PreAlpha Outdrive Leaks

[Maxum88]

Hey guys,

I have an '88 Maxum, 3.0L with a preAlpha Mercruiser outdrive. Towards the end of last year I was plagued with a small oil leak coming from the lower unit on the "vents" where the water is sucked up the outdrive and into the motor. Well this year, it's gotten worse and overnight it will all leak out of the vents and the exhaust vent on the prop. I have the o-ring (the orange one) for the oil when you connect the upper and lower units.

Is there a particular seal I should be looking at? Thanks!!!

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: PreAlpha Outdrive Leaks

I would think you have an Alpha 1 gen 1 on a 88 boat. I suspect the seals in the water pump base . below the impellar. A relatively easy , inexpensive- $30. fix....

 

[Maxum88]

Re: PreAlpha Outdrive Leaks

Thanks I'll take another look at it. The water pump assembly was replaced last year. And I had to use the prealpha MR water pump I believe. I was told you have a prealpha if it has the hole on top of upper unit that is removable. I put the seals and gaskets back together the way I took them off...but there's no telling if it was done properly in the first place!

Thanks again!

 

[Fordiesel69]

Re: PreAlpha Outdrive Leaks

If you changed the lower water pump base, it is possible the oring never seated or got torn. Try that first and if that does not resolve your problem you will need to pay a shop to pull the carrier and reseal it.