slow leak around where driveshaft exits through transom

[skysurfer2010]

I took my boat out for the first ride of the season yesterday. I had it running on muffs before taking it out and noticed no leaks of any kind. When I got to the ramp I started it up and let it idle for a few minutes before going on my way. No leaks that I noticed (the bilge had a very small amount of rain water in it already due to accidentally leaving the bilge plug in... didn't even realize I did this until I got to the ramp). I then took it for a 10 minute ride and checked again with the engine idling. No leaks noticed. Then I went out for about a 45 minute cruise, shut down, trimmed the outdrive up, and threw the anchor out. I checked again and noticed a very light stream coming from very low around the transom near where I presume the driveshaft exits. I felt around but wasn't able to pinpoint an exact location. I tried but was unable to see or feel exactly where it was coming from due to it being below and behind the engine. It was an extremely small but steady leak while shut down. I decided not to end my day, but kept an eye on it while laying out. It didn't get worse, and I decided to trim the outdrive back down to see if for any reason that made a difference. It was extremely hard to tell since there was already a small amount of water in the bilge, but it *might* have stopped.

Any ideas of where to even start?

 

[red85k100rs]

Re: slow leak around where driveshaft exits through transom

Grab a bucket and a towel or a roll of paper towels. dry your bilge completely. Put it back in the water. You will know if it leaks when the drive is down, up or anywhere in between. You don?t need to start it just tie up to the dock.

I am by no means an expert. That said I put my money on the bellows leaking.

 

[skysurfer2010]

Re: slow leak around where driveshaft exits through transom

I'm kind of hoping that's it... considering I planned on changing the u-joint bellow.

 

[Bondo]

Re: slow leak around where driveshaft exits through transom

considering I planned on changing the u-joint bellow.

Ayuh,.... Good, your's is Leaking....

I'd change out ALL of the rubber parts,+ the lower shift cable, while it's torn down....

 

[Don S]

Re: slow leak around where driveshaft exits through transom

Pull the outdrive and see if there is water in the bellow. If it's coming in around the shaft that goes into the engine, that is the only thing it can be.

 

[Don S]

Re: slow leak around where driveshaft exits through transom

I'd change out ALL of the rubber parts,+ the lower shift cable, while it's torn down....

Volvo's don't have lower shift cables.

 

[skysurfer2010]

Re: slow leak around where driveshaft exits through transom

Thanks guys!! This is actually good news! I had a hunch that was what it might be, but wasn't sure. I already have a new u-joint bellow sitting here and it's going to get done asap.

Thanks again!

 

[Don S]

Re: slow leak around where driveshaft exits through transom

Did you check the gear lube for water? You will also need a gimbal bearing, ujoints, alignment bar, probably a front seal for the drive, and some other stuff to reset the bearing preload in the double bearing box.
The bellows is easy, waiting too long to change it is expensive.

 

[skysurfer2010]

Re: slow leak around where driveshaft exits through transom

I wasn't able to get the drive off myself. I have a mechanic that is going to do it for me, lube everything, and change the bellow for me while it's out. I decided to take it out for one test run since he said it'll prob be another week before he can have me bring it in. I don't plan on putting it in water again until the work is done. Gear lube still looks brand new.

 

[skysurfer2010]

Re: slow leak around where driveshaft exits through transom

Well the mechanic put me on a 2 week waiting list. He said he'd have it done by the end of that week. He didn't. He finally got to it the end of the next week (last Thursday). The good news is that it definitely was the u-joint bellow. He said it actually had a few holes in it. Which makes me wonder how long it was like that. The bad news is that the gimbal was rusted out and he said the u-joints were pretty bad as well. He said he's going to soak them in oil over this weekend and see if he can clean them up. He said he's not entirely sure, but he's hopeful that they'll be salvageable.

This has been a very anxious wait! My boat is like my therapy and I sure could use it right about now. Although I hate shelling out the cash for it, I'm happy to know my boat is getting what it needs and will be in tip top running condition. I've dumped a lot of money into it this year getting everything in the best mechanical condition as possible. Next year I'll focus on the aesthetics.

 

[johnbo]

Re: slow leak around where driveshaft exits through transom

I'd just have him replace the U-joints. They would be cheap compared to worrying and wondering if they aren't perfect. I've never seen a rusty u-joint being able to be cleaned enough to survive being used.

Don mentioned the seal at the front of the outdrive. If there is any rust in this area, it is highly likely that the rust is eating away the seal. This means that if you ever get water or moisture back there, its going to get into the gear case.

You are almost back on the water, but don't cheap out on the remaining things that need to be done.

Later,

johnbo

 

[JoLin]

Re: slow leak around where driveshaft exits through transom

Ditto what johnbo said. If he has them out and soaking, the labor cost to put them back is that same as it would be to replace them. This isn't a good place to try and save a nickel. Have him put in new assmblies.

My .02