Mystery Oil Leak

[zul]

Great trip on the lake last week. When pulling off the lake, I noticed lots of oil specs down in the bilge area (after some clear water drained out). Couldn't find the leak at that time. I do have a bit of 'blow by' which I keep after with a rag pretty well. So I don't think that's the culprit. Lucky me, a second leak?

My boat is a 1994 with around 400 hours. Currently, I use the expensive Merc Motor Oil and was thinking of switching to a standard oil .... any suggestions? I was wondering if anyone uses a 'high mileage' motor oil like I do in my old truck (2004)? Would this be a good choice to help keep these mystery oil leaks away? Or do I need to bite the bullet and have a mechanic tear into the leak and get it fixed? Or at least located??

The boat is currently in dry storage but I will be heading back in a week for another lake trip .... Thx!

zul

 

[Bt Doctur]

probably a rusted timing cover or the crank seal

 

[TyeeMan]

I would not use the "high mileage" automotive oil as it is just that, for use in cars or trucks. Personally I'd stick with the Merc oil or at the very least a different high quality marine grade oil.

Go out for another run, when you get back see if there is a specific area where the oil is splattering, then see if you can trace it back from there.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... I run Shell Rotella T, 15W-40,.....

Fixin' an oil leak starts by Findin' the oil leak,.....

A digital camera helps make the job easier,.....
Start at the bottom, 'n work yer way Up,....

Below the leak, the area will be dirty from stuff stickin' to the oil film,....
Move Up,.... the leak will be a cleaner oil streak,... at the leak,....
If ya go up, 'n there's no more oil film, ya just went past the leak,....

 

[Scott Danforth]

I was wondering if anyone uses a 'high mileage' motor oil like I do in my old truck (2004)? Would this be a good choice to help keep these mystery oil leaks away? Or do I need to bite the bullet and have a mechanic tear into the leak and get it fixed? Or at least located??

there is no mechanic in a can. as bondo stated, look for the leak, go from there.