2000 Bravo 3 leaking gear oil

[87Aggie]

I performed a search on this question and really didn't get a definitive answer on how to proceed. Basically, small amount of gear oil leaked out of lower unit from the props area. I've been monitoring it since and the little leak quit pretty much a day or two after bringing it home from the lake. Remote reservoir shows a little under full. Do I have a prop shaft seal going out? Just not sure how to determine where the leak is and how crucial it is that it be fixed while there is still some boating season left.

 

[Bt Doctur]

http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/11/11d3r5x.pdf

 

[87Aggie]

Dial Indicator Set 91-58222A1
Slide Hammer Puller 91-34569A1
Torque Wrench (lb. in.) 91-66274
Clamp Plate 91-43559
Universal Puller Plate 91-37241
Threaded Rod 91-31229
Bearing Driver 91-89867
Bearing Driver 91-89868
Bearing Cup Driver 91-67443
Backlash Indicator Rod (Inner Propeller Shaft) 91-805481
Backlash Indicator Rod (Outer Propeller Shaft) 91-805482
Bearing Carrier Installation / Removal Tool 91-805374--1
Drive Shaft Pinion Bearing Driver 91-63638
Outer Propeller Shaft Bearing Installation Tool 91-805352
Outer Propeller Shaft Seal installation Tool 91-805358
Bearing Carrier Seal Installation Tool 91-805372
Front Bearing Race Driver Rod 91-805454
Propeller Nut Installation Tool 91-805457-1
Shimming Tool 91-805462
Drive Shaft Retaining Tool 91-805381
Driver Rod 91-37323
Outer Propeller Shaft Bearing Retainer Installation Tool 91-805382
Bearing Carrier Bearing Installation Tool 91-805356
Drive Shaft Adaptor Tool 91-56775
Forward Bearing Driver 91-31106
Driver Guide 91-805470
Bearing Carrier Tool 91-805374

I've got the manual, are you saying I'm gonna have to disassemble the whole gear case to determine my problem? I'll have to take out a 2nd mortgage to invest in all the tools. Boat shop I guess. Any thoughts on the cost?

 

[Scott Danforth]

you start by draining the gear oil and performing a pressure test..... then proceed from there

 

[alldodge]

The down side of the B3 is even brand new drive and seals can leak. This happens when running it creates a slight vacuum around the prop shafts and in many cases the one that leaks is the inner shaft seal. So loosing a little while running (little is small amount) is not that great of a concern. About once a month I check and top off my bottle.

Now if the you can see oil dripping from the shaft then the prop shafts need to be removed and replaced. To just replace the seals you will not need all the tools listed but will need some.

How much are you adding and do you see leaking?

 

[87Aggie]

Guys, thanks for responding. AllDodge, only noticed the leak this last outing after putting boat back in boathouse. Noticed a spot on the concrete below the props about the 3-4 inches in diameter. Placed a paper plate under the props after that and only got a couple of drops and none since then. Reservoir bottle is just a little shy of full, maybe 1/2 inch from full mark.

 

[alldodge]

Since your seeing a drip, I would strongly suggest you need to replace the seal. If it only lost a little while running then maybe OK, but not a drip

Also there are new seals used today, don't know if your drive uses them or not

 

[87Aggie]

Thanks for the info AllDodge. I'll start looking into getting the seal(s) replaced, I'm hoping I can do it myself but as mentioned I really don't know where to start. I'll begin as Scott suggested by draining the oil, checking for water in oil and doing a pressure test. Any other direction would be greatly appreciated!

 

[alldodge]

In most cases the seal that is leaking is the inner one. I've replaced both and link below will give you some insight

http://forums.iboats.com/forum/engi...s-like-i-m-getting-into-bravo-outdrive-repair

If it does turn out you have the two single seals instead of the single double seals, I would get the double seal newer version
1 each Small inner seal 26-8M0033407 (replaces 2 each lip seals)
1 each Large outer seal 26-861694 (replaces 2 each lip seals)
Dimensions 3 - 3/8 OD, 2 - 1/2 ID, 13/16 wide