Mobil One Gear Lube BLACKKKK
 

I used Mobil One Gear Lube (75-90w?) in my Alpha (behind a 350hp 454) and stored it last season then ran it a total of 3 hours and the fluid is black. Looks as though there is no water in it but I am truly puzzled why the synthetic would turn black. I have not run over 4200 rpm as I am still breaking in the motor. Do I stick with the Mobil One or change to Mercruiser or Redline? I am heating the Alpha so bad that I need a drive shower? I am running in 60 degree water right now.....
Thanks,
Ken

Redline or Amsoil for the gearcase/upper drive!!! What did Merc ever do that put 350 HP into an alpha??? A good synthetic for sure + a drive shower and smart driving or you will break it. --- Jer

I rebuilt a 330 last year and upgraded the cam (ultradyne), cubes (.060" over), and compression..... (9.5-1)....350 is my best guess...I'll be driving real gently as I am laid off and only have until mid July to do my boating:(

ken
the temperature required to break down mobile 1 gear oil would not happen in your alpha. i would guess contaminents. you may want to check for leaks. if no leaks, the clutches. good luck.
Fran

Can I flush??
 

If so what should I use to flush the internals f the drive out with???
Ken

Clutches in an Alpha??!? If there is no evidence of metelflake in the old oil I would just drain thoroughly over a 24 hr. period in a warm invironment and refill with Redline or Amsoil Race 75/90. --- Jer

jpclear
yep, i should probably have used a term other than clutch in an alpha to avoid confusion since it doesn't have the type cluthes a bravo has. it has a cluth dog instead. how about, the place where the metal to metal contact takes place when an alpha bangs into gear?:D

Your Mobil 1 gear lube may have already flushed the drive and thats why it turned black

Ive never had a problem with Mobil1 but I would throw a load of inexpensive gear lube through it and let it run on the hose for awhile then drain again and refill with whatever you chose to go with. I saw Penzoil has a synthetic drive lube at Walmart. Does anyone know anything about it ?

jpclear..........actually Searay had them on the 32Pachangas. They were painted white. They also painted the BBC's a different color. (I forget what they called them)

I'm a 22' Pachanga...

klmken: I think that your a bit low on your HP prediction ;). It sounds like your upgrades are good for a lot more than 20 HP, more like 50. Only your increased RPM at WOW will tell for sure. You are more than likely baking your Mobil 1. The temps inside an Alpha with that much HP at 4200 RPMs (guessing well over 300) is enough to blacken it. You are more than likely flirting with disaster, and a prime candidate for a drive shower. I also didn't here anything about a drive reservoir bottle---get one.

Synthetic oils....
 

Synthetic fluids generally have more detergents in them than mineral based products. I say change it and run it for 3 more hours, check and change again if necessary.

In my travels I have seen people switch to a synthetic oil after many miles in cars(75k or more) and it gets dirty right away and actually has caused some oil leaks because of its ability to remove dirt and sludge. Even though it is black it still is working. You definitely want to invest in a drive shower--its cheap insurance.

Dave