how long can i drive with water in the diffs?
#1
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how long can i drive with water in the diffs?
Hello again. I was just curious to see how long was too long to drive with water in the diffs. I havent checked them yet but lets say i did have water in there...i havent checked yet cause i dont have a new bolt and i dont wanna get that one off and not be able to get it on again. i have ordered one and it should come in tuesday..i'm worried cause i am driving this weekend..should i be worried? thanks guys ~kyle
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Originally Posted by outdoorfever
I was just curious to see how long was too long to drive with water in the diffs. . . . . .should i be worried? thanks guys ~kyle
Oil and water do not mix - normally oil will float on top of water. So if you have only a little water, it *should* fall to the lowest point of the differential.
There are three problems with water in your differential (that I can think of, anyway)
One, it will displace the lubricating oil that should be in there. Water is not a very good lubricant.
Two, it can cause whatever lubricant is in there to break down, losing its lubricating properties.
Three, it can invite rust. On the gears.
Think about those implications for a moment.
Personally, I wouldn't drive any more than absolutely necessary with any major amount water in the differential.
Is it the plug that is stripped or is it the hole? If it's the hole, then you'll have to either use a bigger plug anyway, or drill out and re-tap the existing hole.
Hope this helps,
~Bill
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depends on how long it has been in there, but driving it untill tuesday should be fine, just try not to drive a lot. I drove mine for probably 3-4 weeks (just guessing) when i finally realized i should change it, and i got small chucks of metal coming out. so you should be fine, just change it pretty quick.
#7
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The water mixing with the oil will make a nasty milkshake in there.
You should be ok just don't drive too far as it may not be getting proper lubrication.
Do drive it some because you don't want the water to separate and rust the gears.
If rust does form that may spell the end of those gears and bearings.
You should be ok just don't drive too far as it may not be getting proper lubrication.
Do drive it some because you don't want the water to separate and rust the gears.
If rust does form that may spell the end of those gears and bearings.
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