Trim/tilt fluid in the bilge, what to do?

[stephentyler20]

[Oh boy, the problems just keep piling up].

So I recently noticed two things: the development of oil in my bilge, and the rapid loss of trim/tilt fluid from the pump reservoir. I checked (and changed) the engine and drive oil, and confirmed the oil is not from either of those places, so the logical deduction is that my trim fluid is leaking into the bilge, and quite badly.

The problem is, I have no idea where the leak is, and to make matters worse, gaining physical access to the area behind the engine is next to impossible.

So, I'm wondering where I should start looking? I can get to the trim pump (although not easily), but I don't think the leak is there, I think it's further down the line. Perhaps it would be best just to change the lines out completely? I really might have to tear apart the whole back of my boat (i.e., remove seats, firewall, back engine cover, and more) in order to see what's going on back there, and that's really not something I want to tackle while she's in the water, and I'm not sure I'll have time now that school's back in session - this could spell the premature end of the season for me!

 

[IES99]

Re: Trim/tilt fluid in the bilge, what to do?

Tight spots, for sure. I feel for you, having been there. One thing that happened to me: the plastic reservoir itself (due to age, etc) developed a crack. I wonder if adding some dye to the reservoir might show you the leak.

 

[slag]

Re: Trim/tilt fluid in the bilge, what to do?

Don't just throw parts at it. Identify the source of the leak and then replace/fix that part. it could be something as simple as a fitting, or it could be the reservoir or a line. Have someone raise and lower the outdrive while you are examining the system and you should see fluid leaking out when its under pressure. (which it is at rest, but not as much pressure as when you are activating the trim system)

 

[ziggy]

Re: Trim/tilt fluid in the bilge, what to do?

when i've had limited access to my bilge. and i really wanna see what's there. i use a digital camera. usually i've been able to get my hand w/camera in hand back into places i can't see, even using a mirror and flash light.

so far, i've confirmed my oil pan leak
and now, i've found a trim system leak with the same method. using a camera..

i think i'd try to find the leak real hard. taking things apart is a bummer way to find issues. unless there's no other choice.

here's a pic of my trim system leak. this is the valve body on the bottom of my trim pump resivour. very hard to see in this area, even with a mirror. but the camera sure picked it out...

 

[stephentyler20]

Re: Trim/tilt fluid in the bilge, what to do?

That's smart thinking ziggy, although believe it or not I probably can't even get my digital camera back there. I have to practically dislocate my shoulder just to change the oil filter, and even then I can only do it because I'm relatively small framed and can squeeze part of my body into the tiny window in the firewall under the aft port seat! Nonetheless, I'll give it a go and see if I can snap some shots.

 

[wire2]

Re: Trim/tilt fluid in the bilge, what to do?

....I have to practically dislocate my shoulder just to change the oil filter, and even then ...

A remote oil filter kit is ~$35, is well worth it. (ask me how I know)

 

[IES99]

Re: Trim/tilt fluid in the bilge, what to do?

I love the camera idea. Thanks for that tip. I will definitely use.

 

[stephentyler20]

Re: Trim/tilt fluid in the bilge, what to do?

Well some definite good news here. I topped off the reservoir today and went for a ride, and on the way back in I looked in to see if I could spot anything. Something caught my eye, and I lifted up the carpet under the trim pump and there was a SEA of oil in there. It appears to be coming from the back of the pump but I couldn't see exactly where... but that's by far the easiest part to reach. Now I have to figure out how to disassemble the pump and find the leak.

 

[slag]

Re: Trim/tilt fluid in the bilge, what to do?

Not sure how old your boat is, but if its a merc setup, there is a TSB out there on the older style pump reservoirs. The older reservoirs were held to the pump with one bolt and were prone to spiderweb cracking (as well as separating at the seams.).

Mine is an 89 and had the older style reservoir. If you find the puddle is coming from the reservoir, they are about $50.00 shipped online.

 

[stephentyler20]

Re: Trim/tilt fluid in the bilge, what to do?

Not sure how old your boat is, but if its a merc setup, there is a TSB out there on the older style pump reservoirs. The older reservoirs were held to the pump with one bolt and were prone to spiderweb cracking (as well as separating at the seams.).

Mine is an 89 and had the older style reservoir. If you find the puddle is coming from the reservoir, they are about $50.00 shipped online.

Thanks, mines an 88 so probably the same deal. Anythin special about removing the pump from the boat? Seems like a lot of things to disconnect.

 

[slag]

Re: Trim/tilt fluid in the bilge, what to do?

Two 9/16 bolts (or 14-15 mm, I forget) holding the pump to the metal bracket, two hydraulic lines (7/16) i believe, and 3-4 electrical connections. Not much too it, its just a cramped area and can be hard to get to. Couple that with the lube thats back there and things get slippery really quickly. If it is your reservoir, a new one comes with two O rings, a mounting bolt, and a sleeve over the bolt. While Wal-mart sells tilt/trim fluid, I was advised on here to use either 10W-40 or dexron 3 mercon ATF to refill it and save money. I went with 10W-40. You will need to bleed the cylinders and flush them as well.

Slag

 

[stephentyler20]

Re: Trim/tilt fluid in the bilge, what to do?

Hopefully the final update here, for the archives (we'll see!). I pulled the unit the other day (quite easy actually, although working upside down is a pain). To do that, just had to unscrew the hydraulic lines, and unbolt the electrical connections (one is a 3-prong plug). The connections were also zip tied to the bracket, so I cut the zip ties.

On close inspection, the plastic reservoir (Mercruiser part # 15825) was a MESS. There's a nice 2" crack on the backside of it, a hairline crack right where the bolt is on the bottom (that appeared to be leaking the most amount of oil), and I noticed when turning the unit sideways with a little oil in it, oil was coming out of the top by the O-ring as well (probably because the crack near the mounting bolt was loosening the entire reservoir).

In short, I can't imagine my catastrophic leak was coming from anywhere but that reservoir. I picked up a new one at the shop (it's actually a Quicksilver unit, even though they stopped making them $60 in the store, a bit expensive, but I didn't want to wait for online delivery) and installed it in minutes. I haven't put it back in the boat yet, but I'm rather satisfied that the problem will be resolved.