Water in Transmission

[Anthony Bavuso]

I have a Hunter 25.5 with a Yanmar 1GM engine. The other day I pumped the oil out of the transmission and noticed a white milky looking substance in the transmission oil. My manual indicates that the milky looking substance is water in the oil. My question is how serious is it to have water in the transmission? And also how would the water be getting in? I have noticed that there always seems to be oil in my bilge. But I continuously check the engine oil level and it remains constant at the correct level. I also check my transmission oil and it also inidicates the correct level. But I am wondering if water is getting in where the oil is leaking out, therefore maintaining the correct level on the stick. Any suggestions?

 

[Chris]

Water is bad.....

Anthony,Water in transmission is serious, especially if you boat in salt water. The gears are made out of carbon steel and will corrode quickly. I assume that your engine is an inboard. Unless I'm mistaken, you should not have any water/oil seals. In that case, the water coming in is somewhat of a mistery.... Maybe it got in through a vent or its simply condensation. Replace it and run the boat long enough to boil off all remaining moisture (probably several hours) in gear. Then monitor the quality of oil, if you see water in it, you have a problem.... You'll have to see where water comes in contact with the transmission, especially the shaft and go from there.Good Luck!ChrisS/V Doghouse