Water or air in gear oil of yanmar saildrive

[Per Lundqvist]

I just put my boat in the water and after some 10 min running I checked the oil in the saildrive (gear oil). It looks like water in it but Yanmar claims that it might be air - can anyone tell the difference?

Per

[marv]

TRY LETTING BOAT SET FOR 3 OR 4 DAYS AND THEN CRACK DRAIN PLUG.IF ITS WATER IT WILL COME OUT FRIST.

[roy abrams]

water and oil will turn milky after a short run

[chetvaldes]

"One dead giveaway is if the level rises. Also, you can take a sample and have it analyzed at a place that does common engine oil analysis, such as Analysts, Inc.. They can do a test that looks for sodium (for ocean going vessels)- not sure which test covers fresh water- just ask them."

[ron_cairns]

"Hello Per, Check the seals at the prop shaft and change them along with the o-ring at the housing. Check the propshaft for true, if it has a slight bend it will allow water in. Milky white is water contamination. Pick up a service book, a good but and a good read."

[bob sebastianelli]

Looking for a good rebuilt yanmar 15hp 1 gm engine for my sailboat at a fair price.
Robert