Posted: February 1, 2012 | Tag: Fuel Additives/Oils/Lubes
I have a Honda 40 hp four-stroke engine on my dinghy. When I change the gearcase oil (using Lucas 90 weight), it goes in a dark honey color, but when I drain it at the end of the season, the oil comes out green — and the more hours, the greener it gets. I had the oil analyzed, and the report found no salt in the oil but traces of water and particulates. Is it at all normal for the oil to change color?
I can’t attest to what after-market oils do when they mix with water and/or get hot from lack of lubricity. I think you need to return to basics. Drain all the gear oil and replace it with the Honda (or other outboard manufacturer’s) gear oil designed specifically for helical-cut gears. If there is water intrusion, the oil will become gray, then milky white. Then a pressure test will tell you where the water’s coming from.