Cold Weather Leak ???

[brzehentmaier]

​Hello all, I have a 1995 alpha 1 gen 2 outdrive that leaks a little gear lube every time the temp goes under 30 * F. Took it all apart this year to change all o-rings and seals plus the water pump. The temp. has been nice for the past 2 months since I put it back together and no leaks found for 2 months, but the past 2 days it has been pretty chilly (under 30*) here in Chicago at night and the leak came back. I have had it out about 3-4 times this year and no issues. The only thing I can figure is the aluminum contracts enough when cold to cause a leak. Is this normal or should I tear it back apart. The leak is running down the gear shift shaft coming out of the gearbox. It only happens when its cold????? Thanks in advance, Bernie

 

[tpenfield]

Nothing normal about a leak. Time to take a close look.

 

[brzehentmaier]

That's what I thought. I was told don't worry about it, "it's 22 years old, what do you expect." I was also told that these old outdrives always leak a little and to just keep an eye on the res.. Thanks for your input, I'm gonna rip it back apart.

 

[Bt Doctur]

The leak is running down the gear shift shaft coming out of the gearbox.

Can you elaborate. upper unit shift shaft, lower unit shaft

 

[Bondo]

I was told don't worry about it, "it's 22 years old, what do you expect." I was also told that these old outdrives always leak a little and to just keep an eye on the res..

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,.... That's really, Really Bad advice,...

If there's a leak, not only does oil leak out, but water leaks in,...
Water bein' heavier than oil will smoke the lower unit, even with oil still in the res. bottle,...

 

[brzehentmaier]

Upper unit shift shaft. There is nothing really up there but the seal which I didn't replace and the seal with the little ball bearing in it which I also didn't replace cause the marina didn't have them in stock. I probably should have waited for them.

 

[Bt Doctur]

oil leaking from that areas is a sign of a leaky carrier seal or a grooved input yoke

 

[brzehentmaier]

I replaced the carrier seal. Mabee it didn't seat well. Trying to stay positive.

 

[brzehentmaier]

Ok it's all apart again. Bellows are oil free. There are no signs of oil by the water pump. The only suspicious area is where the shaft from the lower unit goes into the upper. There is oil running down the inner wall of the upper unit which would drain into the area of the upper shift shaft. How many o-rings are in that hole the shaft slides into. I replaced one on the bottom where the hole begins. Is there one further up by the bearing? If not I am at a loss on where its leaking. Everything but that looks good and new. I am trying to post some pics. But they are too big . will hopefully get some on soon.

 

[brzehentmaier]

Bt Doctur, when you say input yoke. Do you mean the yoke that goes into the back of the motor. Or is that what the shaft is called that slides into the upper part of the lower unit? Thanks