Oil leak in stern drive

[jhanna]

I recently inherited a 1979 carrera 24-1/2 ft cuddy cabin w/ a 454 Chevy. before taking it out, I had a mechanic go through everything to make sure it was sound. The only problem he wasn't able to take care of was an oil leak in the stern drive - a leak coming from just behind the prop. this mechanic told me that this stern drive, with no markings and all black, was built by a company called "stern power" and that they were out of business. This mechanic, who I will never use again, said I could put it in the water but to just keep an eye on the oil level. Against my better judgment, I put it in the water and after running for about two hours without incident, the oil leak turned into a water / oil leak and there was a lot of it. Being away from home, I took it to second mechanic to trouble shoot the oil leak. This mechanic took it apart and found that the prop shaft, which itself was maybe about 10" long, was scored and roughed up and someone had put a small sleeve over it about 3" long. The second mechanic thought that the sleeve caused the prop shaft to be roughed up. The second mechanic also said that my stern drive was a "Dana" and that he couldn't find any parts for it. At this point, I'm thinking that maybe I need to replace the stern drive with a merc, volvo or OMC. The second mechanic suggested a merc drive but since my boat has a transmission behind the motor, it would be quite a project to change it out. Since there's a transmission behind the motor, there's extra space that would have to be made up some how. Its a nice boat and I'd hate have to throw in the towel on it. I'd like to have the oil leak fixed and, if not, know whether or not its possible to change out the stern drive for a reasonable price. The second mechanic said that a power package from Mercury Marine would cost about $5700 plus a lot of labor in installation, cutting a new hole in the transom and moving the motor back far enough to accommodate the new drive. Total charge for this project would be about $20k. Forget that!

does anyone have any experience with a boat and a set up like this? Any suggestions?

 

[adeneo]

Re: Oil leak in stern drive

Your first mechanic was right, Stern Powr probably made your stern drive, and your second mechanic was right too, as they are made by Dana/Chrysler.

Parts are still available from Chrysler dealers or from Hurrikain marine.

http://www.hurrikain.com/danaparts.htm

 

[Liberal]

Re: Oil leak in stern drive

Have you ever considered to Google search " Stern Power ". If you did and started reading the activity you would have come across the following. wwwsternpowr.com Manufactured by American Propulsion Systems. You must surely realise that most marine mechanics do not know ZIP . Cause it is not in front of them. It is too difficult to think outside of Volvo and Merc. I would have let the boat sit and sat on the computer. It is interesting what you can learn. I do not even have one of these outdrives. But i know they exist. You will be able to down load AT NO COST a manual. Please do not be offended by my reply . BUT ! ! !

 

[Liberal]

Re: Oil leak in stern drive

You can always buy a TRS Merc they are about the same strength. They use a B / Warner velvet drive , usually 1:1 in the B/W. V/D and the leg is 1.5 : 1. The TRS swing a 16 inch prop and the TR swing a 19 or 20 inch prop? Yes that is right i do not have a TRS or a TR. --- L O L.

 

[Liberal]

Re: Oil leak in stern drive

Who knows. You mechanics may be so well uninformed, that you may have a merc TR or TRS. They are black. Why not post a photo and we all will be a little wiser. When you look at the manuals you will see it you have a Stern Power Out Drive. I would have done a post with the Title "What Stern Drive Is This ? " and of cause, posted a photo. Please take some photos of your marine mechanics. This will enable us not to use them. This would be a service to all.

 

[cr2k]

Re: Oil leak in stern drive

If you want to keep the set up you have you need to go to a real mechanic and not a "parts changer" mechanic. Your shaft can be welded back up to original dia. or any dia that you want for that matter, and you could probably find a seal that could be used or matched to your drive hub and your prop shaft dia.

Just take some accurate measurements of the seal or ID of the hub and go to your local bearing supplier and ask if someone can spend a little time helping you. Find a seals that fit the hub then start narrowing down the shaft size, maybe having to have your shaft welded and reground or sleeved But I am sure there is a way if you are willing to pursue it.

Even if you have to have the hub resized. But either way you would access to replacement seals in the future.

Check with a engine or transmission machine shop. I had a shaft welded and reground for a transmission and it only cost $25

I would bet this all could be done for under $300 plus labor if you had someone else take the shaft out/in.

You can do the same for bearings in the future too.

 

[Liberal]

Re: Oil leak in stern drive

If it is a Dana try Marysville Marine they are in four locations. You will see from the diagrams if it is one of them. Well i am off to go fishin, before the oil slick arrives.

 

[Liberal]

Re: Oil leak in stern drive

Good to see there is another thinking person active. Please post some photos and then we can identify the drive. From there you will be able to establish the cost of a new or second hand or remanufactured part / parts. I would suggest you attempt to locate a second hand outdrive if you plan to keep the boat. This will come in handy as a parts source and help you sell the outfit when times come. The world is full of cowboys who claim to be marine mechanics. Good marine mechanics are hard to locate these days. Most have retired. Machine shops can do anything.