Aluminum shavings in optimax worth concern?

James Kain wrote:Hello all, I just recently checked my lower unit oil and noticed aluminum shavings in it. Is this normal? Also the oil is gray in color. The reason I checked it is because my prop is not spinning freely while in neutral, it will only spin part way around then then stops and it takes a deal of force to get it passed that point. Any help would be very greatly appreciated!I would say that you have two issues of concern that are not normal. Oil is gray in color means that you have water intrusion into your lower unit. Second, the prop should spin freely all the way around in neutral. A tiny amount of minute aluminum shavings might not be of concern but if you have large shavings and lots of them then yes this is also an issue. I would have a mechanic look at it for sure. I wouldnt run it either until you do that.Everyone should believe in something. I believe Ill just go fishing!

Ought to rotate smoothly. Resistance is expected depending on the lower unit as some have a stiff pre-load on the bearings. Stopping and having to be forced says bad things have happened internally. Might already be damaged enough to be non-repairable, but if you run it before having it looked at, you are likely going to blow it up completely.2008 Pantera Classic2014 Mercury Pro XS 200

James Kain wrote:Hello all, I just recently checked my lower unit oil and noticed aluminum shavings in it. Is this normal? Also the oil is gray in color. The reason I checked it is because my prop is not spinning freely while in neutral, it will only spin part way around then then stops and it takes a deal of force to get it passed that point. Any help would be very greatly appreciated!Sounds like you have a serious problem. Had to replace mine on my 250Pro Xs just last month because of metal shavings. Found out I had hit something and screwed up shaft, bearings, etc. New out of the box Gen2 lower unit was $7K.