Leaking Gear Lube

[burgessm84]

I have a 2006 Mercruiser 4.3 (carb/190hp) w/Alpha drive. This is my third year with it (got it new) and I have to add gear lube periodically. I've been putting on about 30hrs/year. During my second season, I had to add gear lube twice, and I've had to add again this year. When the reservoir gets near the 'add' line I fill it back up. I've added a total of probably 10-12 oz. My friend with the same drive package says in 5 years he's never added a drop.

The manual said that having to add anything over a few ounces should be looked at, so I told my dealer about it last fall when I was having it winterized. After about a dozen unreturned calls and 4 weeks (my typical boat servicing experience) I was told the boat was ready. When I asked about the disappearing gear oil I was told they did a pressure check and found no problems. When I picked up the boat that weekend they were closed, and there was no paperwork in the boat indicating what was done. When I later asked to get a copy of the work request (where I spelled out the issue) and the invoice/work order that showed what they tested (to preserve my rights under warranty) - I was told their computer had crashed and all records were lost.

So I have two questions:
1) Where's the lube going and what should be done about it?
2) Any suggestions on whether this (assuming there's a problem) should be covered under warranty and how to preserve my rights under warranty without any paperwork? The boat has a two year mercruiser warranty under their "installation quality" program, and I reported the issue after 1.5 years.


Thanks for your help,
Mike

 

[KJSmitty]

Re: Leaking Gear Lube

If you have kept up with all maintenance and have the documentation any issues covered via the warranty should be honored etc..

You mentioned you brought it up 1.5 years ago but was that on the computer crashed "lost data"? IE - do you have a copy of a work order / receipt that references your concern over a possible drive leak etc.?

I chat with my local authorized repair shop quite often and he informed me that all of the warranty companies he deals with are being extremely critical toward all warranty claims. Literally near fraudulent practices by the warranty company to avoid coverage etc.. Having documentation will be your only saving grace if any. Doesn't sound like your dealer will own up to any accountability etc.. Hopefully i'm wrong however.

As for where it might be going.... One would have to assume into the water or bellows etc..