metal in lower unit

[smike26]

When I drained the oil in my lower unit the magnetic drain plug had a small amount of very fine metal shavings attached to it. Is this cause for concern or normal wear and tear. 79 Merc I6...

 

[ob]

Re: metal in lower unit

Sounds normal Smike as long as this is not continual accumulation and motor is operating fine.Newly messed gears will extrude some fine shavings as will normal wear through shifting from neutral.Exercise shifting briskly from neutral to gear and it will minimize gear wear.Flush some extra gear oil into lower unit and allow to drain and it will help evacuate any extra metallic particulates from gearcase.Water test motor and reinspect oil condition.

 

[smike26]

Re: metal in lower unit

Thanks ob, will do.