05 bravo 3 leaking oil at prop

[milkman250]

So 2 weekends ago we used the boat with no problems. I brought it home on Sunday. On that Wednesday I noticed oil dripping off by the props on the drive way. First thing I did was checked the reservoir in engine compartment...it was fine. Next I drained some out of lower unit checking for water...looked good there also. Then I removed both props to get a better idea where it was leaking. It was leaking right at the carrier housing what looked to be a white teflon bushing. So I cleaned it all up and fired the boat up and ran it for about 30 min with the props off but in forward gear. It did not leak while boat was running. After 2 hours of the boat being off it had not leaked at all, but by the next morning it had started leaking again maybe a teaspoon or 2. I called and talked to my local boat shop and they pretty much said not to worry just keep an eye on it. So last sat we took it out and babied it and did not lose any drive oil thei the day. Brought it home sat after noon, by sun morning it had leaked again very little. Took the boat out Sunday no problems, but this time by Monday it did not leak at all. Took boat out Monday all day skiing tubing everthing... I wanted to be hard on it. Sitting in my driveway now on Thursday and no signs of a leak. Should i be concerned or just wait to see if it leaks again. Boat has 235 hours 350 mag mpi bravo 3 drive. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[tpenfield]

Probably more of a warning sign that the seal is starting to wear out. Is it the 'outer' shaft seal (smaller one) or the inner shaft seal (larger one)?

The shop is probably correct for now . . . keep an eye on it, but you probably have not heard the last of it.

I replaced both seals on my twin Bravo 3's, it was wicked 'fun'

 

[alldodge]

I have new seals in my B3 and it still leaks ever so slightly. Does not leak sitting, only leaks when running, and only uses an ounce or so every few hours. The B3 seals have been an issue fro the beginning, and the newer double seals are better (which I have) and yours being an 05 it also probably has the newer ones.

Agree just keep an eye on it

 

[milkman250]

It was leaking from the larger inner seal

 

[alldodge]

Grab hold of the shafts and wiggle to see if you feel any play

 

[milkman250]

Yes I did feel very very little play, not like slop. I also asked the shop about that, they say that is acceptable, but I was concerned that there should be absolutely none.

 

[alldodge]

If you can feel it, then I think there is to much. Need to get into my manuals but there in the thousandths

 

[milkman250]

Ok thanks, I have to get a list of tools for this bravo, I've never been into it before, luckily I had a large enough crescent wrench to remove that inner nut to get the props off

 

[alldodge]

Need one of these made by hill marine

 

[tpenfield]

Need one of these made by hill marine

I have been looking for something like that. What a great tool