99 penta sx outdrive leaking oil?

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dmaxim01

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Jul 12, 2012
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I have a 1999 volvo penta 4.3 with sx outdrive. Boat runs great nothing seems to be wrong except after I drive for a bit and water comes up over the outdrive it seems to be leaking oil because I can see it in the water. I did chnage my outdrive oil this year, so do I have a bad gasket or is there one I needed to replace?
Thanks
Dave
 
Don S

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
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62,321
Re: 99 penta sx outdrive leaking oil?

You need to pull the outdrive, and check the bellows for water and oil. Common problem when bellows get too old.

Also drain the outdrive and pressure check it to be sure there are no other leaks.
 
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dmaxim01

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Re: 99 penta sx outdrive leaking oil?

thanks don, also this will sound stupid but i dont know a ton about boats. When you take that cover off the shift lever cover i think its called? i removed that oil level plug and spilled a lot of oil in there so does that shift lever cover allow water in or is it sealed?
 
Don S

Don S

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Re: 99 penta sx outdrive leaking oil?

That cover isn't sealed. Just decorative.
 
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dmaxim01

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Re: 99 penta sx outdrive leaking oil?

so if something was wrong with the bellows or there is a leak somewhere. would everything still run and work fine?
 
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security6

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Jul 21, 2008
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Re: 99 penta sx outdrive leaking oil?

dmaxim01 said:
so if something was wrong with the bellows or there is a leak somewhere. would everything still run and work fine?
Click to expand...

Yes, everything will still run and work fine for a while. Eventually though, your oil will be diluted with water or the water will wash the grease out of your bearings, and then you might as well be running without oil or grease. If you seize up your outdrive due to lack of oil, you're looking at a $5k to $7k repair bill.
 
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