gear lube in bilge

[madurodave]

I am losing some gear lube in bilge. Could swear I see it on top of the starboard valve cover but I must be wrong. Anyway, I am getting some trace amounts in the bilge but cannot see where it's coming from. It is driving me crazy! Any help or things to look for is appreciated.

Thanks,
David

 

[Don S]

Re: gear lube in bilge

Might want to pull the outdrive off and check for gear lube in the bellows.

 

[cannonford57]

Re: gear lube in bilge

concur with mr.s

 

[cr2k]

Re: gear lube in bilge

Could it be coming from the reservoir? Or that el cheepo little plastic elbow the reservoir line hooks to.

If not may be the input seal on the drive and coming in via the bellows.
Pull the drive. 6 nuts, 2 clips and the speedo line and 10 min. to find out.

 

[madurodave]

Re: gear lube in bilge

thanks for the suggestions... Thought is was important to note, no leak occurs when sitting in the driverway. Just after running and notice some in the bilge after an afternoon at the lake.

 

[JustJason]

Re: gear lube in bilge

it won't leak on the driveway because the bellows aren't leaking.
It's more the likely the yoke shaft seal in the drives upper that's leaking into the bellows, through the gimbal bearing, and into the boat.

 

[madurodave]

Re: gear lube in bilge

thanks Jason, I wasn't talking about leaking on the driveway, was talking about leaking into the bulge while the boat is parked. It doesnt leak at all unless running, and then, not very much. Thanks again for the advise.

 

[JustJason]

Re: gear lube in bilge

It doesnt leak at all unless running, and then, not very much

Hope that's not some self-justification for not fixing it

Either way, it's leaking more than you know. If you get a little bit of gear lube in the boat, the bellows are going to be very full of oil. The drive only holds 2 qts of it.

Park the boat on the grass or put something under the drive. When you pull it, the bellows are going to throw up on you and everywhere else.

 

[madurodave]

Re: gear lube in bilge

Hope that's not some self-justification for not fixing it

Either way, it's leaking more than you know. If you get a little bit of gear lube in the boat, the bellows are going to be very full of oil. The drive only holds 2 qts of it.

Park the boat on the grass or put something under the drive. When you pull it, the bellows are going to throw up on you and everywhere else.

No, I am going to fix it. I am OCD about anything wrong and it drive me nuts until it's resolved. Thanks again.

 

[Knot Waiting]

Re: gear lube in bilge

I would assume the reason it only leaks while operating is because the roatation of the drive shaft is pulling the oil up and out of the drive. Then past the failed input seal, through the gimbal, and into the boat where it drips down into the bilge. If it were an external reservoir leak it would drip all the time.

 

[madurodave]

Re: gear lube in bilge

I would assume the reason it only leaks while operating is because the roatation of the drive shaft is pulling the oil up and out of the drive. Then past the failed input seal, through the gimbal, and into the boat where it drips down into the bilge. If it were an external reservoir leak it would drip all the time.

thanks!

 

[potpie]

Re: gear lube in bilge

I have same problem with my boat! I guessing it is the upper seal also. I am very mechanical however lack any special tools that might be needed? Plus that out drive probably is not feather light! Does anyone have any tip's that might make this easier. I expect a large mess and possibly a couple fowl words.
I might consider have a shop do the work if I have to buy some extra tools. however I enjoy working in the garage and It gives me a excuse to not help with the laundry on the weekends!