Drive Lube Leaking From Water Inlets - Alpha One Gen2

[laciz]

I have a 1993 Bayliner Capri, with Alpha One Gen2 drive. Recently I noticed drive oil leaking from the water inlets (boat was stored with drive in down position). I have researched on this forum and other various places. I've come to the conclusion that I have a leaky drive shaft seal (under water pump), or a leaky shift shaft seal - or both. I won't get into the drive until this weekend, then I'll know for sure what I've got after a pressure test. Operating under the assumption that I end up replacing both of those seals, I have the following question. What special tools are required to R&R the drive shaft seal and the shift shaft seal? I have a good selection of typical tools as I have done alot of mechanic'ing over the years. I've had the drive off several times over the last 9 years that I've owned the boat, but I have never replaced these seals. Thank you.

 

[Rick Stephens]

Special tools for those two seals - nada. Read up in the Adults Only section and make yourself a pressure tester, you will continue to need one. A leak like you describe can be from the upper gear housing, which does need special tools to replace.

 

[achris]

Hello Iaciz, and :welcome: to iboats.

Your conclusions appear correct. One of those two seal.. As Rick says, build a pressure tester and find out which. Or just replace both, but you'll need the tester anyway to check the drive when you're finished.

Chris.....

 

[laciz]

Rick and achris, thanks for the information. Hopefully after this weekend I'll be able to post a successful conclusion to this issue!

 

[Jcris]

The drain fitting on the drive is 3/8-16 thread. Buy yourself one of those hand pump kits used for refilling the drive with oil. The fitting the comes in that kit will allow you to pressure check the drive
Jcris

 

[JASinIL2006]

You can also use 3/8-16 threaded rod and drill a hole down through the center. It was surprisingly easy to do... (I mention this because the only hand pump kits I could find locally had a plastic fitting to screw into the drive, which wouldn't be ideal for a pressure tester.)

 

[Jcris]

Yup,
The fitting in the kit I have is plastic but holds 15 psi without issue. Definitely not very durable though. Gotta be careful threading it

 

[laciz]

Did what you suggested, pressure tester worked great. Both my shift shaft seal and drive shaft seal (in lower unit) failed the pressure test. Unfortunately I damaged that damaged plastic seal carrier when removing (it was in there!). I ordered a new one and will install it once it arrives later in the week. Thanks for all the advice, its been right on the money.

 

[Bt Doctur]

lower driveshaft seal as a unit replacement NOT seal replacement is the best way.

 

[laciz]

Please explain, I am replacing the seal carrier and seal simultaneously (comes as an assembly). Am I missing something?

 

[Bt Doctur]

Unfortunately I damaged that damaged plastic seal carrier when removing (it was in there!)

sounded like you removed it and planned to just replace the seals inside and reinstall it

 

[laciz]

Ok I understand what you are saying. I had kind of arrived at that conclusion after my experience with it - thinking that plastic piece doesn't really seem to be re-usable to me. But that's good hearing it from you. In the future I'll replace the entire seal carrier assembly as standard procedure and not attempt to re-seal it. Thanks.