Oil in engine bay

[marktwainsonic]

Just looked at an '89 Sea Ray in beautiful condition yesterday.

It has the 4.3 Mercruiser.

The PO kept saying it was in "showroom" condition, which wasn't exactly correct, but close.

Here's my question: I couldn't find anything that bothered me about the boat except that the floor of the engine compartment was a little oily. I have seen/smelled oil in the engine bay before so I don't specifically think something's wrong, but I have also seen boats with an engine area that's perfectly clean.

Is there a difference...a reason that this happens, or is it just that some people clean the engine compartment more often then others? Or, of course, "other".
Thanks!

 

[cribber]

Re: Oil in engine bay

Makes ya wonder if he did an oil change before listing it for sale. I can never change my oil without spilling a little bit swapping out the filter. Or it could be leaking power steering fluid. Something dropped oil in the bilge area so just ask about it.

 

[marktwainsonic]

Re: Oil in engine bay

Thanks! This particular "slick" was over on the side by the battery box and blower.

Will be sure to ask though, thanks!

 

[cribber]

Re: Oil in engine bay

Take it for a sea trial and check the bilge again for any new oil accumulation. If they're reluctant to take it out, then have him run it on muffs until the engine has warmed plus 10-15 minutes and check the bilge area for any new oil drips.

 

[Friscoboater]

Re: Oil in engine bay

Could be a trim line leaking.

 

[Summer Fun]

Re: Oil in engine bay

This particular "slick" was over on the side by the battery box and blower.

I'd bet he dropped the oil filter at one point ??.

 

[25thmustang]

Re: Oil in engine bay

Did you poke around on the engine and see if there were signs of oil on it? Also did you ask the current owner about it? He may have a good explanation?

 

[superpop]

Re: Oil in engine bay

I would clean the area and make sure you do not have a leak somewhere. I had a wellcraft with a 4.3L in it and I ended up pulling the motor and replacing the rear main seal to get rid of a leak. The problem with an oil leak in a boat is the oil gets everywhere, you get some water in your bilge, even a little and it carries the oil up to the ski locker and everywhere else you have drain lines. makes a huge mess of the boat.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Oil in engine bay

The biggest problem is the oil getting pumped overboard with any bilge/rain water.

Clean everything well (including any found on the engine) and run the boat as mentioned. Recheck for oil. A 21 year old boat may just have a minor leak such as a loose filter, lines, oil pan, etc.

Then get bilge absorbant pads and place under the engine to get rid of any additional oil spots. The pads are about $1.00 each and will absorb fluids, but shed water well.

 

[marktwainsonic]

Re: Oil in engine bay

Never mind. I bought it.

 

[Summer Fun]

Re: Oil in engine bay

Congrats . So where did the oil come from ????????????????????????.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Oil in engine bay

Never mind. I bought it.

Great! But, you're still gonna need to fix it.

 

[marktwainsonic]

Re: Oil in engine bay

I know I'm opening myself to widespread ridicule but I just bought it anyway. It was a good deal even if it's got a leak somewhere.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Oil in engine bay

Congrats! I really like the look of that vintage SeaRay.

 

[marktwainsonic]

Re: Oil in engine bay

Thanks. Super nice folks who babied their boat. Pretty much a no lose situation (and free winter storage!).

 

[marktwainsonic]

Re: Oil in engine bay

Could be a trim line leaking.

I'm pretty sure now this is oil from the trim reservoir. Can't find that it leaks, though.

 

[gozierdt]

Re: Oil in engine bay

I'm sure you'll be glad you bought the boat. I bought a 20' Sea Ray Seville BR with the 4.3 last year, and I'm very happy with it. Great performance (so yours will be even a bit better), good sea handling, and I like the design better than the new boats.

The oil filter is at the back of the engine on the same side as the batteries (port side) on mine, and it's hard to get it off without getting a little oil in the bilge. Could be that, or the power steering, as you suspect.