Gear Oil Loss

[whytes]

I recently purchased a 1998 Bayliner Capri 1850SE. Has a 4.3 Mercruiser Alpha One. Runs great. Have noticed that the Gear oil resevoir drops from the FULL line to the ADD line in about 15 hours of use (mostly tubing and skiing). I called to get an appointment but everyone is about 3 to 4 weeks out (crazy). Can I continue to operate if I monitor the resevoir level until I can get into the shop? Will any damage be done. I have not seen a slick on the water anywhere, I cannot see and leaks on the outdrive, there are no leaks in the engine compartment (bilge is dry too). Any ideas what it could be? Thanks.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Gear Oil Loss

its a sealed system. its leaking.<br /> most likly the yoke is leaking into the bellows.<br /> if the leak is underwater then most likly water will leak in as oil leaks out. can ya run it anyway? yep. can it self destruct due to the leak? yep. will it? if I could answer that I would have a 1-900 number. my advice is pull the drive and find the leak. and always remember them green line jumpers

 

[whytes]

Re: Gear Oil Loss

If the yoke is leaking into the bellows can that damage any of the components in the bellows section? And like I said, I haven't been able to id any oil leaking internally or externally. It would make sence that the gear oil is collecting in the bellows. What are the green line jumpers? Between the upper and lower unit? Thanks.

 

[tommays]

Re: Gear Oil Loss

what does happen is that the reserve tank cant keep enough oil in the upper and it will have a failure<br /><br />if it does it may also dammage the lower with metal shaveings<br /><br /><br />the tank has done its job which is to warn you of a problem NOT allow you to run until its a good time for a repiar<br /><br /><br />tommays