Will the lower unit?s oil change color with age vs moisture?

[wickware]

Will the lower unit?s oil change color with age vs moisture? I checked my 1970 35 HP Chrysler LU Oil today and d/n see any water when I drained a sample from the bottom. The color compared to new oil is different (even though the sunlight and shadows are affecting the Pic). The best comparison on the left of the LU where I tried to show thin films of both and you and clearly see the clearer new oil.

The oil was last changed in 09 when I chanced an O-Ring and Seal. The old oil was better looking IMO then vs now. The boat has 2 short 6 gallons of fuel fishing season since the seals w/o signs of a leaking. How often should the oil be changed?
Thanks In Advance For Some Info! jow

PS. I am ready to catch "SOME FISH".

 

[foodfisher]

Re: Will the lower unit?s oil change color with age vs moisture?

Go fishing! looks good to me. I'd change the oil annually or when you put in a new water pump impeller.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Will the lower unit?s oil change color with age vs moisture?

If you live in a climate where the motor could freeze, you need to change the lube in the fall.

This will ensure that there is no water inside, that can freeze and crack the gearcase.

Gear lube comes in many colors.

The only one that worries me, is the milky chocolate color which indicates water has gotten inside.

 

[wickware]

Re: Will the lower unit?s oil change color with age vs moisture?

Thanks rosco! We do get some good hard (pipe breaking) freezes here in North TX. I have never had a problem except for a battery maybe. I'll bottle the sample and stick it in the freezer for 2-3 days unless that?s a bad idea (with my wife?s OK, LOL)?? Could this be a humidity issue since I h/n ever seen pure water in the LU? Even with the bad O-ring and seal it only leaked oil vs showing any water. jow

 

[roscoe]

Re: Will the lower unit?s oil change color with age vs moisture?

You don't have a serious water issue, if at all.

If the motor has sat a long time, the water and oil will separate and water will run out when you open the drain screw.

If the motor has been run recently, the water will mix with the oil, and produce a milkshake looking cocktail.


Some gear lubes will change color slightly.

THe newer Evinrude lube starts out green, and will eventually turn almost black.


Make sure you use new gaskets on the drain and vent screws when you change the lube.





Bad:

 

[wickware]

Re: Will the lower unit?s oil change color with age vs moisture?

The only sitting since 1985 was 03-06 when we had a serious drought and low lakes. Otherwise, we put the pedal to the metal 5-8 trips per spring/summer when the fish move to deep water. Any year now, we?ll need guides, drivers to barges, docks, banks, etc vs me vs my fishing partner maintaining this boat.

I must admit I only change lube with a repair since I h/n seen ?pure water? in the LU?s yearly PM/Checkups. Actually I question the need of a yearly LU oil chance and impeller if you are not putting good hours on them vs wasting. jow

 

[wickware]

Re: Will the lower unit?s oil change color with age vs moisture?

The chocolate looking oil will still move and drip w/o any signs of expansion after 24 hrs in the freezer. I know that is not a total good test but I doubt I change the oil until a repair. I am comparing this to changing motor oil to rear-end oil on cars/trucks. Do you change your oil and water pumps yearly vs the mileage/use compared to talk on your cars/trucks known needs?

Be nice with your comments because I feel we d/n share real experience vs opinions in many cases. jow

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Will the lower unit?s oil change color with age vs moisture?

That oil has water in it.
Let it set over the winter it can break something in the housing or the housing itself.
'Get it pressure tested.It doesn't look good now.
But next time you drive it,where it's leaking now it might get worse and cause serious damage.

 

[wickware]

Re: Will the lower unit?s oil change color with age vs moisture?

The LU oil level is good from last season with no signs of an ext. leak. Could it be an internal leak or condensation (in 100 Deg. + TX heat) that w/n be noticeable? Or! Leaking oil, filing with water to keep the level? The oil in the top of the LU had a pure oil look vs my sample drained (but no pure water after sitting at least 6 mo). I feel that could mean an int. leak Etc?? I?ll monitor per planned 4-5 short fishing trips. jow