Outdrive oil leaking from "pee hole" in lower unit

[Begester]

I changed my impeller and water pump about 4 weeks ago and ran the boat for about 50 miles with no problems. Today (after about 2 weeks of sitting), I noticed that there was a small amount of fluid that has leaked from the lower unit from the "pee hole." Is this indicative of a shift shaft seal? It's an alpha 1 gen 1 on a 1989 searay 220DA.

Any insight is greatly appreciated. Also, did I do any damage if this issue was present when I ran the boat?

 

[Bt Doctur]

water pump base seal, shift shaft seal,Thal all depends on how low the oil level is.

 

[Begester]

Thanks for the heads up. I'll pull the drive and check. In the meantime, would it hurt to run it on the muffs? I did a few other things today and was hoping to crank it up but don't want to if it'll cause damage.

 

[Bt Doctur]

remove the top plug and see if the oil level is to the threads,

 

[harringtondav]

Did you remember to get the o ring (quad ring back into place between the two housings?

 

[Begester]

I pulled the top plug and no oil came out. Does this mean it's leaked more than just a little bit and I shouldn't run the engine till I figure out the root cause?

 

[Begester]

It's a Stern drive btw, mercruiser alpha 1 gen 1

 

[Begester]

Harringtondav are you referring to the seal that's on the drive shaft? I think so...but will check that as well

 

[Bt Doctur]

quad seal, small O ring between the halves to the right rear of the water pump housing.
Use a blade of grass, weed stem, something small ,flexible, non-metal .Push it in at an angle down and see where the oil level is. More than 1 1/2 inches you need to find the leak or risk upper drive damage

 

[achris]

http://forums.iboats.com/forum/engi...-engines-outdrives/10435384-drive-leaking-oil

 

[harringtondav]

http://forums.iboats.com/forum/engi...-engines-outdrives/10435384-drive-leaking-oil

Mr achris 's link above describes all leak areas expertly. I'm looking at "what changed" with your impeller change-out. The quad seal that I mentioned is a sneaky little, easily missed O ring looking thing that seals the lube passage between the upper and lower housings. If it fell out during your impeller work, your sealed out drive lube system is not sealed, and allowing lube to leak.(and water to enter !!!) It could leak outside the hsg. joint, or into the lower hsg. cavity and show up in your pee hole. Follow the link above for pressure testing. You could also drop your prop shaft/lower hsg and see if this seal is in place. If not, order this seal. I wouldn't trust a close O ring. Also drain and change your lube once you've got it fixed.