what color should my trim fluid be

[zsmith29]

2000 Stingray w merc 4 cyl

I just dipped my finger in the trim fluid reservoir and the fluid look like a vanilla milkshake whitish.....

Is this ok?

 

[EMC 1810SS]

Re: what color should my trim fluid be

Mine was always clearish yellow. Milkshake tells me water is getting in the fluid.

 

[thumpar]

Re: what color should my trim fluid be

The color can be different depending on what fluid is used but milkshake is not good.

 

[zsmith29]

Re: what color should my trim fluid be

Ok. What color is that stuff right out of the bottle?

 

[thumpar]

Re: what color should my trim fluid be

Depends on what you are using. Some use hydraulic fluid or trim fluid or motor oil or steering fluid.

 

[airshot]

Re: what color should my trim fluid be

My mercruiser trim unit calls for 20w-50 motor oil. So obviously it is motor oil color.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: what color should my trim fluid be

or ATF

however it should be honey colored if hydraulic fluid, power steering fluid, or motor oil, red if ATF.

if you have a milkshake, your seals on the rams probably need attention.

 

[Pete104]

Re: what color should my trim fluid be

My mercruiser trim unit calls for 20w-50 motor oil. So obviously it is motor oil color.

Are you sure?

 

[thumpar]

Re: what color should my trim fluid be

Are you sure?

A lot called for motor oil in the older units.

 

[zsmith29]

Re: what color should my trim fluid be

or ATF

however it should be honey colored if hydraulic fluid, power steering fluid, or motor oil, red if ATF.

if you have a milkshake, your seals on the rams probably need attention.

an

Thanks Guys,
But what is "seals on the rams"?

Is this an urgent issue?

 

[thumpar]

Re: what color should my trim fluid be

If it is milkshake I would worry about it. You could take the fluid out and put it in a jar. After a while it will settle and you would know for sure if it is water. If it is water it could be anything on the transom back in the system.