1995 Mercruiser Alpha I Leaking trim Cylinder

[msd58]

I noticed a little oil slick behind my boat last time out. I am getting an occational plume of oil that appears to be coming from starboard trim cylinder. Its hard to tell. I opened up my trim fluid reservoir and noticed the oil was milky but full. My boat stays in the slip and is not trailered. Opinions please.

 

[Don S]

Re: 1995 Mercruiser Alpha I Leaking trim Cylinder

Cylinder or hose is leaking somewhere, and you are getting water into the pump also. Unless you want to buy a pump, find the leak and fix it soon.

 

[stevieray]

Re: 1995 Mercruiser Alpha I Leaking trim Cylinder

I've found a very likely place for a leak is at the trim hose fittings on the cylinders especially if it is kept in the water & even more likely if you have a SS prop. Fittings are SS & cyls are aluminum - a fabulous combo for galvanic corrosion. Threads in the alum cyls start to corrode & fitting loosens up causing the leak. Look for paint bubbling & white powder (alum oxide) around the fittings. Oil will leak out the hole in the fitting nut where the tube goes thru. You can try to tighten up but be careful - what's left of the threads will strip out real quick. May need to replace the cyl shells if threads strip.