Alpha 1 Oil Leak

[imported_wallup]

I have a 1990 Chaparral w/Merc 350 I/0.

I have a leak coming from my Alpha 1 drive, not Gen II.

The oil is dark and I can only see the source of the leak when I lay on my back and look up at the lower unit while it is on the trailer. It looks like a T that I can wiggle where the leak is coming from.

Is this the quad ring or shift shaft seal/bushing?

Thanks!

 

[Don S]

Re: Alpha 1 Oil Leak

Remove the outdrive, drain the gear lube, then do a pressure check of the drive with about 15 psi. Sray the seals with a soapy water solution. The leak will blow bubbles.

 

[imported_wallup]

Re: Alpha 1 Oil Leak

thanks,

What is the T thing I can wiggle?

Gonna take it to mechanic and wanted to know what that things called.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Alpha 1 Oil Leak

Sounds like you are referring to the shift shaft. (Or intermediate shift shaft if you want to be more precise )

Is this what you're talking about?

 

[imported_wallup]

Re: Alpha 1 Oil Leak

Exactly, thank you!

Rear unit have to come off to fix?

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Alpha 1 Oil Leak

If there is a leak, then yes, something will have to come off. Either the entire outdrive, (easiest), or the lower unit. If you are going to take it to a mechanic I suggest taking the entire boat and letting them do the testing and repair. While they are at it you can have them check the gimbal bearing, bellows, etc.

Another option is taking the outdrive off yourself and taking just the outdrive to the mechanic to have them test and reseal whatever is necessary. It isn't hard to take off. Then you can examine the bearing, etc yourself while the outdrive is off.