Oil Leak, fix now or wait...

[ArmyStandard]

2000 Volvo Penta 3.0 148hrs
Regal LSR 1800

I have been given good advice on here so far so I seek more. I am having a small oil leak dripping down the back of a pulley (harmonic balancer I believe). It is really not enough to change the level of my dipstick and it drips a little harder after the engine is pushing hard on the water. Does not drip at all at idle in the driveway.

My question is this. Will I be doing more damage running it with this leak or will it be fine until after boating season as long as I maintain proper oil level? The main reason Id prefer to wait is due to the fact of me having to pull the outdrive and the engine just to replace whatever parts are bad. Nearly everyone I talk to says "everyone" has a leak on their boat...but I guess Im just anal. I like to have things in proper working order.

Suggestions welcome.

 

[Cptkid570]

Re: Oil Leak, fix now or wait...

Off topic, but are you sure it's not the timing chain/gear cover that is leaking?

 

[superpop]

Re: Oil Leak, fix now or wait...

I had a persistent oil leak in my last boat and I finally pulled the motor and replaced all seals. Never leaked after that. Until then I just used one of those oil absorbers in the bilge. Oil in your bilge will quickly find its way to other parts of the boat via the ski locker and other storage compartments if you have all of these areas draining to the bilge which most boats do. It can really make a mess. I do not have any leaks on my new boat and would fix any I spotted immediately because of the mess it can make. I would check all bolts and nuts down under the motor, may be a loose fastener that is letting the oil leak. Maybe something you can fix without pulling the motor.

 

[ArmyStandard]

Re: Oil Leak, fix now or wait...

CPTKID,

Honestly, Its hard to tell where it is coming from. I just know I can see the drip falling and when I reach my hand down behind the big "impeller pulley" I can feel the wet oil. As far as the point of origin...I dont know. As you know, space is very cramped down there and its hard to tell exactly. Is it a more "common" culprit to come from the timing chain cover?

 

[Utahboatnut]

Re: Oil Leak, fix now or wait...

Might also try a mirror and a flashlight to find the source. As I'm sure you know not all boats have a leak. If it is just a small drip you may be okay to go the season but do as suggested and use absorbant packs to try and contain it ALL so you don't wind up with a mess and pollute the ramp etc with oil dripping out the drain plug. Keep a very close eye on the oil level as well.

 

[Cptkid570]

Re: Oil Leak, fix now or wait...

Army - I just know that when I got my boat, the 3.0 had a leaky timing gear cover, then when I replaced that engine with a used engine, the only thing wrong with the new engine was a leaky timing chain/gear cover (mine has timing gears, not a chain, but I still call it a timing chain cover

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Oil Leak, fix now or wait...

I had one with a pin hole in the timing cover.I thought it was the front seal until i cleaned everything and got a mirror and flashlight.

Sanded the leaking area with 80 grit then 120,wiped with acetone then covered in JB weld. It never leaked again the next 3 years i owned it...
Also coated everything with paint after the JB weld...

 

[imported_TheMan]

Re: Oil Leak, fix now or wait...

When I had a 3.0L it too had a timing chain cover that rusted through and was leaking oil. But, it rusted through because the weep hole on the water pump was dripping on it..

Replaced both and no more problems.

 

[ArmyStandard]

Re: Oil Leak, fix now or wait...

It is interesting that you mention you had a problem with a water leak from the weephole and that it rusted your timing cover. I just corrected my weep hole leak with a new seal behind the impeller housing...I might just need to look further into the timing cover. Is it something that would require removing the engine?

 

[jakebrake]

Re: Oil Leak, fix now or wait...

Army;
Not to sound like a creep, but... i've never heard of an oil leak getting better on it's own. they get worse. car motorcycle or boat. when the seal goes, best case scenario, the oil stays in the bilge, not in the water that adds a pricey cleanup to your already bad situation. 'Nuff said.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Oil Leak, fix now or wait...

i've never heard of an oil leak getting better on it's own. they get worse. car motorcycle or boat.

Ayuh,.... My thoughts too,...

Oil leaks Never get better by themselves,+ Always get Worse...

I'd Fix it,... The absolute Least Army has to do is get an Oil Sock for the bilge,...
You don't wana be dumping that leakage into the pond....