Gear Oil Leak

[bruffcorn]

New to the boating world and posting for the first time, so I applogize in advance for the lack of any cool boat slang!!<br /><br />We have a 1999 Bayliner with a 4.3L aplha one Mercruiser that appears to have a gear oil leak. The leak is very slow and is coming from a small hole on the port side of the lower unit, right below the bolts holding the two units together. From what I've read in other postings, I believe this is the weeper or drain hole and that this means that the shifter shaft seal or the driveshaft seals need to be replaced - could someone confirm that??<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[Wart T]

Re: Gear Oil Leak

Cool boat slang?

 

[chuck in WA]

Re: Gear Oil Leak

Hey, you said "port side" and "lower unit" - what more could anyone ask?

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Gear Oil Leak

Whats a 'port side' & 'lower unit'?<br /><br />Hi bruffcorn,<br /><br />I've seen posts about this but can't remember the fix. Give it a while (its late) and someone will help. In the meantime try these links:<br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=24;t=004367#000000 <br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=24;t=006331#000000 <br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=24;t=004473#000000 <br /><br />Good luck.<br /><br />Aldo

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Gear Oil Leak

sounds about logical. the genII had some sealing issues about the shift shaft. only a pressure check and a tear down will reveal it.<br /> good luck and keep posting

 

[texomatom]

Re: Gear Oil Leak

Been there done that.<br />Mine was doing the same thing (1998 genII). Shift shaft seal had worked it's way up out of the housing. Replaced it - no problem.<br />Go ahead and replace the impeller while you have the lower unit off. <br />It's an easy and relatively cheap fix.<br /><br />HTH<br /><br />Tom

 

[bruffcorn]

Re: Gear Oil Leak

Thanks - you guys are a great source for information!! <br /><br />This is actually a boat that we are considering buying, and we have it on a trial basis. It has been in heated storage, and not used, for well over a year. <br /><br />We have had it out two times, it runs/shifts well and all other fluids and fluid levels look good. This "leak" didn't appear until after the 2nd outing, though we did have to add lube initially to bring the level to full.....The boat is being offered at a very good price, would this needed repair/service be something that would cause you "experinced boaters" to not purchase the boat???

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: Gear Oil Leak

Try this link ...........

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Gear Oil Leak

Lots of "stuff" comes out of the drain hole you mention.Usually it is exhaust/cooling water.Look at the color.Is it the same as the oil in the resevoir under the motor cover?Then yes you have a leak.This drain hole gets water out so the housing doesn't break in freezing weather.<br />DHP<br />If you topped up the resevoir,has the level gone down?

 

[bruffcorn]

Re: Gear Oil Leak

Hi DHPMARINE,<br />Thanks for the response!<br />Yes, the color is the same as the oil in the reservoir. Afer we topped it off the level did go down slightly, but very slowly and it only was noticeable after he 2nd time we took it out. <br /><br />After the responses we have received, we plan to get a pressure check to verify that the seals are the problem......<br />What do you think -- would you still buy the boat?

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Gear Oil Leak

I would try to work with the seller,and see if the outdrive just needs seals.Maybe split the cost of the tear down & if you buy,then you pay for reseal.(if the boat is a real good buy).<br />DHP<br />That way you won't be buying any $$$ surprises

 

[Doug Durako]

Re: Gear Oil Leak

Bruff----not sure what a "good price" is for this rig but check the Kelly Marine Blue Book if you can get your hands on one. Also, you might search on Boattrader.com for the exact same boat and compare prices---there are thousands of boats on that web site.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[chuck in WA]

Re: Gear Oil Leak

www.nadaguides.com - check blue book prices here.

 

[bruffcorn]

Re: Gear Oil Leak

Update! <br /><br />We purchased the boat. We had the seals done, as well as the empeller, and all appears to be well!!! <br /><br />Thanks for the help!