Any suggestions, Volvo Pentra D130 Saildrive Grey Oil

[Bob_a_p]

Hi

I replaced the oil on a Volvo Penta Saildrive D130 eighteen months ago because it was grey indicating water in the saildrive.
I have looked at the oil again and its grey. The thing is that I have not run the engine since replacing the oil and the boat has been on the hard for the last two and half years.
Any suggestions as to the cause of this apparent water ingress. would be much appreciated.

[Ballsnall]

If the drive has not been run then it is very unlikely to be water in the oil. Oil is hydrophobic so needs the mechanical mixing to emulsify. Test the oil or drain it into a clear sealed bottle for a few weeks and see if you get any seperation. It's possible and probable that there was some cross contamination with the old oil but that should also show as separate to the new oil, ie Gray oil on the bottom, clear oil on the top.
I would look to change oil brands as well.