Mercruiser 4.3 efi - oil leak

[scrimshank]

My boat has been sitting for a couple of years.
When I fired it up last week it started fine and ran well.
Today I noticed some water mixed with fresh oil in the bilge.
I've identified a few drips of water from the weep hole on top of the water pump, and will monitor it and, if necessary, replace the pump.

The big issue is the oil leak.
Using a mirror on a stick I believe I've isolated the leak. There are a nexus of pipes (I assume it's a system for draining the oil) going into a fitting on the side at the bottom of the sump - on the left side of the sump facing the drive belt end of the engine. There is a fairly steady drip from this fitting.

It's a VERY tight space, and even after I remove the power steering pump and bottom pulley it's going to be very difficult to access.
I've never had the stern-leg off and it's probably time to replace the bellows.
Is it possible that I would have better access to the leaking oil fitting from the stern if I remove the sternleg?

Thanks

 

[starsnstripers]

Re: Mercruiser 4.3 efi - oil leak

Sounds like you should remove the drive anyway and do some maint. align, gimble bearing check, bellows, water pump. You can't access the oil pan base from removing the drive. If you can't get to it the engine needs to come out. If you go to the stickys at the adults only section at the top of the outdrive forum page and get the manual you "need" you'll be better equiped to tackle this.