oil leak from propeller

[moesislack]

Hello everyone! I started my boat up a week ago, ran great, put it in the garage, went back yesturday and a pool of oil was on the ground, and the drip was coming from the base of the prop. Is this just a seal problem or is there something major going on here, any help would be appreciated! thanks

 

[QC]

Re: oil leak from propeller

Welcome aboard Moe!

I/O? OB? Make and model? I will move this to the appropriate section if you let me know. This is really not a propeller problem as you definitely have a leak unless you spilled this all over your propeller and then came back and said "where'd that come from"?

The leak could be from your trim (if you have it) or the lower unit, but whatcha got will define where I send you. Either way, we'll help get you through it. Good luck!

 

[moesislack]

Re: oil leak from propeller

thank you for the help so far QC. The boat is a chaparral 198 19 foot, the motor is a omc cobra 5.0 inboard motor. I I'm sure I didn't spill anything lol, but maybe the wife does not want me to go! Sorry for putting the topic in the wrong spot, I just saw prop, and put it there. thanks again!

 

[QC]

Re: oil leak from propeller

OK, got you over in the I/O section as that's what you've got. First thing you need to do is trace the oil as high as you can. It will follow gravity, and the highest point you can find any wetness will probably lead you to the source. If it is no higher than the propshaft, then you've probably got a leak at the propshaft seal. What color is the fluid? I'll leave the rest to those with the most experience tearing into these things . . .

 

[moesislack]

Re: oil leak from propeller

The oil was green in color. I will start at the bottom and work my way up, hopfully it stops right at the propeller seal.

 

[bigskiohio]

Re: oil leak from propeller

mine did same ,i replaced the water pump and am hoping that fixes it as i presure tested it and it was good.

 

[moesislack]

Re: oil leak from propeller

hey bigski, You traced it up to the water pump? replaced it and the oil stopped? thanks

 

[QC]

Re: oil leak from propeller

Green oil is the drive.

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Re: oil leak from propeller

If gear lube is leaking from behind the prop, chances are there's fishing line that got in there. I had the same thing happen with wire line and wore a grove in the prop shaft. Even new seals leaked. Got a replacement lower unit cause the repair cost as much as an aftermarket new lower.

 

[moesislack]

Re: oil leak from propeller

How worn down was the prop shaft? I am taking it apart tonight, I just hoping to see a broken seal. how much for a lower unit?

 

[moesislack]

Re: oil leak from propeller

well I took the prop off last night, both seals had some damage on them, and the shaft had some burrs on it, so I smoothed out the shaft and will order new seals. I didnt go any higher than that, we will see if it leaks again!

 

[bruceb58]

Re: oil leak from propeller

You should pressure test it after you replace the seal.