So tonight I pull out the gg to service the tractor and rotary mower. It is a pretty good napa unit loaded with Lucas red and tacky. I notice a syrup of purple puring out the bottom or the unit by the silver release. Not just a drip or two but a good amount of liquid. wth, this is a messy job to begin with. Now it just turned into a huge frigin mess. Ended up pulling out the half filled tube of grease and cleaning the head and tube unit. now i am wondering if I should even reload it. Any ideas what would cause that much syrup to accumulate in the bottom. When I took the tube out the grease looked good

Aw, shucks! I was expecting something about an M-3.

flashguy

I've had the same problem with some grease myself but haven't paid enough attention to brands to know which to avoid or even if it matters, probably not other than the added mess. I don't use it a lot and it is kept in non climate controlled space. It just separates over a long period of time, not a confidence inspiring event for the grease.

I’ve had that happen with all kinds of grease I use for my tractors and equipment. And in several grease guns.
It’s just part of doing tractor stuff. Been doing it 40 years.
I grease em about 2 times a year.

Grease is a complex mixture. The oil serves to carry the working chemistry around. There are three parts to grease. Additive, Thickener, and Oil. You probably are dealing with the separation of base oil and the thickener.

The additive chemistry and thickener do the work of protecting the metal parts. The oil is there to make them transportable to the parts.

That is an ongonng problem if you use occasionally.
I pull the charge handle back to loading position for long time stowage

Last I heard some models might still have some SS blood on them, so I'd not replace it if yours is one of those models.

Thanks guys, all good to know. I appreciate it. Sincerely, orc

I just hang mine over an old coffee can, and let it drip.

I don’t remember having to do that in the old days.