lower unit

[wnc/nga tx 17]

hi guys i just drained my lower unit oil. man it was burned stunk to high heaven, i got about 6 to 8 ounces out of it. There was no metal on the drain plug. Thank goodness. Its a 1986 classic 50 merc 45 hp, i got it last spring love my little motor. im concerned if ive hurt my little merc HELP

 

[oldman570]

Re: lower unit

As long as there was not any water nor metal shavings in it you should be fine. Replace the grease with a good 85/90LU grease and check it again after running it again.
Oldman570

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: lower unit

Use only a gear oil for marine use as it is totally different than the oil used in a automotive gear-case. The difference is the marine has EP additives & emulsifiers if water gets in the oil and it does not aerate. Auto gear oil aerates as it designed to go in a vented gear-housing. The reason the your oil did that is it decomposed from heat and loading (wrong oil?), as it decomposes it turns black and creates hydrogen sulfide which gives it the burnt odor.