Can you pressurize the gear lube system?

[Brew2]

Hi,

Trying to track down a gear lube leak.

Have determined that the drive unit itself is fine as it held 10 lbs of pressure overnight.

Haven't seen any gear lube inside the boat, so am pretty sure the leak is either on the exterior side of the thru hull fitting or in the tube that runs from the fitting to the gimbal housing.

In an attempt to confirm this before taking things apart, I'm wondering if I can put a little bit of air pressure (5lbs?) in the gear lube line from the resevoir to "force a drip or two" of gear lube from the leaking area. Any reason this would be a bad idea or not work?

Thanks.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Can you pressurize the gear lube system?

You could do that. They sometimes pressurize them selves when there's a little water in the drive and it heats up.....some have have had them pressurize such that they actually inflated and popped the cap off!!.......... I am sure it would take more than 10-15 lbs or more.....

I wouldn't do more than 5 lbs though ......that's more than enough to look for leaks....

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Re: Can you pressurize the gear lube system?

When you did your test did you drain the drive? Fluid might effect the test

 

[Brew2]

Re: Can you pressurize the gear lube system?

Thanks for the thoughts....

Blowing the cap of the resevoir would suck.....I'm envisioning gear lube all over the engine compartment! Ughhhhh!

Drive was empty of fluid and removed from boat when tested, so I'm pretty confident the problem is elsewhere.

Appreciate the input.