burnt gear lube

[kingfish543]

I am running an "almost" new 225 Johnson Ocean Runner, (approx. 150-200 hrs. on the motor).<br />Maintenance has been by the book and done by omc shops up to this point.<br />I decided I'd do the lower unit lube change myself this time, and was surprised to find that the old gear lube was burnt.<br />With only the hours since the last(supposed) change,(50 at most).....I wouldn't think the oil should be in that condition.<br />It was not contaminated otherwise.<br />The service manual states that if the gear lube is burnt, I should contact a dealer. Why?<br />What does this indicate?<br />I suspect that maybe I got screwed on the last change I was charged for...<br />If not, what should I be concerned about with the burnt lube?<br />Many thanks for responses....this is my first time on the board.....this looks like a great place to exchange info.<br /><br />kf

 

[Old Salty Dawg]

Re: burnt gear lube

Hello Kingfish...What gearlube are you using? If you use the synthetic formula it has a tendency to turn dark and it stinks from day one. I suggest that you change it yourself every 100 hrs.<br />50 hrs. in hard running. does it shift and operate ok? If so, then monitor oil level and condition after 10 hrs of running, for now. Do this and e-mail me back later.<br />C-ya! Paul

 

[kingfish543]

Re: burnt gear lube

hey salty!...thanks for your response....<br />The manual calls for omc "ultra HPF".<br />Is that a synthetic formulation?<br />That is what I used on this last change.<br />I can only assume that is what was used previously by the omc shops, but can't be sure. <br />No problems with shifting and running...<br />So far a good motor....just want to keep it that way.<br />I'll check it after the next run and let you know what it looks like.<br />No big concern, huh?<br /><br />Thanks again, Paul<br />kf

 

[Old Salty Dawg]

Re: burnt gear lube

Hello again Kingfish!<br />Ultra HPF is the stuff that I once used in my 40hp and in my 70hp. Let me tell you, it stunk right out of the bottle, and when I ran it, and then drained it, it came out all funky looking. Now, me being a mechanic, I will evaluate the appearance of the oil and the odor, since the odor is bad, right out of the bottle, and the oil turns a dangerous looking color after 50 hrs. of use, I will never know if anything is really ever wrong! The best way to judge the condition of the gearcase, is by looking at the magnetic drain plug. Presence of execssive particles indicates a problem. Also, upon draining carefully look at the oil for water. Water being heavier than oil would be the first to exit the gearcase. I hope you don't find any of these, and that all is well.<br />P.S. If your engine requires the use of HPF, and is still under warranty, then use it. After draining, remember to LOOK at the plug! That is the tell all.<br />Tight lines...

 

[Spidybot]

Re: burnt gear lube

Paul is right. Remember to look for 'mayonnaise' - that is when oil and water is blended by the running parts in the gearhousing. Creates 'white clouds' if it is only a little and 'mayonnaise' if more water is in. It is OK to see minor traces as condensation will occur, but if you find signs of water getting in, look for defective gaskets (fill/drain plugs and prop shaft). Marine oils copes with SMALL amounts of water but as it certainly has limits, changing it is a must.

 

[petryshyn]

Re: burnt gear lube

kingfish543<br /><br />Burnt gear lube can also be the result of under filling(low gear lube level) Be sure to fill to the proper level......sometimes trapped air can fool you.

 

[kingfish543]

Re: burnt gear lube

Thanks gain for all responses!!<br />It all sounds like very good sound advice.<br />I sure wish I had known about this board before.<br /><br />Best to everyone!!<br /><br />kf