Gear Oil Leaking from Prop Area

[costerbi]

Anyone know what it means if I found gear oil in the cavity behind the prop, in the lower unit. I took the boat out all day last Sunday, had it pretty loaded but it did very well and we ski'ed all day. I brought the boat home and parked it. I went outside this evening and found a pool of gear oil under the lower unit dripping from where the prop connects to the lower unit.

I have a 1997 Four Winns 170 with a volvo penta 3.0L and cobra SX outdrive. Any guidance on what could be wrong would be very much appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Gear Oil Leaking from Prop Area

Very possible the prop shaft seals are leaking.Time for a gear lube check and then a drive pressure and vacuum test.If any signs of milky gear lube get it drained fast,,

 

[skibug]

Re: Gear Oil Leaking from Prop Area

Prop shaft seals. It's now a good time to order a seal kit and redo all other seals and gaskets at the same time.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Gear Oil Leaking from Prop Area

Usually if one fails the others could be due..Most of the rubber seals have about the same life span..