Maxima trans oil grey in color?

[kdxepp]

Has anyone that uses Maxima MTL 80wt gearsaver transmission oil noticed that it is pale grey in color through the inspection window. I ran this oil for 5 rides and noticed it was milky grey. I changed my water pump seal, ran it for4 hours and its grey again. I don't believe there is water in the oil now because between the new seal and the 4hour ride with Maxima I ran it 3 times, 20 minutes each with cheap motor oil and it stayed honey colored. I would appreciate any feedback on Maxima experience. Thanks

 

[Darryl K]

I recently experienced the same thing. Upon changing the oil I was surprised to see the milky color too. I assumed it was from condensation but decided to switch trans oil to Yamaha's brand just in case it was the Maxima breaking down early. I noticed improved shifting immediately but haven't gotten enough time on the new oil to make a color comparison(milky or not) yet.

 

[KDXDan]

Water crossings lately?

Did you recently run through a creek, river or large puddle? My son submerged his Yamaha and it took two oil changes before the oil was not milky gray/white.

 

[kdxepp]

Yes I did run through water but not very deep(maybe 10"), not enough to swamp the air intake. I don't think water could get into the gearbox anywhere else on the bike('94 KDX200).

 

[NorCal_Red]

a friend and i restored an trail 90 that was very uhh "weathered" adn the tranny oil was like milk. Tranny oil turns milky when it gets water into it. somtimes (or i have seen this) that if its not alot or cleaned out fast it burns off most if not all of the water left. If the water is milky that means it needs to be replaced and porbaly have some run thorugh it to make it extra clean.

 

[sountek1002]

doesnt sounds good

sorry but any oil has some nominal capacities and viscuosities.if it Goes white its waterin oil, looks like coolant in it. from crank seal from water pump seal, i'm evaluating it for a friend of mine who just bought a 92 kdx 250 and having the same problem, we will durin next week, i'll let you know.
Another thing, taste it , coolant taste sweetened, if its gray like this page it should taste...
:scream:

 

[TWISTWRIST]

Ive been running MTL in my 1996 kdx200 for 2 years now and it changes color from clear to light grey in 2 rides, but I wouldnt describe it as milky.I also change it after 4-5 rides so maybe its not breaking down I my case.

 

[mdecesari]

Water gets drawn through the crankcase vent hoses. The hoses are not to far from the ground (water). You can suck up water in only ten inches of water if you stay in the water long or do multiple water crossings. No big deal, just change the trans fluid.

 

[woods_rider1]

I am not 100% sure about the water crossing theory, although it does make sense. My last KDX ('94) I owned for 8 years and rode it through the water all the time(I live in Washington!), and NEVER had the transmission oil look milky (In fact I never even saw my oil get dark) I suppose it definitely could get sucked in through the crank case breather tube, but I would at least have a second avenue lined up for troubleshooting. All I ever used in my KDX was Castrol GTX 10w-30, and it never slipped or acted funny, and I just sold it with the original clutch working perfectly!

 

[MADisher]

Yes the Maxima oil does turn kinda milky looking grey color after a ride or two, kinda wierd. The first time I used it I was like WTF ? now what has gone wrong. But it seems to do that.

I went back to 10w40 Castrol for a while to see if I had a coolant leak and didn't get the same coloring. It's wierd stuff. Not sure if I'm going to continue using it.

-MD

 

[David Trustrum]

Check to see if your water level has gone down, including the reservoir. Did you check the shaft the seal ran on & the bearing?

Just drained mine yesterday & found it was totally grey. Scary huh? I had checked the shaft & replaced seal & bearing 3 rides ago so have considered the breather option as I did get a bit stuck in deep water last ride. May try to re-route mine.

Flush the oil will kerosene to try & remove contamination.