black gear oil

[trapper]

OK guys, I could sure use your help. 2013 Yamaha f 200i4. Gear Lube: first change gear lube, honey coloured same colour as installed. Amsoil synthetic 75/90 . Second lube change Amsoil, after 100 hours drained BLACK Third lube change Amsoil, 65 hours drained Black. From light honey coloured to black in less than 100 hours. No sign of metal bits on the drain plug. No marine teck around here can come up with any clues to this issue. Concerned it may be a warranty issue ( 6 months left on the warranty). Nothing appears to be any different in performance. Changed yesterday to Mercury high performance gear lube to possibly alliveate the problem, but only time will tell. Would appreciate very much any input you knowledgable guys could provide. Not sure the cost of dismantling the gear case to inspect, no doubt on my dime, until proven it is a warranty issue. Over heating gear casing was mentioned, but how is that possible submerged in water, with no burnt smell in the oil. Synthetic gear oil stinks regardless! Thanks Guys, looking forward to a possible explanation. Cheers, trapper

 

[gw204]

Get an analysis of your gear lube.

http://www.blackstone-labs.com/transmission.php

 

[suzukidave]

in regular car engine use using too high a viscosity motor oil can cause oil blackening.

is synthetic recommended and does the amsoil meet the manufacturer ratings? there are additives that are not for every application and synthetic can be overkill.

 

[wspitler]

I believe the F200 lower unit calls for a GL-4 Gear oil versus the GL-5 rating that many gear boxes can use and that many high quality oils meet. It may seem counterintuitive, but most synthetics and high quality gear oils are now GL-5 or better. That's OK for mostly non-bushing gear boxes. The GL-5 is the Yamalube HD oil and Yamaha says not to use it in anything other than the V8, SHO and 4.2L engines. They recommend the GL-4 rated (regular) Yamalube. That said, I have a LF250 (counter rotation) lower unit that dirties the Yamalube GL-4 oil over 100 hours, but the thrust bearing in that engine is set differently and my theory is that it wears more. Because of "yellow" metals (bushings) in gear cases like yours, the GL-4 rated oils work better, according to Yamaha. I'd use regular Yamalube, document the changes, and you won't have any issues with warranty should you have a problem. It is more expensive and maybe not as high tech, but it seems to work and stay cleaner. My LF250 is improving, (appearing cleaner on each change) with more hours (600 now) and using GL-4 Yamalube, but it scared me at first compared to the starboard F250. As long as there is only fuzz on the plug, you probably have nothing to worry about, but if you have a problem, better to have used the proper lube, at least until the warranty is up.

 

[seasick]

I believe the F200 lower unit calls for a GL-4 Gear oil versus the GL-5 rating that many gear boxes can use and that many high quality oils meet. It may seem counterintuitive, but most synthetics and high quality gear oils are now GL-5 or better. That's OK for mostly non-bushing gear boxes. The GL-5 is the Yamalube HD oil and Yamaha says not to use it in anything other than the V8, SHO and 4.2L engines. They recommend the GL-4 rated (regular) Yamalube. That said, I have a LF250 (counter rotation) lower unit that dirties the Yamalube GL-4 oil over 100 hours, but the thrust bearing in that engine is set differently and my theory is that it wears more. Because of "yellow" metals (bushings) in gear cases like yours, the GL-4 rated oils work better, according to Yamaha. I'd use regular Yamalube, document the changes, and you won't have any issues with warranty should you have a problem. It is more expensive and maybe not as high tech, but it seems to work and stay cleaner. My LF250 is improving, (appearing cleaner on each change) with more hours (600 now) and using GL-4 Yamalube, but it scared me at first compared to the starboard F250. As long as there is only fuzz on the plug, you probably have nothing to worry about, but if you have a problem, better to have used the proper lube, at least until the warranty is up.

Very interesting reply. I learned something new.
Safe boating

 

[Harpoon]

I have a hunch as well. Years ago I was involved with the lubricant business. If you are using a semi synthetic, the synthetic portion acts as a very good detergent especially at elevated temps. Synthetics will often remove residues that petroleum-base stocks will not. This may be the source or your "black appearance".

I've used the Yamaha gear lube for years, including on zuke's and it generally comes out amber colored after 1-200 hours. Now I might have to try some Amsoil !

 

[trapper]

WOW, thanks so much for your input! Lucky to have such knowledgable guys willing to share what they know. I did some homework and it appears that Mercury make a very good gear lube. "Mercury High Performance" quite a dark green colour on installation. Though I would try that for 30 hours or so and then check it. Will have to check to see if the Amsoil is a GL 4 or 5. There seems to be no info on the container. I believe Amsoil meets all the cryteria for the Yamaha f 200 outboard gear lube. Have contacted an oil analyst and am waiting for the kit info. Have owned two Yam F150, two Yam F8 kickers, and now the F200i4. Always done my own maintanance and have never seen this before. Used Amsoil gear lube on the last F150 for four years, no issues. I believe the gear casing on the F200 is taken from the F150, same gear casing. Anyway thanks guys, Yes, maybe I should stick with the Yamaha products, although somtimes I feel they got me where they want me after spending big bucks on there outboards. Cheers, trapper

 

[DennisG01]

Merc's Hi-Performance (the greenish-bluish stuff) is, indeed, very good drive fluid. It can actually cope with some water intrusion and still protect your gears. It's pretty much the only drive fluid that I use. In the case of something like a Merc Bravo drive, it HAS to be used. Without it, there WILL be shifting problems and eventual gear damage. Just last week I saw a Bravo unit that had the gears completely shot because Amsoil was used. But that drive is a different beast than what you have and it's not really a fair comparison.

 

[trapper]

Thanks guys, Found that Amsoil 75-90 gear lube is shown to be GL4 and GL5. Not sure how that covers both, but it is printed on the containers label. Harpoon, just wondering what residue would be in the gear casing of a 250 hour outboard. No carbon issues like an engine. Interesting enough. Initially I filled the gear casing with amsoil again after draining it, then decided to change brands to Merc high performance, The Amsoil that I drained after not ever running came out black too. So all it really it was just a flush of the gear casing. Who me confused??

 

[family affair]

Something in the oil is reacting with the aluminum would be my guess.