middle gear oil

[mastan]

Hi:
I'm just changing the oil in my middle and rear gear. The rear came out fine, but the middle gear oil came out kind of milky. I always thought that meant water in the oil, but how could water find its way into this sealed system? The last change was 20,000 miles ago...I know I know.... What do you guys think I should do about this?
mastan

[John]

It's probably just condensation. The system isn't sealed. The vent tube is the small hose coming from the crankcase, right by the larger crankcase vent that leads to the airbox. The vent tube should terminate on the upper bracket that secures the airbox to the frame.

[DiverRay]

I use Red Line Synthetic gear oil for all my vehicles. It is VERY water resistant, and protects the gears and bearings.
I do make sure the vent tube goes UP, and not down. A lot of people, and mechanics, have moved the middle gear vent down. It will pick up water as it cools, and put more moisture into the middle gear. As John said, make sure it terminates by the air box, and not down near the ground.
Ray