Results 1 to 7 of 7
  1. #1
    Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    talbott,Tennessee
    Posts
    672

    Lower unit oil change question

    2021 200 serial # 2B781272
    Changed my lower unit oil and they last little bit that comes out has some water in it. Is this normal? I had this happen once before and the dealer changed seals on lower unit. Next oil change had same come out on very last. I set a cup at bottom and caught the last little bit of drainage in cup. Wondering if this is something someone else has experienced tia.
    20231124_112851.jpg
    20231124_112839.jpg
    20231124_112804.jpg
    Last edited by moose288; 11-24-2023 at 10:58 AM.
    JEFF
    TALBOTT,TN
    VIPER COBRA 201
    Mercury pro xs

  2. Member
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    Spangle, WA
    Posts
    6,548
    #2
    Quote Originally Posted by moose288 View Post
    Is this normal?
    Not in my opinion.
    _______

    Phil
    '09 Hewescraft ProV
    '09 150 Optimax


  3. Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2020
    Location
    Round Lake Park, IL
    Posts
    71
    #3
    How long ago did the dealer change the seals? I would be taking that oil/water straight to the dealer and telling them to fix it right if the repair was recent. In any case, another seal job is in your future.

  4. Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2021
    Location
    Hardinsburg, Kentucky
    Posts
    18
    #4
    The lube doesn't really appear to be milky. I would think any water in lower unit would settle to bottom and be first to drain out. See what others think.

  5. Mercury 3L/4 Stroke/Verado Moderator EuropeanAM's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Location
    Greenville, SC (US)
    Posts
    97,977
    #5
    Did you run the engine before draining the lube, or did you attempt to drain it "stone cold"?

    Also: Are you absolutely certain that water came from the LUBE DRAIN and didn't come from the powerhead/midsection/exhaust draining a small amount that had been trapped?

    Normally, if the gearcase DID have water in it, the water would drain out FIRST.

    If you had run the engine, the lube would be MILKY in appearance, if water were present.

    Takes a LONG time sitting to completely separate water and HP lube like the cup you pictured.


    Dual Mercury Master Technician- for Mercury Outboards, Mercruiser and Mercury Racing at European Marine in Greenville, SC.
    Still consider myself a "Marine Apprentice" after 48 years (learn something new every day).
    Mercury Parts, Mercury Outboards, Smartcraft & Accessories, Injector Service, TDR Reeds- BBC Sponsor

  6. Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    talbott,Tennessee
    Posts
    672
    #6
    Stone cold drain. I haven't had motor in water in 6 months. It's been a year ago since dealer worked on it. Water came out on very end of the drain out the drain hole. Water would run fast down the lower unit oit running the oil stream into my cup. Same as last time I done it. That why I took it to dealer. I take it back to dealer and let them check it again.
    JEFF
    TALBOTT,TN
    VIPER COBRA 201
    Mercury pro xs

  7. Mercury 3L/4 Stroke/Verado Moderator EuropeanAM's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Location
    Greenville, SC (US)
    Posts
    97,977
    #7
    Jeff... That's very strange as the lube has a lower specific gravity than water (ie: it floats ON TOP of the water).

    That would mean water would be at the very bottom of the case (not the last little bit drained). Not saying it's impossible- just that there would be some unusual contortions or positions involved for that to happen.

    I have seen water trapped in the gearcase or midsection as well... in a case like this, pressure testing is the best way to determine if indeed there's a leak.


    Dual Mercury Master Technician- for Mercury Outboards, Mercruiser and Mercury Racing at European Marine in Greenville, SC.
    Still consider myself a "Marine Apprentice" after 48 years (learn something new every day).
    Mercury Parts, Mercury Outboards, Smartcraft & Accessories, Injector Service, TDR Reeds- BBC Sponsor