Drive pressure test

[Gary H NC]

i picked up a outdrive pressure tester on ebay and was wondering how much vacuum and pressure to use and how long should it hold? It will test both.
Also i take it i should test with no gear oil in the drive?

If there is a leak do i pressurize and spray down with soapy water or is there a better method...

Thanks in advance..

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Drive pressure test

So far so good. Test at 10, twist the shafts, then 15 and twist the shafts. Got a kiddie pool? Fill it up and set the drive in it. It's easiest to find the leak that way.

Frankly I find that such testers are unnecessary as a diagnostic tool. If you have water in the gearlube, you have a leak. That's enough diagnosis to convince me that the drive needs to be reselaed, unless the vent and drain plug gakets are bad or missing. Finding the offending seal only helps if there is a likelyhood of damage to just that one seal. Otherwise wear is universal and they all wear. Replace the most worn and all the rest will follow in succession over a rather short period of time.

My advice is always to do a complete reseal and then confirm the repair with the testers. Anything short of a complete reseal of both upper and lower gearcases is just borrowing time..

 

[Bondo]

Re: Drive pressure test

Ayuh,........

I'm the same way,......
I don't do my own Outdrive rebuilds,... Too many, Tooo expensive Tools......
I've got a Bud up the trail aways that does these things All Day Long, at the Marina he works at....... Then does them for me,+ a few other guys at night in his own shop,......
For $150.,+ parts,....... I can't afford to even think of buying the Equipment to do them Right,... Muchless the Learning factor........

If I find Water,.... I'll change the Oil,+ check things over,... If there's Water the next time I Check,.....
It comes Off,+ goes to see Dave........


Btw,...... Do the Tests with a Dry Cavity,......... No Oil..........

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Drive pressure test

Thanks Guys,Good info.
I replaced some seals in the upper because of slight water intrusion around the water pump adapter plate.
Just wanting to test to make sure no other leaks.
No shop around here works on them so i'm on my own..