Fine dust type metal in lower end oil

[82RAYSONCRAFT]

Went to replace water pump unit today on my 1982 225hp merc. When I drained the gear oil from lower unit noticed metal flake dust present. Mechanically thigs sound fine. Question is should I repair ASAP or would I have time for a couple of more outings since I'm on vac. this week. I know it needs to be done but would like to go to the lake this week. Any thoughts?

 

[timmathis]

Re: Fine dust type metal in lower end oil

As long as it was very fine it is probably o.k.!If you see any large pieces bigger than dust you need to have it checked. Good Luck and have fun.<br /><br />Tim

 

[82RAYSONCRAFT]

Re: Fine dust type metal in lower end oil

Thanks for the advice. Going sking tomorrow & will tear down next week for inspection & repair.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Fine dust type metal in lower end oil

Like Tim said, I doubt you have any problems unless it looks like silver paint. I like to put about a quart of laquer thinner in my used gear oil and mix it up and let it settle after draining to see just how much crud there really is. If you do this, there shouldnt be enough to cover your finger when washed into the corner of the pan.

 

[Coolmaker]

Re: Fine dust type metal in lower end oil

There is a magnetic drain plug that you can install in the lower hole to catch the particles and remove them....

 

[82RAYSONCRAFT]

Re: Fine dust type metal in lower end oil

CoolMaker<br />Has magnetic plug that had most of the particles. <br />Maybe I'm just a little over conserned being from a mechanical background. Metal flakes in any resevoir always concern me. Will deal with it after a short trip to the lake.

 

[timmathis]

Re: Fine dust type metal in lower end oil

When was your last unit oil change?<br />If it has been 2or3 years it probobly just fine<br />and no need to tear down.<br />I would run it a while re check. If it is clean and shifts o.k. dont worry about it verry little is normal. Tim

 

[kchunn]

Re: Fine dust type metal in lower end oil

If it's just tiny shavings that are attached to the magnetic plug, it's normal. Every outboard I've owned has had a small amount of shavings attached to the magnetic plug when I changed the oil. Unless there's a chunk of metal that really stands out from the sliver type shavings, I wouldn't start tearing things apart.

 

[82RAYSONCRAFT]

Re: Fine dust type metal in lower end oil

Thanks for everyones info & support. <br />Great forum with plenty of knowledgable people and advise.