks in it. It didn't smell bad. I bought two new vent/drain washers and noticed that the old ones were in pretty bad shape. Could this be where a little water was getting in? Should I try running the boat with the new washers/oil and do another oil change to see if that solved the problem? Or should I just take it in somewhere and have a mechanic figure it out? Which ones service Evinrude? Thanks for the responses...

 

[SpurHunter]

Milky oil means water is in it. Do not run it until you get the seals changed while it is this cold. In warm weather its ok, but you will have a huge problem if you dont keep the water out right now.

 

[beetlespin]

Agree with spur. Its real expensive when LU fails.

 

[Guest]

I'm in the same boat, don't run it becasue water is not good lubrication.

 

[BassmanIU]

SpurHunter - 1/22/2009 1:36 PM

Milky oil means water is in it. Do not run it until you get the seals changed while it is this cold. In warm weather its ok, but you will have a huge problem if you dont keep the water out right now.

Until I get what "seals" changed?

 

[minner]

He means the prop shaft seal(s). The water intrusion could have been from the plug's washers but better safe than sorry. I replace my washers EVERY time I change the LU oil. They are like 75 cents apiece so it seems like a no brainer. If you decide to run it anyway, at least take the prop off and look for the obvious around the prop shaft like fishing line, etc that could have damaged the seals.

 

[BassmanIU]

Thanks guys...what $$$ am I looking at having someone replace the prop shaft seals? Who services Evinrudes?

 

[tyler ware]

I would think that just a little milky is caused from the washers on the screws, but then again I am a gambler and broke so taking it somewhere is never an option. The least expensive thing to do is go use it for a short amount of time and see if the oil becomes milky again. I mean someone may have been running this thing for a year on that same lub., so what about another 30 min on new lube. If you have a substantial leak then you will notice when you bring it home and check it, if not then great.

 

[churly]

Call Glen Gamble at 622-5450. or you can do it yourself.

 

[Bubbakat]

If it just had one or two light streaks in it then change the two little ring type washers and run it and check it latter. With no more water then that its not going to freeze and expand enough to burst the housing.

 

[tie1on]

After you run it again, I would drain the oil again just to make sure. Its cheeper to change oil than repairing the lower unit. If it still has water in it, it could be the prop shaft seal has a leak.

 

[BassmanIU]

Thanks guys...I talked with a trusted mechanic today and he gave me the same advice. Run a couple times and then change the oil again. If it's still milky, probably a prop shaft seal.

 

[wrechin2]

If you don't mind spending some gas money.... You can come over and I will let YOU use the tools to Pressure and Vacuum test it. If you have a leak on pressure you find it with soapy water, if on vacuum you use oil on the suspected seal. It will pull the oil in. May even have the seals (if needed) depending on what engine. Just a thought if you want piece of mind.

 

[BassmanIU]

wrechin2 - 1/22/2009 11:14 PM

If you don't mind spending some gas money.... You can come over and I will let YOU use the tools to Pressure and Vacuum test it. If you have a leak on pressure you find it with soapy water, if on vacuum you use oil on the suspected seal. It will pull the oil in. May even have the seals (if needed) depending on what engine. Just a thought if you want piece of mind.

I may take you up on that, but I wouldn't know how to use those tools.

 

[wrechin2]

I wouldn't expect you to..... it is Simple. 1st. Put lower onto lower unit stand. Drain fluid. Install upper vent plug. Screw tool onto fill hole (lower) then pressure to 15PSI for 3 minutes while rotaing the shafts (drive and prop). It is allowed to lose 1 PSI in 3 minutes. Then switch to vacuum 15 inches, then repeat. If have a leak you will know it. I like to go 10 minutes both ways. These are pressure and vacuum the lower will not normally see. So it they test good under these condition, then it will be fine under normal conditions. Don't worry, I would be here!!!! Not Like I would hand you the tool and leave!!LOL. Would be happy to help.

 

[fischnrod]

BassmanIU - 1/22/2009 11:26 AM

emoBang

So I changed my lower unit oil today. I noticed that the oil coming out was a tad milky. I could see through it but it had a couple of slight milky streaks in it. It didn't smell bad. I bought two new vent/drain washers and noticed that the old ones were in pretty bad shape. Could this be where a little water was getting in? Should I try running the boat with the new washers/oil and do another oil change to see if that solved the problem? Or should I just take it in somewhere and have a mechanic figure it out? Which ones service Evinrude? Thanks for the responses...

You just purchased a new to you boat,if it was mine i would take it and have new impeller,gear oil, and seals replaced anyway

 

[BigFishGuide]

All excellent answeres. I like wrechin2....I'm a hands on type person and if he offered to teach me something about my engine I would take him up on it.

 

[Bubbakat]

What wrenchin2 is offering is the right way to do it. I send you Kudos for offering to do this service and on the seals if there ain't no leaks then why fix something that ain't broke.

 

[wrechin2]

Just trying to help. Happy to share anything I know. Just ask anyone that knows me.. I won't shut up. Get me started on talking perfomance mods and I will talk all day!!!! Just let me know if you want to do it. Or call me and I will give you directions. 423-304-0930 cell. Later.