Lower unit fluid- burnt odor and metal flakes

[TxHorns]

I just changed the lower unit fluid for the first time since buying my boat (got it a couple months ago). Well it had a very strong burned odor, and had more metal flakes around than I think is normal.

they are old motors, but have worked well until now. Should I just put new fluid in, change it after a few uses to see the metal content, and go with it? or is it imperative to take it to a shop?

 

[tal]

Re: Lower unit fluid- burnt odor and metal flakes

Gear oil in general has a nasty foul smell to it. Sure it was burned? Was it a murky yellow or murky green color (depends on the color oil used)? It could have water in it if so. If it's idling too high while you throw it in gear, you could have some extra metal flakes in there.

If there's no abnormal grinding or clunking I'd change the oil and try running it again then check and see what it looks like.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Lower unit fluid- burnt odor and metal flakes

A lot of metal flakes ???
Did the oil smell of rotten eggs ??

 

[TxHorns]

Re: Lower unit fluid- burnt odor and metal flakes

Yeah, there were a lot of metal flakes. On the top nut, when I put it back in the hole (after it was cleaned off) it came back with a little "gob" of metal flakes again.

As for the smell, it was a pretty strong burnt smell, and the oil was very black and pretty thick.

I guess my question was- if there was any damage done, should I just change the fluid and use it; or could it be at a point where getting some work done/replacing certain parts could prevent further damage?

Thanks for the help.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Lower unit fluid- burnt odor and metal flakes

first what motor. make, year, model #, hp.

 

[ezeke]

Re: Lower unit fluid- burnt odor and metal flakes

Black gear oil is worn out; a sign of poor maintenance and failure to change oil on a regular basis.

http://www.evinrude.com/NR/rdonlyre...55-6BC1C69789FB/0/em_maintenance_schedule.pdf