Oil seeping from sterndrive

[newDIYer]

I have been given a 1973 TriSonic 140 Mercruiser with type I sterndrive. I noticed that oil is seeping out the water pump check hole (I really don't know what you call it, just a guess here) at the bottom of the lower unit. Normally a stream of water squirts out this hole when the unit is ran with a hose attached. Oil seepage seems worse when left trimed up. Also noticed small amount of water(oil slightly milkly) in stern drive after 8 hours of operation. Any ideas on most likely cause? Also a kit I would need to solve this problem before it gets worse.<br /><br />Thanks for any help!

 

[nightride]

Re: Oil seeping from sterndrive

Hi it sounds like its time to reseal the outdrive wouldnt run the boat until its done could ruin the gears have it resealed top to bottom just had mind done 100.00 for labor the seal kit is about 90.00 for both and replace the water impeller at the same time good luck

 

[Trent]

Re: Oil seeping from sterndrive

Look at this page. Get the 18- number a go to your local NAPA autoparts store and order. They can have your parts the next day.<br /><br /> web page

 

[vinney]

Re: Oil seeping from sterndrive

shift shaft seal is leaking on the lower section of the lower unit. You buy the seal as assemble.

 

[newDIYer]

Re: Oil seeping from sterndrive

Thanks to all for the help. This is a great site. I am learning alot.

 

[newDIYer]

Re: Oil seeping from sterndrive

Just ordered a complete lower unit seal kit (with new impeller) for the lower unit. Only $35.00 from http://www.amarket.com. Now if I can only put it on . Worse case I can take it to the local boat shop. What's the old price list?:<br /><br />$20.00/hour I fix<br />$30.00/hour you help<br />$40.00/hour if you have worked on it before bringing it in.

 

[Trent]

Re: Oil seeping from sterndrive

100.00 per hour if you supply your own parts...

 

[Capt Ken]

Re: Oil seeping from sterndrive

As Vinney said, I hope the seal kit comes with the shift shaft seal as an assembly. Getting that O ring out of the housing is a real pain. Easier to just unscrew the assembly and screw in the new. Don't forget the little bitty O ring between the two outdrive halves. Before you split the upper and lower outdrive halves, look at the drive shaft that runs between the two. If the upper seals are leaking on the shaft, oil will be present on the shaft. Even tho you are going to reseal the complete unit, its always a good idea to pressure test the unit before starting to find where its really leaking. That way you know where to really address the problem. I always hate when I reseal a lower and later find out it was the upper leaking.

 

[newDIYer]

Re: Oil seeping from sterndrive

That's about right. I have the service manual and it does not look too hard. As long as I don't have to reshim any of the gears I think I will be OK.

 

[newDIYer]

Re: Oil seeping from sterndrive

I might go ahead and order the upper seal kit also ($20.00) Since I already have everything apart. Better safe than sorry. I already had the upper drive oil seal replaced when I paid someone to put on a shift cable bellow. Thanks for everyones help.

 

[newDIYer]

Re: Oil seeping from sterndrive

I have a follow up question. Hope this is the right place. Lower unit is apart and seems to be in good condition except I noticed 2 ridges or gooves on the drive shaft at the location of the upper and lower seals of the impeller housing. Is this normal? How big a groove is too large? Should the drive shaft be replaced? Thanks!

 

[geriksen]

Re: Oil seeping from sterndrive

If you can't feel a groove, the shaft will be fine. The Mercruiser seal driver puts the replacement seals slightly deeper in the carrier to put them on a new surface. The one to be careful of is the input shaft on the upper (the yoke). If that one has a groove, replace the yoke. when you do that one replace the nut (11-22339) also. a ring compressor will hold the bearings straight when you tighten it up. From your description the shift shaft seal was likely to be the one causing your leak. If you have the upper off the boat, look in the u-joint bellows for oil. If you see gear lube in there you will need to replace the yoke and seal (input shaft). These fail about every two years.

 

[Trevor]

Re: Oil seeping from sterndrive

If you are worried about the grouves napa can supply a speedy sleve...

 

[geriksen]

Re: Oil seeping from sterndrive

You can get some re-tread tires while you are there.........

 

[newDIYer]

Re: Oil seeping from sterndrive

Thanks for the advice. Computer has been down for a few days while switching to DSL service. Much much faster now.<br /><br />Don't think the grooves were that bad. Seals are in and lower unit is back together. Before replacing the seals the drive shaft (with upper unit removed) could be turned by hand. Now with the seals in it is very hard to turn by hand. I assume this is normal on a reseal. Upper apart now and working on it. Will be ready for spring.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Oil seeping from sterndrive

Just a thought.......<br />Did you grease the new seals, to prevent burning them on inital start-up ??<br />IMO, Any groove you can Feel, is Much too Big....

 

[newDIYer]

Re: Oil seeping from sterndrive

I did grease the seals.<br /><br />When I put it back together it looked like the new seals were contacting the shaft at a different point. Also the new seals I installed were double lipped.<br /><br />Will find out this spring how good a job I did.