Lower unit gear oil had light green streaks--aeration or water?

[jacko137]

1977 MCM 120 with 1 drive.

I was winterizing last night and when I went to drain my outdrive I noticed it was light green at first--looked like foam--before returning to primarily green/blue (I use Mercruiser synthetic). Occassionally it would streak with the light green as it continued to drain.

Am I dealing with a water leak or is this common for lube that has been run on maybe 30 hours? BTW--no major chunks of metal anywhere to be found.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Lower unit gear oil had light green streaks--aeration or water?

Hard to say with out seeing it, but it does sound like it.....
The best way to find out if you have a problem would be to pressure test it......

 

[Bondo]

Re: Lower unit gear oil had light green streaks--aeration or water?

Am I dealing with a water leak

Ayuh,... Sure sounds that way,...

Merc. gear oil doesn't aerate,+ if it did, it'll settle out in less than a day...
Probably a hour or 2 maybe...

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Lower unit gear oil had light green streaks--aeration or water?

I have had the same for years when i use Lubrimatic green.On my alphas and on my Evinrude.Charlie