Gear lube Monitor “Sludge”

[Pilot290]

Just changed the Outdrive Gear Lube on the first of my 2000 5.0 EFI BravoII Drives. When I got to the point of closing up the vent and topping up to the Monitor bottle (as per instructions in the manual) I noticed that the bottom of the monitor bottle contained a significant amount of “sludge”, maybe 3 or 4mm. The old oil looked fine and clean, no deposits or water content. I’m concerned about the sludge so stopped filling and will continue on my next visit.
I saw an old thread from 2008 on this but wondered if anyone has any tips or tricks for cleaning out the monitor bottle. I’ve disconnected the lube feed line but not disconnected the monitor electrics as I don’t have any connectors on site. ‘Clean with diesel’ was suggested on the other thread then a thorough dry out with linen, but I’m not convinced as diesel can leave some horrible deposits too. Maybe just change out the monitor bottles? Any suggestions welcome. Couple of photos attached.

 

[hughespat57]

Those connectors are not butt connectors they are press together "bullet" pull apart gently.
Diesel is a safe mild de-greaser.
Once disconnected you could also just use some good strong dish soap.
Just don't dump it in your sink, it will still be quite oily.

p.s.
The sludge could be just from condensation accumulating in the bottle over several years. As long as the drained oil looked good i would not worry.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Yeah, that's pretty normal - especially if it's not changed regularly. Diesel would be fine to clean it with - there would be no lingering issues. Personally, I use Brakleen to clean it out - not sure if you have that there in Sweeden - or maybe something similar.

Don't worry about the two electrical connections - they simply pull apart and pop right back together (they're bullet connectors).

EDIT: I started typing my response before you posted, Pat... but then I talked to my son about a college visit... then I hit "post reply"... THEN I saw your, almost identical repsonse! Too funny.

 

[hughespat57]

Yeah, that's pretty normal - especially if it's not changed regularly. Diesel would be fine to clean it with - there would be no lingering issues. Personally, I use Brakleen to clean it out - not sure if you have that there in Sweeden - or maybe something similar.

Don't worry about the two electrical connections - they simply pull apart and pop right back together (they're bullet connectors).

EDIT: I started typing my response before you posted, Pat... but then I talked to my son about a college visit... then I hit "post reply"... THEN I saw your, almost identical repsonse! Too funny.

JINX

 

[Lazy Daze]

JINX

 

[HawkX66]

Just went through this the other night when I went to reinstall my monitor. It had a little sludge in the bottom. I filled it 1/4 of the way with diesel, shook it vigorously, emptied it and repeated until clean. Worked well.

 

[Pilot290]

Always nice to round of these threads with “what worked and what didn’t”.
Eventually got the vent screws off each Bravo2 drive. (Soaking in WD40 cycled with mild heat from a paint stripping heat gun) then a re machined fat screw driver, all my weight on it and a clamp wrench to turn the screwdriver.

the vent screw gaskets appeared to be bonded to the casing so had to Klein off the face very well trying not to drop the crap inside the holes. Seems hard to thing those have been off for a while so maybe the previous owner either didn’t change the oil or drained bu just opening the monitor tank cap n waiting. We will never know.

Got new screws from the local dealer but he only had one magnetic type, and one none magnetic. Figured we don’t need magnetic in the vent holes so just went with it. New seals all round and the best original screws in the drain plugs.

monitor bottles cleaned up nice with the diesel (thanks) and refitted with new screw clips on the hoses. Did learn to keep the monitor bottle cap OFF when topping up through the drive drain. (Only after I blew off the oil pump hose twice before realizing there was nowhere for the displaced air to go ). Anyway job done thanks for the tips.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Thanks for posting back. Glad you got it sorted.

 

[JayhawkCurtis]

This is my first boat with the gear lube res. I clean it every other year. Can anyone explain exactly what that crap is? I dont have any sludge when I drain the lower unit, seems a strange place for it to accumulate.