Is this normal?
 

Should the insides of the VS look like this?

seems like the grease is real black for a reel thats only 7 months old.

i wish i could tell you. i wont ever be the one to open that thing up lol.

Looks like you had some water intrusion.While i know i will catch some flak for this i disagree with just the grease in the newer VS reels much better the old way with the oil and grease system.I really think Vs only went to grease because of the inconsistency of the seal manufacturer and many reels would leak oil from the get go and get returned for service.My point is you probably have a bad quad seal.

The reel will be going in for service and I will post the verdict here. I have gotten a few PMs about this issue. Should have the reel back in 2 weeks.

As of now the VS customer service team and Craig C. have been outstanding dealing with my issues.

Stay tuned.................

I get more of a brown caramel looking color after a years use with mine.I still put oil and grease in mine.