oil and water under engines

[cyber-bill]

I have twin 1987 350 mercruiser fresh water cooled engines in a 30 sea ray .
Recently there has been oil under my engines. Its impossible to get your head down there to see anything. A friend told me that the oil leak is probably coming from the rear seal. Is there any way short of hauling the engine up with an a frame to check this out? Is there any thing in a bottle that will help this problem with out ruining great running engines?
Thanks,
Bill

 

[Bondo]

Re: oil and water under engines

Is there any thing in a bottle that will help this problem with out ruining great running engines?

Nope,..........

A 1987 is Prime for a Rusted Thru Oil Pan..........
Which is Much more likely than a Bad Rear Main Seal.........

 

[Don S]

Re: oil and water under engines

Rusty oil pan, or rusty timing chain cover is the 2 biggest reasons for oil in bilges.
If you suspect the rear seal, pull the starter and see if there is a lot of oil on the bendix.

 

[cyber-bill]

Re: oil and water under engines

Thanks for the help guys,
What you both say makes sense , if the pan is rusted out can it be replaced with a pan from a car of similar year? or do you have to buy a marine pan?
Is it possible to replace the timing chain cover on a mercruiser 350 while still in the sea ray? Is the timing chain cover special marine or can you use the car version? How can I tell where the leak is coming from with out removing the engines?
Thanks ,
Bill

 

[Bondo]

Re: oil and water under engines

TheTiming Covers are the Same as Automotive 1s,.....

The Oil Pans Might be, or Possibly Not,..... You'll have to Look,...
The Differences will be in Where the Dipstick mounts....

How can I tell where the leak is coming from with out removing the engines?

Crawl down in there, with mirrors lights, Whatever,+ Look......