[Barry]

I have lifted my 7.4Gi out of my Z275 to do some upgrades over the winter.
These include new exhaust manifolds & risere, new alternator, new water pump and several other service items.

I have noticed that the fluid in the power steering pump (on the engine) and the trim pump (on the boat) is a milky red colour which dosen't look like it should.

Does anyone know what this is caused by? Do I need to replace the fluid only or is there likely to be other problems?

Many thanks.

[domraga]

Probably a leaky trim piston, water enters the trim piston via an eroded or unseated seal on the piston. The milky fluid finds its way to the reservoir. Get this sorted asap, or you will be buing a new trim pump assembly. There are very small components inside the base of the trim pump assembly and water in the fluid will caue corrosion of this very quickly. I would suggest that you purge your system with a bottle of good clean fluid to drive out any of the old residue. Check out your trim pistons and replace if necessary, also check the hydraulic hoses which connect to them are done up tight enough (replace the tiny 'o' rings too). Then re-service the system and you will be up and running again.