I have an '86 Cruisers with a 350 Mercruiser and Alpha One drive that has developed a small oil leak. Is it OK to use some Stop Leak to try and fix this in a marine engine? Is there a similar product that might work better? Thanks.
Stop Leak is designed to be a TEMPORARY fix until you can get to a safe place to correctly repair the problem; it was not designed to be used a long term repair (that is what duct tape is for). I would advise against it as a permanent repair.
It is difficult to tell where the leak is as there isn't enough room in the engine compartment to get underneath. I'm assuming it is the main seal which would require the engine to be pulled and I am trying to avoid this (as long as possible) if I can.
stop leak will work great until you start the engine. all bets are off after that. that greasy mess in your bilge water will leave a very expensive rainbow trail...right back to you.
can you slide a piece of construction paper under the pan to find the leak?
Ayuh,... You've offered Little to No information to work with,...
But,....
I'll venture a Guess that the Oil Pan is Rotten,+ Leaking.... Replacement is the Only Repair....
Other real items include oil filter (old gasket left on plus new gasket always = leaks. PS Fluid from heat exchanger. pan gasket. Valve cover gaskets.
PS fluid from PS hose somewhere, or actuator valve.
It is difficult to tell where the leak is as there isn't enough room in the engine compartment to get underneath. I'm assuming it is the main seal which would require the engine to be pulled and I am trying to avoid this (as long as possible) if I can.
Clean the engine, the more time you spend cleaning, the easier the leak will be to find. Use an engine degreaser. Run the engine.
Use a flashlight and mirror in places that are tight to maneuver in.
