Milkshake in outdrive

[rlrobian]

Guys I need some advice. I've searched the forum and can't seem to find what I need. I have an Alpha One outdrive that has a problem. The last couple of weeks I noticed a white milky fluid dripping out of the weep hole. Last weekend I decieded to change the outdrive gear lube, and what came out of the drive looked more like a vanilla milk shake than gear lube. I think it's pretty obvious that I have a water leak. I am looking for some advice. Is there somewhere online I can find directions for a rebuild, any special tools needed, kits needed? Any special skills? I have a Seloc manual but I had problems with the manuals "incomplete" instructions when doing a rebuild of the carb. I have been watching YOUTUBE clips and the job doesn't seem overwhelming, but I am a little leary of the videos being complete. I can take the unit to a shop but I've got the time and I'd rather do the work myself.
Any and all advice welcome.
Thanks everyone RL

 

[Grub54891]

Re: Milkshake in outdrive

Check the adults only section up top,lots of info there!

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Milkshake in outdrive

I would do a pressure test of the outdrive first. That should give you a better indication of where the leak is and then the proper repair. A full re-build may not be necessary.

My port side outdrive was a bit milky when I checked it at the end of the season, so we may be working in parallel . .

 

[achris]

Re: Milkshake in outdrive

Guys I need some advice. I've searched the forum and can't seem to find what I need. I have an Alpha One outdrive that has a problem. The last couple of weeks I noticed a white milky fluid dripping out of the weep hole. Last weekend I decieded to change the outdrive gear lube, and what came out of the drive looked more like a vanilla milk shake than gear lube. I think it's pretty obvious that I have a water leak. I am looking for some advice. Is there somewhere online I can find directions for a rebuild, any special tools needed, kits needed? Any special skills? I have a Seloc manual but I had problems with the manuals "incomplete" instructions when doing a rebuild of the carb. I have been watching YOUTUBE clips and the job doesn't seem overwhelming, but I am a little leary of the videos being complete. I can take the unit to a shop but I've got the time and I'd rather do the work myself.
Any and all advice welcome.
Thanks everyone RL

Hello RL,

First thing we need to establish is which 'Alpha One' you have. Do you have a serial number handy?

Next thing to do is a pressure and vacuum test. With the drive pressured up, get some liquid soap, or kitchen spray cleaner (like to clean kitchen tops) and go 'bubble hunting'... Once you determine which drive you have and which seal is leaking, we can give you a link to a genuine manual... Use the seloc as a knee pad while working on the engine or drive... :lol:

Chris.......

 

[rlrobian]

Re: Milkshake in outdrive

I am traveling and cant remember the outdrive serial number, but I know its 3xxxxxx and it's from a a 1978 Merc 140 GM 2.5L I went to the adults only section to read about pressure testing. I have the equipment to build the test rig, but got different takes on if the unit needs to be on or off the boat. Reading the comments on this forum some say on and other say they do the test with the unit off. I would presume from those responses that it does not matter, it can be tested on or off?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Milkshake in outdrive

I am traveling and cant remember the outdrive serial number, but I know its 3xxxxxx and it's from a a 1978 Merc 140 GM 2.5L I went to the adults only section to read about pressure testing. I have the equipment to build the test rig, but got different takes on if the unit needs to be on or off the boat. Reading the comments on this forum some say on and other say they do the test with the unit off. I would presume from those responses that it does not matter, it can be tested on or off?

Ayuh,.... It's gotta be drained of oil, 'n off the boat allows better access to see the seals leakin',...

Actually, it's Best done to separate units, upper, 'n lower... Better access to whichever seal is leakin',...

 

[achris]

Re: Milkshake in outdrive

I don't think you realize that once you found water in the drive you must deal with it immediately. The bearing and gear surfaces don't not rust just because you will 'deal with it later'. Every minute you don't protect those surfaces is a minute they are corroding. If you can't fix the problem and get oil back in the drive, just fill it with oil until you can. And if you think that the cost of oil you're just going to throw away is too much, think about the cost of replacing corroded bearings and gears....

I know that all sounds harsh, but it's reality. I see too many people waiting too long to fix problems that can't wait. Like people who find a hole in the bellows on Sunday afternoon, then wait until the next weekend to pull the drive and wonder why all the unis and gimbal bearing are shot.... :facepalm:

Chris.....
BTW, your drive is an MC-1, not an Alpha One.