2002 Volvo Penta SX outdrive leak

[gucio1]

Hi Guys
Back again for all your awesome advice.
I have purchased a "new" boat close to the end of season. Took it out 10 times or so and ran like a dream.
While I was winterizing it I got to the gearbox oil change and when I started draining it was clear that there was water in the oil. It was not completely milky, there was still regular looking oil in there.
Started reading and looked like the thing to do would be a pressure and vacuum test. Performed both as per manual and looks like everything is holding steady.
I have no idea when the oil was changed last as the guy I got the boat from lied to me about a few things so can't really trust his claims that he did it every season.
My question is about what to do next. Should I just fill it up and take it out next season and check the oil again after a few outings? Could it be that one of the plugs was not put in tight enough and leaked a bit over time?
Any how, looking forward to any wisdom you might be able to pass along.

Thank you
p.s. The boat is 2002 campion allante ls625 with 5.0 gxi engine

 

[alldodge]

Did you check close to 5 psi and rotate the drive and prop shaft?

If so, run it next season and pull the drain plug just enough every once in a while to see if something starts to show up

 

[BRICH1260]

I`ve experienced the same thing. I had several tablespoons of water in my SX DPS-A oil when drained but pressure and vacuum test exceed the specifications significantly. I am debating replacing seals vs just leaving it alone for now. Apparently there are circumstances of a drives` life that cannot be replicated in these tests, probably heat and RPM`s.

 

[ThomW]

Could have been something as simple as a worn out gasket on one of the drain plugs...I imagine you replaced, or are going to replace those while changing the gear oil?

 

[gucio1]

Could have been something as simple as a worn out gasket on one of the drain plugs...I imagine you replaced, or are going to replace those while changing the gear oil?

Hi
I did replace them. So is the consensus to try it out or should I start changing seals? Based on what I have been reading it is usually the DP drives that are more to leaking while under load, but again I am just a noob and that is why I am asking the experts.

 

[Senior B]

Change the orings as you have done and check for water intrusion after a few outings. Don't get over zealous and put too much torque on the plugs. Both they and the drive will strip out easily.

 

[gucio1]

Change the orings as you have done and check for water intrusion after a few outings. Don't get over zealous and put too much torque on the plugs. Both they and the drive will strip out easily.

OK that is what I will do. Thanks every one for your input.