why is there oil in my bellows but pressure test holds 15psi overnight

[2009 stingray]

i pulled the drive on my boat and there is oil in the bellows, lots of it. i drained and pressure tested the drive and find no leaks. could the drive be overheating and pushing the oil out of the input shaft seal? bravo3 drive,

 

[alldodge]

Try putting 5 to 7 psi in and rotate the drive shaft. Also try to move it up/down/side to side to see if you loose pressure.

With a lip seal, the more pressure is applied the tighter the seal is forced against the shaft

If all that works without leaks, try a vacuum at 3-5 inHg

 

[Scott Danforth]

Agree with AD, turn the shaft with pressure

 

[pae0332]

agreed, drop pressure to different levels

 

[nola mike]

I mean, only place for it to come from is the input shaft seal, right?

 

[Pmt133]

I've seen cheap grease look like lube in the bellows too. Flung and burned down from the gimbal and u-joints.

I agree with the movement and vacuum tests though. That usually will show a weak/worn seal. You losing lube in the reservoir?

 

[Chris1956]

Look at the sealing surface of the yoke. If there is a groove, the seal will leak. Replacement will be in order.

 

[Lou C]

Smell what you found there. Because if you have a grease-able gimble bearing sometimes the grease will separate out in a runny discharge. If it doesn't smell like gear oil it could just be that.