1989 2.3 Litre OMC Cobra Oil in Bilge

[DKearney]

I have a 1989 Bayliner with a 2.3 OMC Cobra sterndrive. I get oil floating on the water in the bilge after a run. I have cleaned it all out and laid paper under the motor only to find nothing on the paper after running on muffs in the driveway for 5 minutes. I am going to take it out on the water tomorrow and see if it shows on the paper during operation. My question is; can oil move from the outdrive into the bilge? Thanks

 

[southkogs]

I don't know about the late 80s Cobras, but if there's a lube reservoir that feeds to the drive, then sure.

But there's plenty of oil in the engine itself, and under load (on the water) the dynamics are different for the engine than on the muffs.

:welcome:

 

[Lou C]

No that can’t happen with a Cobra, you could see gear oil in the driveshaft bellows if the input shaft seal fails.
If the boat has power steering that cal leak as well as the power trim system but those usually use a dexron type fluid that is reddish in color

 

[kenny nunez]

Is the bottom of the oil pan wet with oil?

 

[Lou C]

the pans sometimes rot out right where the oil drain tube is bolted to the pan with the banjo bolt, also the front and rear main seals can leak. That is basically a Ford 4 cyl OHC engine that was used in thousands of smaller Fords, Mustangs, Capris, Ranger pick ups, etc. Based on the 2,000cc engine used in the Pinto and European Ford Capri.