Evinrude OceanPro 175 mid-90's leaking fluid

[gam101]

Greetings folks! (once again, newbie alert)

A brief history here;

On this used boat that I bought a month ago, I noticed a week later there was a stain on the ground, and it turned out the hydraulic fluid was leaking. So I refilled the hydraulic fluid with car ATF (image below), and bled the air out from reservoir (had someone to help me with that). But what I originally thought was the hydraulic fluid leaking from the reservoir cap, turned out to be a bigger leak.

I now think the fluid is leaking from the place where the reservoir is bolted into the trim motor (please see pic with red arrows).

My questions are;

1) Is my assessment of the possible leak correct?

2) How can I fix the leak? (is it a matter of unscrewing the 3 bolts attaching the reservoir & replacing the gasket or sealent?)

Appreciate all the help, in advance.

 

[jakedaawg]

I usually find that the plastic housing is warped but yes, there is an oring type seal or less common is a sealed mated surface there.

 

[gam101]

I usually find that the plastic housing is warped but yes, there is an oring type seal or less common is a sealed mated surface there.

Appreciate the help. So, just to confirm, I should plan to unscrew the 3 bolts keeping the plastic reservoir in place, and then either replace the gasket or apply new sealant?

Thank you, again.

 

[jakedaawg]

Yes, more likely would be a new reservoir. Once they leak they seldom seal for very long.

 

[gam101]

Yes, more likely would be a new reservoir. Once they leak they seldom seal for very long.

Thank you. You've been exteremly helpful.

Last question, do you think I can remove the reservoir without having to remove the entire motor? The reason I am asking is because 2 of the 3 screw bolts are behind the plastic reservoir, kinda hard to get to. And this will be my first rodeo.

Appreciate it, again.

 

[jakedaawg]

Thank you. You've been exteremly helpful.

Last question, do you think I can remove the reservoir without having to remove the entire motor? The reason I am asking is because 2 of the 3 screw bolts are behind the plastic reservoir, kinda hard to get to. And this will be my first rodeo.

Appreciate it, again.

I cant remember on those, been awhile.