Can lower unit oil get into the bildge area?

[dkorzun21]

Just wondering if lower unit oil can get into the bildge area. Reason im asking is because I always check my oil leaves on my boat trim oil, motor oil, steering oil and the levels always finds but some how seems like theres always oil in the bildge area the only oil i havent check is the lower unit oil. I know I know its bad but I just was showed how to do it. So Now i got to check mine asap before my next out going.

So thats why i was wondering if the oil was comming in the bildge area from my outdrive if it was possible. last time i got my oil changed it was a mess in there think they just drained it in the bidgle area then lets it drip out the rear hole into a bucket maybe it just needs a good cleaning to get it all out or most of it if not got to find out where its comming from. Theres not tones but everytime i pull the plug out the back theres oil on the end of it...

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Can lower unit oil get into the bildge area?

Well can you tell what kind of oil it is? Gear oil is different than most engine/trim oil. But yes, if the seal in the upper part of the outdrive where the driveshaft connects is leaking, then it can leak outdrive oil into the bellows and then into the bilge from there. However, it usually takes quite a bit of oil to fill up the bottom of the bellows in order for it to make it to the bilge. I'd be looking at trim fluid as the culprit, and then maybe a real seal or oil pan leak on the engine next.