Outdrive ?s been sitting

[starsnstripers]

I put my outdrive (pre alpha) I'm going to do it anyway(change oil) but i cracked the bottom fill screw/plug and nice new looking oil came out with slight streaks of moisture. I assume it's been sitting for about 2years anyway.Could this be from condensation build up over time? I'll pressure test eventually before i put it into service. But wondering if it's a possibility? The other thing with it is> I was messing with the prop and turning the shaft in gear(clockwise) just checking things out and i noticed some free play at the prop shaft (in and out) play or (horizontal) play. By some oh maybe a 1/16 Is that normal? Whats the norm for that shaft? thanks

 

[Don S]

Re: Outdrive ?s been sitting

Yes, the free play is normal.
Hard to say about the streaks, I doubt condensation. But the pressure and vacuum test will tell you for sure.

 

[starsnstripers]

Re: Outdrive ?s been sitting

I knew that was coming. Just hoping for the best, a little condensation instead of a previous leak would be a good thing for me. Thanks Don

 

[JustJason]

Re: Outdrive ?s been sitting

if it didn't have a leak then how would condensation get in there in the first place....

 

[starsnstripers]

Re: Outdrive ?s been sitting

Well, with it being black and sitting for atleast two years maybe heating in the sun and then cool nights New England weather I think it's surely possible.

 

[Don S]

Re: Outdrive ?s been sitting

Unless you left the drain and vent plugs out, and it didn't have oil in it, just how was this moist air supposed to get inside the drive????

 

[starsnstripers]

Re: Outdrive ?s been sitting

Thinking condensation warm/cold, I'll do the pressure/vacume test before I use it anyway. thanks

 

[Don S]

Re: Outdrive ?s been sitting

I would think the streaked oil may have come from a previous leak. NO WAY are you going to get all the old (water contaminated) oil out.

 

[starsnstripers]

Re: Outdrive ?s been sitting

That could be too. well i'll know more when i drain it all to see just how much is in there. OH, When you do the pressure vacume test does it need to or should be empty of oil? Trying out this edit thing... which way is preferred?

 

[achris]

Re: Outdrive ?s been sitting

That could be too. well i'll know more when i drain it all to see just how much is in there. OH, When you do the pressure vacume test does it need to or should be empty of oil? Trying out this edit thing... which way is preferred?

Do the tests empty... Air gets out of, or in to, leaky seals easier and faster than oil. You'll detect a leak easier that way. Don't be surprised if it 'fails' the pressure test at a low pressure. The shift shaft seal in the front of the lower box is a single seal in so that water can't get in. With age they leak off under pressure at about 3 or 4 psi. Normal....

Chris.............

 

[Don S]

Re: Outdrive ?s been sitting

Spray everything with soapy water while you have it pressurized. If there is a leak, it will bubble.

 

[starsnstripers]

Re: Outdrive ?s been sitting

thanks Chris/Don, Will do and is 15psi pressure and 6psi vacume correct?

 

[achris]

Re: Outdrive ?s been sitting

sns,

Vacuum is usually measured in inches of mercury (the metal, not the engine ).

I usually pressure test to about 12 psi and vac to about 15 inches... If it holds those for 15 minutes, you're cooking with gas.

Chris............

 

[oops!]

Re: Outdrive ?s been sitting

uh guys...im not an expert by any means....but if the water was in the oil first...(before it was stored)...it wouldnt be streaky...it would be milk....

for a streak....could a seal just have shrunk/collapsed during non use?

oops

 

[starsnstripers]

Re: Outdrive ?s been sitting

Thanks Chris, I got those figures. Oops I suppose the moisture would settle and collect together there in the bottom of the drive ove a long time. We'll find out when i perform the tests.

 

[brokemerc]

Re: Outdrive ?s been sitting

Do the tests empty... Air gets out of, or in to, leaky seals easier and faster than oil. You'll detect a leak easier that way. Don't be surprised if it 'fails' the pressure test at a low pressure. The shift shaft seal in the front of the lower box is a single seal in so that water can't get in. With age they leak off under pressure at about 3 or 4 psi. Normal....

Chris.............

Sorry to butt in but i'm getting ready to pressure test my drive which appeared to leak from the shift seal when I tried to let the drive service itself from the reservoir. Needless to say it didn't work. If this seal normally leaks at low pressure is it normal for it to leak with no pressure?

 

[starsnstripers]

Re: Outdrive ?s been sitting

No problem here Brokemerc, maybe Chris or someone can answer that. I have no idea but am interested in the answer too. Have a good day

 

[starsnstripers]

Re: Outdrive ?s been sitting

I was proceeding to drain the leg for dismantling and when i took the top screw/plug out there was pressure inside and it spit out air/oil ? Is that a good thing? I guess it holds some pressure. How it was pressurized I'm not sure. The drive was cold and i had my shop heater going so maybe that caused it?