Possible Outdrive Fluid Leak 1995 Mercruiser Alpha 1

[msd58]

I am noticing a periodic plumes of oil coming up from my outdrive while in water, even anchored or in slip. I originally thought I had an oil leak from a trim cylinder(s) or line. But I notice a drop in the level of outdrive fill bottle. I topped it off today. If its leaking out drive fluid does that mean water has intruded? :%The outdrive fill bottle fluid is normal color, not cloudy. I never took boat over 6mph to day. I can't get boat pulled until Monday or Tuesday. What can anyone tell at this point?:/

Much thanks

 

[Don S]

Re: Possible Outdrive Fluid Leak 1995 Mercruiser Alpha 1

Time to pull the outdrive, check the bellows for gear lube. If it's clean, drain the drive oil and do a pressure and vacuum check It't the only way to find your leak. Guessing as to what is leaking won't help much.

 

[msd58]

Re: Possible Outdrive Fluid Leak 1995 Mercruiser Alpha 1

Thanks Don. I know that I have to drive pulled now after what you wrote and my past experiences because I had leak there before. Besides the oil leaking had distinct odor.
One question however, if its leaking into bellows how it is able to leak out of bellows and into the water?

 

[Don S]

Re: Possible Outdrive Fluid Leak 1995 Mercruiser Alpha 1

A hole in the bellows allows water into the bellows from there water gets into the drive because the seal is not designed to keep water out. The input shaft gets rusty and damages the seal, then the oil gets out. You may also see milky oil in the gear lube reservoir.

 

[msd58]

Re: Possible Outdrive Fluid Leak 1995 Mercruiser Alpha 1

I checked reservoir when I was at boat today. It was the normal blue-ish green.

 

[msd58]

Re: Possible Outdrive Fluid Leak 1995 Mercruiser Alpha 1

I pulled boat today. Because I was curious I cracked the drain plug on lower unit. Lower unit oil was also blue-ish green.

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Possible Outdrive Fluid Leak 1995 Mercruiser Alpha 1

Did you check the trim system for leaks while you had it out?

 

[msd58]

Re: Possible Outdrive Fluid Leak 1995 Mercruiser Alpha 1

Just got boat out yesterday afternoon. No visable signs of trim cylinders or lines leaking. I will have shop check it out.

 

[msd58]

Re: Possible Outdrive Fluid Leak 1995 Mercruiser Alpha 1

It turns out to be a shift shaft seal went bad.. $183.00 bill.