black outdrive fluid

[RubberFrog]

Helping my buddy with his '02 Regal with dual 4.3's and SX drives. The port drive has straw colored fluid but the starboard fluid was black. Other than changing it out, I'm not sure what to make of it. Any ideas? Also, what fluid does it take?<br />Thanks,<br />Frog

 

[bigbrownbuku]

Re: black outdrive fluid

normal. not sure why it happens either. ive seen it on 1 drive in a set of standard rotation and 1 drive(usually the port) in a set of both standard/counter rotating drives. decrease the maintenance interval the next time to see if it is cleaner earlier.<br />the drive uses GL5, available at all volvo dealers.

 

[RubberFrog]

Re: black outdrive fluid

Thanks for the info. I am assuming that this thing drains/fills the same way my old OMC did.

 

[bigbrownbuku]

Re: black outdrive fluid

from the bottom yes. the plug under the plastic cover will give you close to the right level on the dipstick.

 

[Don S]

Re: black outdrive fluid

The oil turns black from heat. Possibly due to higher bearing preload settings in that drive.<br />Never assume anything being the same between a Volvo drive and an OMC drive.<br />Like Ben stated, it fills from the bottom like a Mercruiser until it comes out the vent behind the plastic cover. Check with the dipstick and DO NOT overfill, and allow plenty of time for the gear lube to settle in the drive for the final check. Check the oil with the dipstick screwed all the way in. Oil level should come to the top of the flat on the dipstick.

 

[RubberFrog]

Re: black outdrive fluid

Thanks for the info guys. We got it changed and everything went fine over the weekend.<br /><br />Don, thanks for the tech info on the bearing preload. We were a little stumped as to why one drive was black and the other was fine.