jharvey1984
Seaman Apprentice
- Joined
- Oct 17, 2009
- Messages
- 33
Thanks in advance for any help/advice provided. I have learned sooooo much about my driveline on this forum. I purchased a 2003 Cruisers 3275 this summer with twin 5.7GXi's mated to DP-SM 1.95 drives. I just pulled both drives to do seasonal maintenance, check everything out, and put up for the winter. The port u-joint bellows had a slow water leak - no major damage to u-joints/gimbal bearing so replaced the bellows and moved on.
Here is where I'm not so sure. The starboard u-joint bellows had a small amount (maybe 3-4 ozs) of very clean (almost looked new) drive lube in it. No water at all in the bellows or in the drive lube that remained in the drive. It looks like there was/is a small leak from the input shaft seal. Based on my research it appears this may have been caused by the drive being overfilled with lube oil at some point. Here is my question: Is this seal toast or is there a chance it is still good? Could the seal have a leak from overfill and then "re-seat" and still be OK?
My current plan was to do a pressure test and if all is well move on. Do I need to do a vacuum test as well or will a pressure test do?
If I need to have the seal replaced I plan to remove the bearing carrier and have the marina do the work. If I go this route will the gear lash and bearing carrier shimming change or can I button it all up as-found after the seal replacement and be done?
Here is where I'm not so sure. The starboard u-joint bellows had a small amount (maybe 3-4 ozs) of very clean (almost looked new) drive lube in it. No water at all in the bellows or in the drive lube that remained in the drive. It looks like there was/is a small leak from the input shaft seal. Based on my research it appears this may have been caused by the drive being overfilled with lube oil at some point. Here is my question: Is this seal toast or is there a chance it is still good? Could the seal have a leak from overfill and then "re-seat" and still be OK?
My current plan was to do a pressure test and if all is well move on. Do I need to do a vacuum test as well or will a pressure test do?
If I need to have the seal replaced I plan to remove the bearing carrier and have the marina do the work. If I go this route will the gear lash and bearing carrier shimming change or can I button it all up as-found after the seal replacement and be done?
