Hello...and a few questions straight away.

[Nona]

Hi Brass n Glass...instead of a white tube, I have a purple one (ooo-errr missus!! ). It has the Hilux coatings and appears to be in good nick (I bought it 2nd hand a few months ago). I'm working away from home at the moment but will have a look as soon as I get home at the weekend. If nothing obvious looks wrong, I'll send it straight to OO to have it serviced.

[Brass n glass]

Hello again, Nona. I think the first OMC 140s were black, then they switched to purple followed by white ( my white one was made late in 2003). Good luck with the repair; I'm sure the superb optics will make it all worthwhile.