Outdrives in salt water-how often re-sealed?

[Lou C]

The last 2 years I have had to have a seal replaced in my OMC Cobra, the first season it was moored in the water for about 6 weeks, the past one it was in the water from June to Oct. When I pulled it last week I saw that the drive oil was milky again. So my question is, is it common to have to replace seals on outdrives, esp on boats that are moored in salt water, or do some go a few seasons without any seal leaks? <br />The first leak was on the driveshaft housing in the lower unit, I don't how the water got in this time, but I changed the drive oil and will take it to my OMC shop in the spring so they can pressure/vac test it.

 

[Don S]

Re: Outdrives in salt water-how often re-sealed?

There are lots of places drives can leak. Did you replace the orings and gaskets when you changed oil last? When was the last time the bellows was changed? Is it leaking?<br />How about the zincs (anodes) have they been going away extra fast?

 

[Lou C]

Re: Outdrives in salt water-how often re-sealed?

Thanks for the input Don, the zincs have been wearing down at what appears to be a normal rate. The plastic gaskets for the drain/fill plugs are like new. What I am wondering is it reasonable to expect it to remain leak free for more than one season? It seems that it is a common problem judging by people I know. I'd like a straight inboard but not many are made in the size I prefer (20').

 

[Don S]

Re: Outdrives in salt water-how often re-sealed?

Drain the drive and do a pressure and vacuum check. That will tell you where the leak is. Being that it's an 88 drive, things can wear out in that amount of time. Trust me, straight inboard is not always the best way to go either, especially on a 20' boat.<br />It takes a lot of preventative maintenance on small boats where the engines and drives are exposed to the elements (and abuse). And if the engine has rust on it, it IS exposed to the elements.

 

[Lou C]

Re: Outdrives in salt water-how often re-sealed?

I am going to have the shop look at it again in the spring. They have been good with what I have had them fix so far. The bellows are OK, it was moored all season with no water in the bilge except from rain.<br />Why do you think straight inboard is not the best way to go? Bad engine access in small boats? <br />I live on the North Shore of Long Island NY and the majority of boats I see moored in our harbor are either inboards or outboards, with some I/Os in the mix. I went I/O for the first boat because wife and son can't stand the smell of 2 stroke!