AQ170B Oil looks like chocolate milk.....

[alaskagal2005]

Given my first boat 1974 Glencoe AQ170B, 270T....knew it would be a project boat, but ws suprised when I went to change oil. Trying to suck oil out and found it to look like light chocolate milk, and almost looks like dirt. It is not gritty, but could this be some sort of winterization? The peolple who had it are no longer around, and I am a 'green' owner. Any ideas?

 

[searay3]

Re: AQ170B Oil looks like chocolate milk.....

That is water in your oil. Looks like chocolate milk. This could be a sign of no winterization and a cracked block or manifolds or both. Change the oil, hook up the muffs and run it. Watch the oil, if it turns milky, it's time to start taking it apart for repair diagnosis, or sell/junk the boat. It also may not show until you put it in the water. It won't take long to turn into choco milk again if something is cracked.

 

[captmello]

Re: AQ170B Oil looks like chocolate milk.....

It won't take long to turn into choco milk again if something is cracked.

I hope thats not the case.

You've got a unique setup there. Three Carbs right?

check the drain plug on the motor and see if there was water left in over the winter.

Don't suppose you could post some photos of the 170 engine and 270T, I've never seen either. Is the power trim working?

Good luck!!!

 

[captmello]

Re: AQ170B Oil looks like chocolate milk.....

Go to this link and type in aq170b in the engine type space, hit enter. scroll down, there is some info to be had there.

http://www.volvo.com/volvopenta/global/en-gb/marine_leisure_engines/parts_service/publication_search/publication_search.htm

 

[Don S]

Re: AQ170B Oil looks like chocolate milk.....

One oil change will NEVER clean the oil so it's not milky. It will take 3 or 4 oil and filter changes at least to end up with clear oil if there wasn't a leak.
No need to take it to the water to run it, muffs would do the same thing.

Best thing to do is to drain the cooling system and pressure check it. You should be able to hear the leak.

 

[alaskagal2005]

Re: AQ170B Oil looks like chocolate milk.....

Yes, it as 3 carbs. I will be able to get pics later this afernoon. I hope it is not the case either. I like challenges. The power trim works fine. It started right up. Had muffs on and ran it until I got temp into lower green arc, wanting to change oil. When I saw the 'chocolate milk', I worried about running it any longer. I went to suck oil out, and found it was still VERY thick and couldn't get much oil out. So here I am. I was told to get to drain I would have to remove engine...havent looked for it yet...this weekends project..will send pics-thanks for responding

I hope thats not the case.

You've got a unique setup there. Three Carbs right?

check the drain plug on the motor and see if there was water left in over the winter.

Don't suppose you could post some photos of the 170 engine and 270T, I've never seen either. Is the power trim working?

Good luck!!!

 

[alaskagal2005]

Re: AQ170B Oil looks like chocolate milk.....

Thanks for responding. I ran it trying to get temp up to change the oil, but it still is very thick and hard to get out. I don't want to keep running it with oil like this.Added a quart of oil, trying to thin out the old oil... Should I just remove engine and move on with tearing it down, or should I try warming oil up enough to remove it. I was told in order to get to plug I would have to remove engine? Haven't looked yet, but does that sound right?

That is water in your oil. Looks like chocolate milk. This could be a sign of no winterization and a cracked block or manifolds or both. Change the oil, hook up the muffs and run it. Watch the oil, if it turns milky, it's time to start taking it apart for repair diagnosis, or sell/junk the boat. It also may not show until you put it in the water. It won't take long to turn into choco milk again if something is cracked.

 

[alaskagal2005]

Re: AQ170B Oil looks like chocolate milk.....

Thanks for the input. I will do that!

 

[captmello]

Re: AQ170B Oil looks like chocolate milk.....

Pulling the motor seems extreme for draining the oil. If you have 4-5 inches under the drain plug you can put a doubled or tripled up heavy duty garbage bag under the drain plug and drain it that way.

 

[searay3]

Re: AQ170B Oil looks like chocolate milk.....

In my opinion, I'm sure others will have their's, The decision of whether you repair it or sell it is up to you. How good is the rest of the boat? If it were mine, and I decided to fix it, a project as you mention, I would pull the motor. If you have sludge to that degree in the pan I doubt you will be able to flush it out. Also, where else is the sludge? Valves, lifters, who knows. You can then inspect everything and see what you have. Taking it to a shop? Well that may well put a nail in the coffin if it were mine. Free boats can get quite expensive.

 

[alaskagal2005]

Re: AQ170B Oil looks like chocolate milk.....

In my opinion, I'm sure others will have their's, The decision of whether you repair it or sell it is up to you. How good is the rest of the boat? If it were mine, and I decided to fix it, a project as you mention, I would pull the motor. If you have sludge to that degree in the pan I doubt you will be able to flush it out. Also, where else is the sludge? Valves, lifters, who knows. You can then inspect everything and see what you have. Taking it to a shop? Well that may well put a nail in the coffin if it were mine. Free boats can get quite expensive.

Yes, my thoughts exactly...where else is this sludge. I changed the oil and ran it. Still milky (l understand it could take a few to see..) and bubbles. I will be pulling it out,and tearing it down. I like the boat, and don't mind the challenge. Besides, I am very intrested to see what's going on inside. My dad told me the happiest time with a boat is the day you buy one, and the day you sell it. I just wanted a project Thanks for the advice! I really appriciate it!

 

[captmello]

Re: AQ170B Oil looks like chocolate milk.....

Please let us know how your project goes. Keep us posted.

Remember, you promised some photos.

Good Luck, I hope it works out!!