Mercruiser 3.0LX Stren Drive fluid loss

[Saltypup]

First post, so please be gently. I did try searching, but probably used the wrong word.

First, boat specs.
1998 Stingray RS180 with Mercruiser 3.0LX engine
Motor Serial # 0K277865
Transom # 0L205789
Drive# 0L141693

Purchased used about 5 years ago from dealer. Suspect saltwater usage due to barnicles (sp?). Currently very light use, Saturday nights with wifey for evening cruise around lake for an hour or two.

Here is my question/issue.

Recently changed the lower end oil (used pointers from this forum ). I did use the pump and filled from the bottom. Bottom plug had what I would term normal metal, a little black powdery stuff, like when you change tranny oil on a car. No obvious metal shavings.

I had noticed prior to change and since the change a drop in the reservior. Just periodically, like every 3-4 weeks, it would suddenly go down to almost bottom. It wasn't a gradual drop.

No obvious leaks and drive seems to run fine, even smoother since the change.

Is this normal? Should I be concerned? Thoughts on repairs?

If I missed anything or more info need, just ask.

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0LX Stren Drive fluid loss

When was the last time you had the drive off?.....
Your bellows could be where the lube is......​

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0LX Stren Drive fluid loss

Welcome to iboats, btw......​

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0LX Stren Drive fluid loss

When you fill the Gen II drives, there is an air bubble at the top, which is normal. When you use it, it will eventually burp out that air bubble and the oil level will drop, and stop there. If it continues to drop and you have to keep filling the reservoir, then you have a leak. Pull the drive and check the bellows. If it's full of oil, then the leak is the input shaft seal and/or yoke.
Are you getting any water (milky oil color) in the reservoir? That would indicate an external leak.

 

[Saltypup]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0LX Stren Drive fluid loss

When was the last time you had the drive off?.....
Your bellows could be where the lube is......​

Thanks for the welcome.
Drive has not been off since I have owned it.

Don S - No milky look, even when it was changed. Had a green color to it though and the resevior had like some congealed oil-like substance in the bottom, but I didn't see any when I drained the foot. I suspect the oil had never been changed before.

Could be a bubble; I will keep an eye on it and check the bellows if it continues.

Is pulling the drive a DIY project or best left for the pros? Special tools?

Thanks all for the help

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0LX Stren Drive fluid loss

It is a DIY & should be done at least once a year to lube the ujoints....
The only special tool you need is to remove the hingepins.....​

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0LX Stren Drive fluid loss

You don't need to pull the hinge pins to pull the drive. But you will need some special tools to replace the seal in the drive it it's bad.
You can download an OEM service manual for your drive at http://www-alt.mercurymarine.com/mnetdata/sisdata/srvcovr.pdf
You need #14

 

[Saltypup]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0LX Stren Drive fluid loss

Wow, that was quick.

Perfect.

Thanks for the help guys!

 

[Saltypup]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0LX Stren Drive fluid loss

Well, found the leak. It was the reservior- Doh. Took it apart, which was a royal pain, and replaced the gasket. Tada!

Thanks again.

 

[thrasher]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0LX Stren Drive fluid loss

You where lucky it was so simple. Good luck and have fun with the boat.

Gary

 

[imported_TheMan]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0LX Stren Drive fluid loss

If the reservoir was leaking, shouldn't you have seen that in the bilge?

 

[Saltypup]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0LX Stren Drive fluid loss

Ayah- should have seen it, but I am a noob. Learning though, with the help of this forum.

Since I have owned the boat there has always been a certain amount of oily stuff there, it wasn't until I took it our the other weekend that I noticed the smell of oil burning; and of course the reservior was empty again.

Since the boat only goes out maybe 2X a month for a couple of hours, I never really noticed it until I changed the oil. Prior to that I always had to add some oil, but it was maybe once every other month, and of course the alarm never went off. My guess is that all that gelled oil that I cleaned out of the reservior was actually sealing the leak. When I cleaned it out, thats when the leak got worse.

I used to take it to the local marine for service, but they are worse than I am. 10 minutes to winterize ( I would wait for it), which included an oil change and engine fog (that was their story), and $150 later....... I have had it in for tuneup, again another $150, looked to be the same plugs and cap. Of course they forgot to save the parts and the trash guy had just come.

Fortunately I live in NC so the winters are mild, otherwise I am sure something would have cracked.

Bon Voyage.