Pre-Alpha stern drive leaking

[Hockeydad4-22]

Hello - Still a newby here, but learning rapidly. I have a 66 starchief that is pretty much original including the 110hp 4 cyl and obviously the pre-alpha stern drive.

I had issues with getting her started this spring detailed in another thread here, once solved - I ran her in the driveway on ear muffs for about 30 minutes. This morning this is what I found pooled under. Obviously leaking the brand new gear lube I put in when I brought her home from storage (I did change the oil and lube before I put her up for the winter too, I added about 1/2 a quart to the lower because she seemed to need it when I brought her home). How difficult is it to replace the seals? I noticed there seems to be some oil in the water coming out the prop as well while running (as is evident by the new/large stain on my garage door)

I also noticed a small amount of play in and out at the prop, less than a 16th inch but still noticeable if you pull in and out. I would think that it would be pretty tight.

While I am new to boating - my mechanical skill set is better than fair, I am not a professional mechanic but my other hobby is rebuilding/restomodding classic cars and trucks. I have rebuilt engines, transfer cases, seen the inside of several c-4 auto transmissions and can even do a lot of my own body work (if I am not looking for a show quality finish that is...)

Any advice would be appreciated, there does not seem to be a plethora of information online about these older pre-alpha drives.

Thanks,

 

[wahlejim]

Is the gear oil milky? If it is, then you need to change the seals. If not, it could be as simple as the gaskets around the fill screws or the o-ring between the lower and upper. Pressure test it to be sure. Instructions are in the stickies.

As far as oil out of the prop, could be a number of sources since the whole cooling and exhaust system gets discharged in this area. Too soon to narrow down that source. Pressure test would help here.

As far as play in the prop, that is typical. I wouldn't be too concerned about 1/16 inch.

 

[Hockeydad4-22]

Thank you wahlejim, the oil in the driveway is milky - at least some of it is. I have not drained the lower unit to confirm this is the case with the oil inside. I have checked the engine oil and it is in good shape.

It is comforting that I do not need to be concerned about the play in the prop. After work, I will drain the lower unit to check the condition of the gear oil. As I recall, when I drained it last fall, it was a little milky but at that point it did not leak.

 

[CraigBarnard]

I have the same drive you do.
I am sure seals will need to be replaced but one other component you should consider.
There is a "shift shaft" that runs vertically down through the drive. Apparently the old ones where steel and rusted. The rust build up tears the seals.
There is an upgraded shaft made from Stainless steel that should replace your old one.
I did and no problems since. (Knock on wood)